Before you start the process of arranging for a duct cleaning, there are a few things you should keep in mind. It’s good to get familiar with some of prep work that’s needed before it starts. For example, you might have to:

• Move furniture away or cover it so it’s protected from dust
• Make sure the floors around the ducts are clean so screws and nails don’t go missing

It’s also a good idea to know what tools and techniques are used to make sure that your duct cleaning goes as smoothly as possible. Here are some common items:

• Vacuums and brushes
• Sanitizers and disinfectants

No duct cleaning is done in the same way. However, what remains consistent is the goal: cleaner ducts that are efficient and make your house healthier. If you decide to do duct cleaning in your house, here are some of the things you can expect:

• It could start with a test of your air duct system to see how it works. The test reveals a lot about your ducts and how polluted they might be.
• A technician uses a HEPA vacuum to brush and sweep out the dirt and dust from your furnace and air conditioner – a likely source of your allergies. The blower units also get a cleaning so that the tiny particles that cause problems are eliminated.
• The next thing would be to remove the wall, ceiling, and floor registers (the covers for vents you find throughout your house) so they can be washed and disinfected.
• Once the visible debris is cleaned out, it’s time to tackle the invisible. The technician will use germ-killing and odor removing treatments to keep the ducts fresh. A fan will blow the treatment throughout the ducts so the whole unit is clean.

And there you have it: the duct cleaning process in a nutshell! Remember, the process might be a bit different for everyone and the time it takes could vary. But the good news is that duct cleaning is now a very standard procedure with few hassles. Certified RESNET EnergySmart Contractors are experts when it comes to duct cleaning and can properly assess the state of your ductwork. They can clean your duct system in the best and most efficient way possible, so that you can reap the benefits.

The Home Owner Managing Energy Savings Act (HOMES Act), introduced by Congressmen David B. McKinley (R-WV) and Peter Welch (D-VT), would provide rebates based on projected savings. The savings would be determined by an energy audit and calculated as per the Residential Energy Services Network’s (RESNET) existing homes software modeling guidelines. The bill, which also recognizes certified RESNET Home Energy Raters and RESNET EnergySmart Home Performance Teams, would authorize $500 million for the rebates each year from 2014 to 2017, and allow for the following rebates:

• Homeowners demonstrating a 20 per cent energy savings may claim a $2,000 rebate.
• For every 5 per cent in additional energy savings, they can receive another $1,000 – up to a total of $8,000 or 50 per cent of the project’s cost.

The HOMES Act further stipulates that any energy efficiency improvements must be carried out by contractors who are licensed and insured to install retrofits, and accredited by industry organizations, such as RESNET for example. The rebates would be paid directly to qualifying homeowners via a rebate aggregator after quality assurance checks have been made.

Retrofits that qualify for rebates under the HOMES Act include a combination of:

• Better windows;
• Insulation;
• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment;
• Air and duct sealing;
• And other home improvements that lower energy consumption and cost.

Both Congressmen were strongly supportive of the bill. “These are common-sense ideas that will create jobs, save money for consumers and conserve energy,” Congressman McKinley said. “This issue transcends political ideology.”  And according to Congressman Welch, “Encouraging energy efficiency in the private sector is a win-win-win for the consumer, the economy and the environment.  And, in an era of partisan gridlock, energy efficiency is a practical, common sense idea where Democrats and Republicans can find common ground.”

The HOMES Act has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee. It remains to be seen whether or not the bill will successfully pass into law.

It takes energy to crank up the heat and that energy is costing you money every time the burner in your water tank kicks in to maintain the temperature of your water. While going back to the days of lighting a wood fire and placing a cauldron over an open flame might reduce your utility costs, most people wouldn’t find it very practical!

So, how can you control the amount of energy you use for heating water? Most residential homes in the U.S. have a tank type system that stores hot water for use when needed. The most common energy sources are:

• Natural gas

• Propane

• Oil

• Electricity

When it comes to water heating, bigger is not always better. Your first consideration when getting a new water tank is to get the right size for your home. An oversized tank will result in wasted energy. You should select a tank that meets the needs of your household based on usage and the size of your home.

Find a water tank that is ENERGY STAR certified. You may find a cheaper unit but in the long run, a less expensive tank will cost you more in operating costs. Since a tank system uses a replenishment technique to keep you supplied with hot water, install low-flow showerheads and faucets that reduce the amount of hot water used. Also, consider setting your water temperature at 120˚ F, which is a comfortable hot water temperature for most uses.

For washing machines, avoid using the hot water setting. For most loads, cold water is sufficient, especially for the rinse cycle. The main concern with tank systems is that the reservoir has a constant supply of hot water available. When the temperature drops or water is used, the unit will kick on and start burning fuel to maintain the set temperature when more water is added.

Unfortunately, this means you can be using energy even when hot water is not being used. One way to get around this is to look at a tankless system. This is also called an “on demand” system. These units are common in Europe and some other countries, but are now becoming more popular in the United States.

Water heating with a tankless system uses a gas or electric element that heats the water as it passes through the unit. The advantage to this system is a constant flow of hot water. The drawback to a tankless system is a limited amount of flow available, as the water must pass through the unit at a steady rate.

Before installing a new water heating system, contact a certified RESNET professional who can advise you on the most energy efficient system for your home.

• Financial savings due to reduced energy use
• Higher home comfort levels and a better quality of life
• Higher resale values

In addition to the reasons listed above, an energy efficient home is also better for the environment; for example, 16% of all greenhouse gases produced in the United States come from residential dwellings.

As the economy continues to struggle, many homeowners – and homebuyers – in their search to reduce costs, are becoming more aware of the benefits of energy efficient homes, which is why the demand for them has increased significantly. As a result, homeowners are getting their houses rated for energy efficiency in order to understand where they rank and what they need to do to improve. The Residential Energy Services Network’s (RESNET) Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance. When a certified RESNET HERS Rater conducts an energy rating, it results in a HERS Index Score for that home, based on its energy performance. The HERS Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured. The way it works is:

• A certified RESNET HERS Rater assesses the energy efficiency of a home, assigning it a relative performance score. The lower the number, the more energy efficient the home.
• The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that a typical resale home scores 130 on the HERS Index while a standard new home is awarded a rating of 100.
• A home with a HERS Index Score of 70 is 30% more energy efficient than a standard new home
• A home with a HERS Index Score of 130 is 30% less energy efficient than a standard new home

And the HERS Index Score is like a MPG (miles-per-gallon) sticker for houses. It lets a homeowner know how energy efficient their home is in comparison to other similar homes.

The next question is once you’ve decided to build an energy efficient home, how would you do it? As it happens, builders are doing just that – building energy efficient homes. Because demand is rising, increasing numbers of builders are entering into Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with RESNET to have their homes rated for energy performance. Buyers can then compare houses based on HERS Index scores, allowing them to make informed decisions about homes they want to purchase.

When you look at all the facts, the answer to the question of why build an energy efficient home is simple really: because it’s the smart thing to do.

The Residential Energy Services Network’s (RESNET) Home Energy Rating System (HERS®) is the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance. When doing a comprehensive HERS energy rating, a certified RESNET HERS Rater will conduct a series of diagnostic tests using specialized equipment, such as: a blower door test, duct leakage tester, and infrared cameras to determine:

• The amount and location of air leaks in the building envelope
• The amount of leakage from HVAC distribution ducts
• The effectiveness of insulation inside walls and ceilings

Other variables that are taken into account include:

• Floors over unconditioned spaces (like garages or cellars)
• Attics, foundations and crawlspaces
• Windows and doors, vents and ductwork
• Water heating system and thermostats

The comprehensive HERS rating provides:

• A computerized simulation analysis utilizing RESNET Accredited Rating Software to calculate a rating score on the HERS Index.
• The report will also contain a cost/benefit analysis for the recommended improvements and expected return on investment.

RESNET, an independent nonprofit organization, is a recognized national standards-making body for building energy efficiency rating and certification systems in the United States. Therefore, when scheduling an energy rating, homeowners should consider working with an energy rater that is RESNET certified. A recent report states that mortgage default risks were 32 per cent lower on ENERGY STAR labeled homes that were rated by a certified RESNET Home Energy Rater.

The HERS Index Score is like a MPG (miles-per-gallon) sticker for houses. It lets a homeowner know how energy efficient their home is in comparison to other similar homes. It’s also an excellent indicator for homebuyers as to the energy performance of the homes they’re looking at, and helps them make an informed decision when buying a house.

One of the most common causes of heater problems is a blockage in the pipes. Debris and lime scale can build up in the pipes if you don’t clean them regularly. This build-up blocks warm air from circulating the way it should, which means that certain rooms in the house, or even the whole house, doesn’t heat properly. One solution is power flushing, which is a great way to get rid of any build-ups in the pipes.

Another common cause of heater problems could be your furnace. Fuses, pressure, and thermostat issues can all contribute to your furnace not working properly. The best solution is to call a certified RESNET EnergySmart Contractor to address the problem. They’ll ensure the work is done properly, safely and that your furnace is working as efficiently as possible.

Your thermostat might also be a reason for your heater problems. In fact, this might be the case if you find certain rooms colder than others. Your thermostat may have been shut off by a surge and therefore it can’t read the temperature to kick-start the heater. The thermostat itself may also be old and it’s losing its ability to measure the temperature around it properly. If that’s the case, then adjusting the thermostat or replacing it are your best options.

Heater problems can be tricky, so it’s always best to consult an expert. Certified RESNET technicians have the skills and know-how needed to fix many of the issues that cause these problems. If you’re experiencing heater problems, contact your local RESNET EnergySmart Contractor for help.

Here are some of the most common irritants found in ducts:

Allergens

If you find yourself running for the tissue box often, then you may have allergens floating around at home. Particles such as pollen, dirt, dust, and animal dander, as well as actual living organisms such as dust and food mites can fill ducts.

Bacteria/Viruses

Your body aches, your head pounds and a cough leaves your stomach muscles feeling sore. Sound familiar? Cold and flu viruses may lurk in your home’s ductwork, which becomes a problem in the winter when the air is drier.

Mold and Mildew

Do you sometimes wheeze and feel the air is stuffy? Or find that you always feel tired? The cause could be mold and mildew in your ducts. Mold and mildew can affect the whole body causing sinus troubles and chronic fatigue.

Toxins/Chemicals

There’s a strange smell in your home and no matter how hard you try, you simply can’t seem to get rid of it. The cause could very well be cigarette smoke, chemicals and other toxins that might be trapped in your home’s ducts.

It’s important to realize that ducts don’t clean themselves. Regular duct cleaning can remove the nasty little microbes and debris that can be the cause of home discomfort. Vacuums and sanitizers remove annoying particles, and using sealants protects your ducts from further build-up. It is advisable to clean your ducts once a year, and by doing so, you can improve your health and that of your family’s as well.

It’s always best to hire a professional to carry out duct cleaning tasks and there are none more qualified than RESNET EnergySmart Contractors. RESNET certified professionals are trained to the highest standards and are obliged to abide by the RESNET Code of Ethics.

Duct cleaning should be a regular part of your house maintenance program. Make sure you do it properly!

It might be time to ask yourself how efficiently your appliances are working. Think about your fridge, your stove, your dishwasher, and your washer and dryer. All of these use a massive amount of energy to do the work they do.

High utility bills aren’t the only way to tell if appliances aren’t working the way they should. Loud noises during operation are an indication of inefficient operation. Do the lights dim when an appliance cycles on? That’s another sign.

Try this easy experiment for your fridge: open your fridge door, and then shut it on a dollar bill. If you can easily pull the bill out that means that your gaskets don’t seal properly, meaning your fridge is working harder to keep its contents cool.

Another sure sign is if your appliances are ten years or older, it’s probably time to replace them.

New appliances will naturally use less energy. Shop for ENERGY STAR appliances—these have already been certified to use less energy and to do it more efficiently. This will have an immediate impact on high utility bills.

Most counties or states have programs in place to collect your old appliances when you replace them. They’ll properly recycle, or repair and refurbish and donate them to a family in need. Resist the urge to pass on your old washer and dryer to a relative, or to keep your old fridge running in the garage.

If you’ve got relatively new appliances, ENERGY STAR or otherwise, and want to do more to reduce your energy costs, consider what time of day you’re running your appliances. Your dishwasher and laundry machines should be run at night whenever possible. Running them at night reduces the load on the grid, when demand is lower.

When you leave the house, do you check to make sure all the lights are off? Of course you do. But there’s something using a lot of power anyway: your fridge operates whether you’re at home or not. Once you’ve got an efficient refrigerator, you can further reduce its energy usage by cleaning it out regularly. Removing leftovers that no one will eat or veggies that have gone bad will help your fridge use less energy since it won’t have to work as hard to keep these items cold.

Interested in learning more about energy efficient appliances? We can help you choose energy efficient appliances and high-tech gadgets.

Sure, your newly renovated home will look great, but will it provide you with the long-term benefits of having a properly designed, energy efficient home? A renovation project provides the perfect opportunity to assess your home’s energy efficiency and plan for a future that will ensure a maximum comfort level while saving you money on your utility bills.

Fortunately, there are experts in the field of energy efficient homes that can guide you and provide the services needed to make sure your home meets current standards. A RESNET EnergySmart Team has the knowledge and experience to help you through the process – and they are exactly what the name suggests – they are smart when it comes to energy savings.

An EnergySmart Team consists of:

At least one certified RESNET HERS Rater who will:

• Diagnose and prescribe an energy improvement strategy.
• Independently verify the quality and effectiveness of the work upon completion.
• At least one state-licensed (if the state in question requires licensing), RESNET qualified HVAC Contractor who is a recognized participant of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) Quality Assured (QA) program.
• At least one RESNET qualified Air Sealing or Insulation Contractor who:
  • Employs at least one senior technician who is Insulation Contractors Association of America (ICAA) qualified.
  • Or has received a completion certificate for another RESNET recognized quality installation training program.
  • Any number of other home improvement contractors who have their RESNET EnergySmart Contractor designation.

  An EnergySmart Team will guide you through the process of creating an energy efficient home by:

  • Analyzing what steps need to be taken and recommending cost-effective measures
  • Carrying out the recommended measures
  • Reviewing and verifying the effectiveness of the completed work

  While a home renovation can be an exciting project and may mean a few weeks or months of inconvenience, by careful planning with the help of a RESNET EnergySmart Team, your newly redesigned, energy efficient home will ensure your comfort both in summer and winter, and help keep more of your hard earned dollars in your bank account.

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