A Checklist for Home Energy Evaluations in Los Angeles

A Checklist for Home Energy Evaluations in Los Angeles

A home energy evaluation is an important step to take if you want to make your HVAC system and home more efficient. The easiest option to take is to have a professional energy auditor perform a full energy assessment of your home. You can also perform your own energy audit. Here’s a checklist for each of these energy evaluations.

DIY Energy Audit

A DIY audit can help you spot many problems, some of which you can fix on your own. Here are the steps you should take:

• Check for air leaks: Look for cracks, gaps and other openings in areas where air can leak out. These include windows, doors, ceiling fixtures, electric outlets and exposed ducts. Seal the leaks with the appropriate materials.
• Examine insulation: You’ll need to evaluate insulation in areas where it’s exposed. You can use a ruler to take measurements and compare your findings with the recommended amount. Inspect your wall insulation by removing the cover plate of electric outlets and using a screwdriver or stick to check for resistance. Slight resistance indicates the presence of insulation.
• Check HVAC equipment: Check your air filter’s condition. Replace it if it’s dirty and clogged. If your HVAC system has lasted more than 15 years, you should consider replacing it.
• Examine light bulbs: Check your light bulbs and replace any inefficient ones with more efficient types.

Professional Audit

A professional home energy evaluation involves an examination of your entire house using special tools. The energy auditor will ask you some questions to learn about how your home operates and the existing problems. Therefore, when preparing for a professional evaluation, you should compile a list of any problems you know and look for a summary or copies of your energy bills. The auditor will do several tests such as a blower door test and thermographic inspections. He’ll analyze the findings and create a comprehensive energy report.

The upgrades you make following a home energy evaluation will improve your home’s comfort and save you money. For more helpful tips, contact us at Air-Tro. We serve the greater Los Angeles area.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in the greater Los Angeles, California area about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems).

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