Ouch! You’ve just received another monthly utility bill that hurts your pocket book and lowers those savings you could be using for something else. But before you blame the kids for leaving the lights on all the time or cranking up the air conditioning when it really isn’t that hot outside, maybe you should take a look at some other reasons why your energy costs just seem to be getting higher.
Many homeowners assume the way to reduce energy bills it to cut back on power usage. While cutting back will certainly save you some money, you should also take a look at your house; it could be that your home itself is letting you down.
When was the last time you took a look in the crawlspace or ran your hand along the frame at the front door to feel for air leaks? Have you noticed condensation forming on a window?
Many homeowners are unaware of the many ways you could be allowing your house to reduce energy costs. Your home may be the real estate equivalent of a gas-guzzling sports car – it looks great but is expensive to operate because energy costs are being drained through high fuel consumption!
The best way to find out if your house is driving your energy costs through the roof is by having a home energy audit done by a certified RESNET Home Energy Auditor. They have the experience and training to pinpoint where your home is losing energy, and therefore costing you money.
An energy audit will include an inspection of:
- Windows
- Doors
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Heating and cooling systems
- Lighting
- Appliances
Before you blame your high energy costs on what the kids are doing when you’re not at home, find out where your home is letting you down and how some needed improvements can reduce your monthly utility bills.