Southern New Jersey homeowners looking to reduce their heating costs should consider having a professional home energy evaluation this fall. Why does the season matter? Well, consider the following reasons why it’s important to schedule this crucial audit before winter sets in:
Your HVAC System Isn’t Running in the Fall
By the time fall rolls around, your AC usage has waned and you’ve probably opened the windows to enjoy the cooler outdoor temperatures. Since your HVAC system accounts for as much as 50 percent of your home’s total power consumption, you’ll want to have this system checked during your home energy evaluation. This requires it to have some downtime, but that’s not a big deal during this season.
Fall is a great time to tackle any routine maintenance required to keep your HVAC running efficiently. You won’t notice the HVAC being off during routine inspection and maintenance like you would in the summer or winter months.
In addition, getting an HVAC checkup in the fall allows the professionals to evaluate its performance after a trying summer of keeping the house cool. This allows technicians to spot any problems that would prevent your system from optimal performance during the wintertime. Getting any HVAC issues fixed before winter sets in is essential to ensure your family stays toasty warm when the ice and snow come.
A Home Energy Evaluation Readies Your Home for Winter
There are many tests professional technicians can use to spot energy waste. For example, blower door testing targets air leakage, which can account for up to half of a home’s heat loss. The test is performed with all doors and windows closed, and it works by depressurizing the house and checking for any signs of backdrafting. Technology such as infrared cameras is used to spot air leaks and allow them to be sealed properly.
Performing these kinds of tests before cold weather sets in is essential so you can winterize your home more accurately. Professional technicians can help you determine where additional insulation is needed, where gaps and cracks need sealing, and if you need to upgrade to more energy-efficient windows.
You Eliminate Fire Hazards Before Fire Season Comes
You may be surprised to learn that half of all house fires occur in the winter months, and this is mainly due to faulty wiring and heating equipment. In fact, the leading cause of home heating fires is failure to clean heating equipment. Thankfully, a home energy evaluator inspects chimney bypasses, HVAC ducts, recessed lighting, and other areas, so he can spot these problems right way, allowing you can address them before winter sets in.
A thorough home energy auditor will inspect your home’s wiring, electrical conductors, wiring junctions, and other potential electrical hazards to ensure everything is in working order. Any electrical hazards are noted in the homeowner’s recommendations for conserving energy.
It Can Lower Your Winter Heating Costs
Addressing your home’s energy concerns before winter is not only safer for your family, it also translates into savings on your heating bill. In fact, you can save up to 30 percent on your utility bill by making the suggested upgrades laid out in your home energy evaluation report. These upgrades may be as simple as purchasing a new thermostat or cleaning your home’s ductwork. On the flipside, it may mean upgrading to new energy-efficient appliances, installing new insulation, or choosing a new heating system, which can really add up.
The good thing about a professional home energy evaluation is that you are in charge of making the decisions. The professional report, however, gives you the information you need to make informed decisions. What changes you can’t afford to make to your home this fall can be tackled next year, helping you save money with each passing year.
Call McAllister at 800-757-4122 to learn more about our home inspection and evaluation services. We’ll help you better understand the evaluation process and ensure you fully understand our recommendations for boosting your home’s performance.
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