Although we often think of energy evaluations, or home energy audits, as being something to do in the winter, anyone running an air-conditioner during the Missouri summer months will tell you how critical it is to be energy-efficient all year round. Your home’s energy costs are significant throughout the year, so it’s important to make sure that your home is as efficient and air-tight as possible.

Energy evaluations are completed by professionally trained energy auditors. At a minimum, your energy evaluation should include a blower-door test and a thermographic scan. Most auditors will use these tools in tandem to best identify leaks or insulation needs. Here’s how they work:

• Blower-Door Test: A powerful fan is placed in an exterior door to pull air out of the home and lower air pressure. The higher-pressure air on the outside of the home will then flow in through any cracks or openings. The auditor’s “smoke pencil” creates just enough vapor to allow you to see where leaks are occurring. Doors, windows and even electrical outlets are common culprits.
• Thermographic Scan: This test uses infrared scanning to detect thermal defects and air leakage. It measures surface temperatures throughout the home and indicates whether insulation is needed in certain areas. It can also determine if existing insulation was properly installed, or if there is evidence of an undetected roof leak.

Be prepared to walk room-to-room with the individual completing your energy evaluation. He or she may also ask to see past utility bills to get a sense of when your energy usage is highest in the home. If a problem is identified, your energy auditor can tell you what needs to be done to address the issue.

Many times, a simple application of caulk or weather-stripping will eliminate an air leak and drastically improve your home’s efficiency. Adding or upgrading insulation is a bigger job, but will provide substantial cost savings on heating and cooling bills.

No matter what the season, keeping energy costs under control is important. Let the experts at LBA help you maximize your home’s energy efficiency. Contact us any time.

Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).  For more information, click here to download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.

LBA services greater Kansas City and the surrounding areas. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!