The Top 7 Signs of Energy Inefficiency in a Home
Posted: Thursday, May 26, 2011
by John Smith
http://www.foundationsupportworks.com/
We often hear of ways in which we can make our homes more energy efficient. Popular "eco-friendly" home renovations include installing sufficient insulation, energy-saving appliances and electronics, weather-stripping, and replacement windows. While these are excellent solutions to an energy-inefficient home, it's also important to know the causes -- or signs.
Expensive Utility Bills: Although homeowners throughout the nation have become accustomed to receiving expensive utility bills, those with inefficient homes really pay the price. Making just a few simple changes, such as washing clothes in cold water, sealing air leaks around windows and doors, and using Compact Florescent Light (CFL) bulbs can result in drastic energy savings.
Unpleasant Smells: If your home has a noticeable musty smell, it could be a sign of mold and/or mildew growth. Not only can mold growth and moisture cause health issues -- including allergies, respiratory problems, and eye irritation - they are often the result of efficiency issues in a home. Running a dehumidifier will remove some moisture from the air, but this is just a quick and temporary solution. To truly remove mold and moisture from your home, you or a home energy expert will have to locate the source(s) of the problem.
Drafty Windows & Doors: If you can stand in front of a window or door in your home and feel drafts of (cold or hot) outdoor air, it means your home has an air leakage problem. Rather than investing hundreds of dollars a month to heat or cool your home -- only for that costly air to easily seep outside - you should instead consider sealing air leaks with weather-stripping and caulk. This is a simple and inexpensive Do-It-Yourself project that can result in drastically lower energy bills.
Cracks Along Walls or Ceiling: People often assume that cracks along a home's walls or ceiling mean the home is simply settling into its foundation; however, cracks could also indicate the more serious problem of high moisture levels or rotting wood in the crawl space.
Dust, Dust Everywhere!: Every homeowner has to dust to maintain a clean and healthy home. However, a continually dusty home could mean there are leaky, clogged air ducts or unsealed cracks along windows, doors, and walls.
Peeling Paint: People tend to want their new paint job to last, but unfortunately, peeling can occur. Peeling paint is another indicator of high humidity and moisture in a home. If your home tends to be exceptionally dry in the winter and humid in the summer, it's a sure sign of energy inefficiency.
To diagnose and correct any of the signs of energy inefficiency mentioned above, contact a home energy contractor. In doing so you'll surely save money on energy bills, use less energy and reduce your carbon footprint!
Contact the experts at Dr. Energy Saver today for a free estimate for more information about home energy efficiency. They offer window replacement, door replacement, and home insulation in Des Moines.
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