Transform Your 100-Year-Old Home into a Climate-Friendly Haven: My Journey with an Energy Assessment

A large part of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions—roughly 15%—comes from heating, cooling, and powering our homes, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. If you’re looking to make a difference, starting at home is a smart move.

Many factors impact your home’s energy use, from heating systems to kitchen appliances. Figuring out how to reduce consumption can feel overwhelming. That’s why experts suggest getting a home energy assessment. A professional can help you spot inefficiencies and create a plan to improve energy use. This not only benefits the environment but can save you money in the long run, too.

Home energy assessments vary in price, typically costing between $100 and over $1,000. Luckily, recent laws, like the Inflation Reduction Act, have offered some financial assistance for these assessments. But keep in mind that many benefits will soon be phased out.

As a climate reporter, I’ve always been interested in energy efficiency. Recently, I moved into my first home, an old place in Cleveland, and decided to get an energy assessment done.

The results were eye-opening. My home is over a century old, and issues like poor insulation and inefficient systems really stood out.

The HVAC Tests

The assessment started with an interview, where I discussed my goals for a comfortable and eco-friendly home. The HVAC expert checked my furnace and air conditioner, revealing some issues. Both units were too large for my ductwork, creating inefficiencies. He compared it to having great water pressure in a kinked garden hose—never a good situation.

There was also a significant pipe that wasn’t properly connected, which he quickly fixed—thank goodness for that!

The Blower Door Test

Next, he set up a blower door. This device creates a vacuum in the house, highlighting where air leaks occur. The results were staggering: my home had three times the air leakage it should have. “It’s like driving with the windows down while the AC is on,” he said, emphasizing how wasteful that is.

The Thermal Camera

Using a thermal camera, he scanned for leaks in the walls. Hot spots showed up brightly, indicating big gaps, especially around the attic. Old windows and gaps in the living room beams also contributed to the problem. Because my house has knob and tube wiring—an outdated system—upgrading insulation is tricky and expensive.

The Conclusion

After reviewing everything, he recommended consulting an electrician to address the old wiring. This step is crucial before installing new insulation and better energy systems. One electrician estimated it could cost $30,000, while another suggested a more affordable $3,000 option to just replace the panel.

With federal tax credits available until 2025, we can offset some costs on upgrades. In the meantime, my husband and I plan to tackle sealing up those leaks ourselves.

Investing in energy efficiency is not just kind to the planet. It can significantly reduce your utility bills, with some estimates suggesting savings of up to 50% or more.

Addressing these energy issues is a journey, but one well worth taking. Taking even small steps now can lead to big changes for your home and the environment.

For more insights on energy efficiency and climate change, check out the Associated Press.

Source link

news,business,environment