The benefits of home energy efficiency are endless, but how do you know if your home needs any upgrades? A lack of efficiency can show up in your home in a variety of ways, but here are 5 signs that your home would be a good candidate for energy efficiency improvements.
Your energy costs are high
If your energy costs are high or you feel that they rise uncontrollably during the summer and winter, it’s very likely that your home is operating inefficiently. The “why” behind expensive monthly statements can vary, whether your insulation is outdated and no longer protects your home, or maybe your heating system is old and not providing you with the efficiency you need. If you wish your energy costs were lower, looking into the energy efficiency of your home is the key to reducing those monthly costs.
You can feel it in the room
You don’t need your energy bill to recognize that your home is inefficient – you can feel it! If there are areas of your home that are known for being hot or cold, compared to the rest of the house, or if you feel drafts coming through your house on a cold winter day, then your home could probably use an update! Inconsistent room temperatures and an uncomfortable home are telltale signs that something’s not right. So, if you’re wrapping up in layers during the winter, you should consider investigating the cause for those uncomfortable nights.
You have an older home
This is a tricky one because maybe you got lucky and the homeowners before you did a great job at updating your historic Massachusetts home! On the other hand, maybe your home hasn’t been touched in a very long time! Many homeowners think that older homes just can’t be very efficient, so they settle with the issues that inefficiency brings – but that’s just not the case! If you have an older home, it is likely that improvements would make it more efficient. Think about old heating and cooling systems, insufficient insulation, and air leaks. The energy efficiency industry has progressed, but has your home remained in the decade in which it was constructed?
You’re not in the loop with technology
Home energy efficiency has evolved over the years, and if you haven’t been keeping up, then there are probably quite a few things you can do to save energy and money. For example, install programmable or smart thermostats, use advanced power strips, switch to whole-home electrification, update appliances, use water-saving devices, and more. There are many products on the market and updates that make home energy efficiency easy and affordable. If you’re not even sure what exists these days, it’s helpful to have a professional come to your home and help you figure out what to do.
Ice dams form on your home in the winter
If you experience ice dams in the winter, that means that your home is not retaining heat as it should. Why do ice dams occur? Ice dams form when rooftop snow melts during the day and refreezes when temperatures drop. Heat is escaping your home from the roof because of a lack of weatherization to keep it inside, Not only is this a sign of inadequate insulation and air sealing, but it’s also very damaging to your home – just an extra reason to get it solved!
If any of these signs are familiar to you, you don’t have to figure it out all on your own. At HomeWorks Energy, we offer Home Energy Assessments at no-cost to Massachusetts residents so that you can get an honest and complete report regarding your home’s energy efficiency. Call (781) 305-3319 to sign up for an assessment or click here to do it online. We’re a Mass Save® partner which means you get access to big rebates and discounts like 100% off air sealing, up to 100% off insulation, up to $10K in heat pump rebates, and no-cost items like programmable thermostats, advanced power strips, and water-saving devices to help you save.
Don’t settle for high energy costs or a cold home during the winter! We can help you save energy and money and get your home updated so that it protects you for years to come.
