July 27, 2018
If you’re trying to make your home more energy efficient, you’ve probably tried energy saving techniques like switching to efficient lighting and appliances, programming your thermostat, and using smart power strips. But did you know there’s a better, more effective way to conserve energy and lower your utility bills?
By taking a whole home approach to improve your home, you can not only boost your home’s overall energy efficiency but also enjoy added benefits like greater indoor comfort and better indoor air quality.
What Is the Whole Home Approach?
You may be wondering, “What exactly is the whole home approach?” The whole home approach involves assessing your house inside and out, from top to bottom, to determine which areas are wasting energy. It centers around the fact that every system in your house, from the heating and cooling systems to the insulation and windows, work together to influence the overall energy efficiency of your home.
It All Starts with an Energy Assessment
The whole home approach starts with an assessment, also called an energy audit, which will diagnose issues that may be undermining the home’s overall efficiency. During your assessment, an experienced home performance expert will perform a series of diagnostic tests using advanced equipment. This includes blower door testing to assess overall air leakage and infrared thermal imaging to pinpoint air leaks and missing insulation.
After the audit, your home performance expert will use specialized modeling software to generate a customized report about your home’s energy usage and recommend target solutions to save energy. You might, for example, find out that your home insulation wasn’t installed correctly or that giant gaps in the attic floor are causing major heat loss.
Comprehensive Solutions for Greater Efficiency
Once you have a firm understanding of your home’s overall efficiency, it’s time to take steps that will work together to create a more energy efficient home. Typically, recommended solutions include:
Air sealing to eliminate air leaks and drafts
Insulation for consistent indoor temperatures
Heating & AC upgrades for greater energy savings
Switching from oil to gas or from oil or gas to a high efficiency Inverter system like an air or ground source heat pump.
Duct Sealing for improved HVAC system efficiency
An inefficiency in one area of the home is bound to undermine the efficiency of all other areas of the home, which is why these solutions are often recommended together for a comprehensive and truly effective solution.
If you’re looking to take a whole home approach to upgrading your house, Green Team LI is here to help. As Long Island’s premier energy efficiency experts, we know how to diagnose exactly what your house needs.