Different forms and methods of saving energy – from fuel to other energy costs, sway us everyday, but what we fail to comprehend is the fact that efforts outside are futile until the pains taken back home, charity after all begins at home we know. US department of energy has a checklist of things to get you down pondering over to see – are you doing enough to facilitate your house in its energy conservation program.
If your house is high on energy efficiency, you could take a sigh of relief – but if you aren’t there with the efficiency measures, then your dwelling is prone to moisture and other problems related to mildew, rot and decay. In order to address the energy efficiency of your home, conduct a room-to-room survey – scrutinizing closely for the minutest detail for water leakage from the roof, condensation due to poor insulation and air leakage.
A few tips relating to the cause that would let your abode minimize upon the energy consumption, helping you and your family breath and live on fresh, green air.
Electric wire or pipe outlets: A possible spot for air leakage is made everywhere in the house where a pipe or a wire passes through an exterior wall. A waver of smoke from the incense stick, or slight chill on the wet hand when placed against the suspected area of leakage can help detect the spot that can be sealed on discovery.
Check windows: It is your responsibility to check on the window frames for proper insulation, making sure, nothing seeps in through, keep curtains drawn post day light for an ideal greenhouse effect – if insulation is a problem, then a stroll down to the hardware store gets mandatory.
Get a furnace and chimney check: Make sure that the furnace is running perfectly at ideal efficiency. Keep the chimney clean, so that you are extracting maximum efficiency from the fuel burnt. Keep the vents and doors closed when the furnace/fireplace is working, to minimize the fuel use, this will help you save on fuel with cleaner furnace.
Weather stripping around doors: Inspect the doors carefully for any change in the alignment, if there is a change you will notice space created, allowing the air to sneak in, therefore install weather condition proofing on the doors, by applying the striping on the concerned areas.
Attic doors and hatchways: Make sure that the attic door is properly insulated, and there is a provision for vapor barrier between the attic and the home. It is also advised to make certain that the holes through walls and roof are sealed and that all attic venting is working in the manner prescribed. Because heat energy rises and you wouldn’t want it to escape through those unwanted pores, rather wish the attic is sending that heat back to the living space, helping maintain it cozy.
Many such ways that with a slight alteration in the everyday life can help cut on the energy consumption at home. I hope these few insulation tips will make a difference in your home energy consumption, also providing you with a healthy house.
[Source: Diylife]
