Energy audit can show problems, help you save

By Mark Cannella

Mark Cannella, owner of Pro Energy Consultants, a home energy audit business (www.proenergyconsultants.com).

Mark Cannella checks a home for air leaks, which can occur in openings such as the fireplace, vents and windows. – Photo provided by Mark Cannella

My background is in heating and air conditioning. When I was in that industry earlier in my career, I noticed people were purchasing high-efficiency units, hoping they would help with comfort issues — cooling the second floor in the summer, heating the ground floor in winter.

But they weren’t really solving the problems, because they hadn’t really identified the cause of poor air quality and circulation.

An energy audit can be done any time of year, but people usually start looking at energy usage in the summer and fall — when it’s extremely hot or very cool. They want comfort. An energy audit isn’t just about energy — it’s about building durability, controlling humidity and stopping water and ice damage.

Depending on the size of your home, the cost of an average energy audit starts at around $350 and takes about two hours. The process is interactive and educational. We use specialized equipment to identify air leaking in and out of the home. Then we use an infrared camera to sort of X-ray the home to make sure it is properly insulated. We also test the heating and cooling ductwork to make sure it is properly delivering air.

The percentage of savings is difficult to quantify because you can’t control the weather, thermostat setting and energy costs. Every home varies, but when a home is properly sealed, it can save about 30 percent on energy bills.

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An energy audit of my own home identified some needed  improvements. I sealed the gaps in my house that were letting in unwanted air, resealed the ductwork, added insulation, put a light-colored roof on my home and replaced old windows that weren’t closing properly. There are other ways to practice energy efficiency. I also installed compact fluorescent light bulbs, solar lighting, low-flow showerheads and a programmable thermostat. Our family also turns off lights and computer monitors, as well as unplugs cell phone chargers when not in use.

As told to Star reporter T.J. Banes at (317) 444-6815.