HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) -- During energy audits, auditors use thermal imaging to show where energy is lost in a home. They call these thermal breaks "bridges." It shows the temperature differences between insulated and non-insulated areas.
Charles Hendricks, local architect from Gaines Group Architects, does energy audits for free, and he makes suggestions on how you can save energy in your home.
According to Hendricks, the first and easiest way to reduce energy use is to switch to LED light bulbs throughout your home. There are a range of color options, and there is one that mimics incandescent lights, which is comfortable to most people.
The next step is to make sure your attic is insulated. There should be a minimum of 12" of insulation in your attic, and somewhere between 18" and 24" is even better. Be sure that attic access has insulation and any recessed lights are air tight so you don't get a breeze in a warm space from the cold attic.
Caulk can be used to air seal all the leaks in your thermal envelope: wall, floor, and ceiling. Anywhere two materials come together (even on interior walls) becomes an air leak to the outside. This impacts the interior comfort of your home and increases monthly energy bills while you try to stay warm, according to Hendricks.
People often times think the best way to be energy-efficient is to replace windows or an H-VAC system, but that can be very expensive. Hendricks says unless the windows are falling apart, it is better to spend money on other forms of energy efficiency.
"Heating and cooling systems are also very expensive to replace," said Hendricks, "and you should air seal and insulate before considering upgrading your mechanical systems."
Even implementing small lifestyle changes can have huge impacts on your energy bills.
"Replace appliances with energy star labeled appliances," Hendricks said, "add insulating curtains to your home, open them in the day, and close them at night this time of year, turn off lights in rooms where they are not needed, unplug phone charges when not in use, turn the TV completely off with a power strip when not watching television."
It can be easy to cut your monthly electric bill from anywhere between 10 to 30 percent with small changes around the house, according to Hendricks.
You can schedule an energy audit with Hendricks by calling (540) 437-0012.
Renew Rocktown is also encouraging energy audits, and they have programs to help connect people on tight incomes, in order to help them afford the repair. You can schedule an appointment with them by visiting their website.
