Transform Your 100-Year-Old Home into an Eco-Friendly Haven: Discover the Power of an Energy Assessment

Heating, cooling, and powering our homes accounts for about 15% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. If reducing your carbon footprint is a goal, starting at home is a smart choice.

Many factors influence how much energy a household consumes. This includes whether your heating is gas or electric and how you use appliances like washers and dryers. It can feel overwhelming to know where to begin.

Experts suggest getting a home energy assessment. This professional evaluation helps you understand your energy use and identifies inefficiencies. Plus, improving efficiency can save you money in the long run. The assessments usually take several hours and can cost between $100 and over $1,000. Fortunately, financial incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act can offset these costs until the end of this year.

I recently moved into my first home after years of renting. Curious about its energy efficiency, I decided to get an assessment.

My house is over a century old, and I noticed issues like inadequate cooling upstairs and noisy windows. The assessment revealed areas for improvement.

**The HVAC Tests**

Tim Portman, a local HVAC expert, started with an interview to understand my goals for a comfortable and eco-friendly home. Next, he examined my furnace, air conditioner, and water heater. While the water heater was fine, both the furnace and air conditioner had high pressure—meaning they were too big for my ductwork. Portman likened it to a garden hose with kinks; if those kinks aren’t removed, the system won’t work well.

Portman also discovered a disconnected pipe that was crucial for heating and cooling. It was in worse shape than I thought!

**Testing for Air Leaks**

Next, Portman set up a blower door—a large fan that creates a vacuum in the house to reveal air leaks. As the fan pulled outdoor air inside, my home became uncomfortably warm and musty. He pointed out the attic was a major culprit, allowing hot, humid air to enter the living space. My house’s air-tightness score was 4,500, illustrating it was three times as leaky as it should be.

**The Thermal Camera**

Portman then used a thermal camera to spot leaks. Hot spots lit up bright yellow, pinpointing areas like the leaky door frame and gaps around old windows. He explained that these leaks waste energy and drive up costs. I also learned that my walls lacked insulation due to outdated knob-and-tube wiring, which limits insulation options and can be expensive to replace.

**Next Steps**

After the assessment, Portman recommended an electrician check the old wiring. Removing it, he said, would allow for better insulation. I received quotes ranging from $3,000 to $30,000 for wiring updates. I decided to go with the lower cost that still prioritized safety.

Upcoming federal tax credits for weatherization upgrades can help cover improvements like insulation and energy-efficient windows. But while I wait for those changes, my husband and I can seal up visible gaps with caulking and spray foam.

In regions like Cleveland, where summers can be sweltering and winters freezing, sealing leaks not only benefits the environment but also cuts energy costs. Experts believe proper sealing can reduce bills by as much as half.

Taking these steps at home isn’t just a personal choice; it’s part of broader efforts to fight climate change and promote sustainability.

For more insights into home energy efficiency and available assistance, check out the U.S. Department of Energy’s resources on [home energy assessments](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-assessments).

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