The Cost of Comfort
Is it time for an energy audit?
THE SECOND LARGEST COST OF HOME OWNERSHIP IS ENERGY. THE FIRST, OF COURSE, IS THE MORTGAGE.
Ten years ago, would you have known how much a barrel of oil cost? Today, with the price of gasoline fluctuating from hour to hour, we have all become much more aware of the cost of oil.
The same fluctuations affect the cost of your home energy. Fifty percent of the energy used in a typical home is for heating and cooling and fifteen percent of the home's energy use is directly related to how the energy is used. Are the lights turned off when you leave a room? Is the dishwasher run during the cooler hours of the day? Are ceiling fans installed in every room to help circulate air? Is the washing machine set to use cold water to wash and rinse the clothes?
Ask yourself a few questions to determine whether or not you should upgrade to more energy efficient systems in your home.
How old is your home?
Homes built within the last five years were built to meet the most current energy standards. Homes that are six years or older will benefit from an energy audit, but homes that are fifteen years or older present the most opportunities to save money.
How long will you live in your current home?
On average, homeowners live in their houses for 7-8 years. Money spent on improving energy efficiency should have a quick return and add to the investment value of the home for resale purposes.
How well is the air conditioning unit cooling your home?
Is the temperature uniform throughout the house?
How much energy is that old refrigerator in the garage using?
How old is the water heater?
Which direction does your house face?
Is there enough insulation in the attic?
Energy conservation is often associated with sacrifice. This is only true in the most extreme cases. Opening windows rather than using the air conditioning isn't feasible in Savannah, Georgia, where there might be one humidityfree week a year. As an alternative, install a programmable thermostat to maximize energy efficiency.
The best way to determine your home's energy efficiency is to have a Home Tune-uP energy audit.
An energy audit is a blueprint of energy-saving opportunities in your home. The older the home, the more options you have to save money. Why wait until the water heater stops working? Energy efficient upgrades are unique home improvements and many will pay for themselves in fewer than five years.
A Home Tune-uP report will provide:
- Relevant information, specific to your zip code, that identifies solutions, not problems
- The most cost-effective upgrades
- The cost of those upgrades
- Suggestions of low- and no-cost ways to save energy
- Resources for further education
- Federal tax credit information and options for financing
Information from a Home Tune-uP Energy Audit will make your home more comfortable, reduce your energy bills by 20% to 30% (an average of $475 per year,) increase your home's resale value and make your home more environmentally friendly.
Remember, it is all about comfort (in your home AND in your wallet.)
Call Brad and Laura Sherman of Red Door Home Works, 912.335.2663. We are Savannah's only certified Home Tune-uP energy auditors.
