Give Yourself the Gift of a DIY Home Energy Audit
Winter is coming… for your wallet. Con Edison tells customers to expect a 22% increase in heating bills this year. You’re already dealing with rising prices for gas, groceries, and more. So, join other savvy New Yorkers by taking advantage of an easy way to lower electric bills: a home energy audit. It may sound technical, but you can do an energy audit yourself to save money!
How a Home Energy Audit Delivers Savings
A home energy audit is an assessment of your energy use at home. More specifically, it helps you pinpoint ways to be more efficient! After finding and making a few improvements with the audit, you could save 5-30% on your energy bill.
Plus, don’t stress over the initial cost of these upgrades. Take advantage of NYSERDA energy efficiency programs and federal programs to reduce the price of your efficiency projects.
Home Energy Audit Guide
Use our home energy efficiency assessment guide to analyze your energy use at home. Then decide where to make improvements and prepare for a shrinking Con Ed bill.
- Air Leaks: check weather stripping on doors for a tight seal. Similarly, check caulk around windows for visible gaps. Replacing older windows with Energy Star rated upgrades saves an average of 12% on energy costs. Lastly, check than penetrations in walls or ceilings, like vents, are sealed.
- Insulation: start with the attic entrance and determine if it is insulated and weather stripped. Next, check the insulation layer on your attic floor; most homes benefit from added insulation. Finally, check your hot water heater, hot water pipes, and furnace ducts for insulation.
- HVAC: check your air filter and replace it every 1-2 months. HVAC duct seams also need to be sealed for higher efficiency. If your HVAC unit is older than 15 years, swapping for a new model could save you 5% -35% on heating and cooling costs.
- Thermostat: make sure your heat setting is about 68°F during the day. Save 10% on heating costs by lowering the temperature 7-10°F at night. Smart thermostats automatically adjust settings to lower your electric bill even more!
- Lighting: check lightbulb types in your most used light fixtures. The average household can save $225 a year switching to LEDs. If you need to leave lights on in certain rooms, motion sensors can also help save energy.
- Appliances: take inventory of your appliances. Unplug infrequently used appliances to prevent energy vampires. Also change the settings on your televisions and fridge to energy saving mode. Use an energy calculator to see if it would be worth upgrading any appliances more than 15 years old.
Unlock More New York Electricity Savings
You have already taken the first step to saving money on your NY heating bill by checking out our energy audit guide! Now follow through with the simple process and watch the savings add up! If you want to see your efficiency changes go even further, compare prices, and find a NY energy provider with a cheaper electric rate at https://www.nyenergyratings.com.