Perform Energy Audit – Self Assessment Checklist –

• Check for indoor air leaks, such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring and at

   junctures of the walls and ceiling.

• Check for gaps around pipes and wires, electrical outlets, foundation seals, and mail slots.

• Check to see if the caulking and weather stripping are applied properly, have no gaps or cracks,

   and are in good condition.

• Inspect windows and doors for air leaks.

• Check the storm windows to see that they fit and are not broken.

• On the outside, inspect all areas where two different building materials meet.

• Check for holes or penetrations for faucets, pipes, electrical outlets, and wiring.

• Check for cracks and holes in the mortar, foundation, and siding.

• Check the exterior caulking around doors and windows, and see whether exterior storm doors and

   primary doors seal tightly.

• Check to see that areas above condition spaces (attics) have adequate insulation.

• Check to see that the attic hatch is insulated and has weather sealing.

• Check to see if there is a vapor barrier under the attic insulation and that the attic vents are

   not blocked by insulation.

• Check exterior walls for insulation by removing outlet cover plates.

• Check to see if water heater, hot water pipes, and furnace ducts are insulated.

• Check ductwork for dirty streaks near seams; these indicate air leaks.

 

Windows

• Awnings can be used to shade windows in the summer to minimize these heat gains.

• Drapery and blinds can be used to reduce solar gains in the summer.

• Opening window coverings during the winter can improve solar heat gains.

• The type of trees and shrubs you plant near your windows may affect the winter solar gain

   potential of the windows.

• Select deciduous trees for southern exposures to provide shade in the summer and allow sunlight

   during the winter.

• Solar Screens and Reflective Film – Adding reflective film or solar screens to windows with

   eastern or western exposure can dramatically reduce annual cooling costs.

• Storm Windows – Storm windows can reduce heat loss through the windows by reducing air

   infiltration, thereby boosting the insulation value of the window.

 

HVAC

• Tune-up of Building Systems – Adjust set-points, equipment calibration, functioning of dampers,

   and other system components.

• Use of Automatic Controls – Use programmable settings to maximize comfort and minimize energy

   consumption.

• Lubricate pump and blower bearings regularly in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations to

   limit the amount of energy lost to friction and to extend equipment life as well.

• Close heating vents and radiator valves in unused rooms. Make sure that drapes, plants, or

   furniture do not block registers for supply or return air.

• Locate the compressor units of central air-conditioning and heat pump systems in an outside area

   that is shaded by the building or by trees and plants.

• Units should be kept clean and free of any plant or tree overgrowth.

• Direct sunlight falling on a window air-conditioning unit increases its workload. When a choice

   is possible, locate such units on the north or shady side of the house.

• Set the cooling thermostat as high as comfort will permit. The higher the setting, the more

   energy you save.

• Attics must be ventilated to relieve heat buildup caused by the sun. Install vents of proper size

   and location to ensure attic ventilation by natural airflow.

• Open windows during the moderate weather of spring and fall to admit outside air for cooling instead

   of operating HVAC equipment.

• Close cooling vents and turn off HVAC in unused rooms. Keep doors to unused rooms closed.

• Run kitchen and bath exhaust fans only long enough to rid unwanted vapors and odors.

• Inspect, clean, or change air filters every month. A dirty filter wastes energy by slowing air flow

   and making the system work harder. Keeping filters clean can help avoid expensive maintenance costs

   and early system failure by preventing dust and dirt from building up in the system. You should be

   familiar with the location, sizes, and types of air filter required for your system.

• Installing a programmable thermostat is one of the easiest ways to save energy and efficiently manage

   cooling and heating. Select thermostats with thermostat locking and setpoint range control.

   Thermostat locking prevents non-authorized individuals from adjusting temperatures.

• Each degree over 68 Fahrenheit can add 3 percent to the amount of energy needed for heating.

• Locate the heating thermostat on an inside wall and away from windows and doors.

• Don’t position heat-producing devices beneath a wall-mounted thermostat for a central cooling system.

• People generate heat, so when gathering a large group of people during the heating season, lower the

   thermostat a few degrees before people arrive.

• Improper installation of HVAC equipment can reduce efficiency by up to 30% and shorten equipment

   life. Hire only qualified HVAC professionals to install equipment. Check experience, licensing, and

   training qualifications of HVAC contractors before hiring.