Telltale Signs of Energy Problems in the Home

How does it dawn on you that your home must be wasting precious energy? Well, the most obvious symptom of an energy problem is obviously a high utility bill.

It’s a rude wakeup call when the gas, oil or electricity usage seems to be rising inordinately or you are shelling out the highest bill payment in your community despite normal usage! However, there are other less palpable signs of home energy problems. Such as:

Rooms that are too hot or too cold – Particular rooms may still feel cold in winter or hot in summer (compared to the rest of the house) despite adequate heating and cooling arrangements. Uncomfortably hot or cold drafts also spell energy trouble.

Cold floors – The floor may continue to feel chilly in winter even when the room is sufficiently warm from the heating system.

Ice dams – Icicles and ice dams form along the edge of the roof that can cause water leaks or damage the gutters and roof. The culprit is precious heat (and energy) escaping into the attic that melts the snow which refreezes once again.

Condensation on windows – Unwanted moisture such as beads of condensation, frost or pools of water on the windows and sills during winter are another cause for concern. It could be due to inefficient windows, inadequate ventilation or even air leaks that are playing havoc with your energy usage.

Too much dust – Have you ever wondered how so much dust is entering the house when it is supposed to be properly sealed and ventilated? There obviously is a leak or duct problem that is causing the home to lose energy as well.

Mold or mildew – You may be scrubbing away the mold spots in the attic, basement or crawl spaces only to have them recur again and again. In the long run, this can cause the paint to peel or even damage the structure of the house. Leaks or high humidity generally create the musty environment that can cause both health and energy issues.

Health problems – Frequent allergies, eye irritations, asthma or other respiratory problems in family members hints at poor indoor air quality. The underlying issue obviously stems from the combustion equipment or improper sealing.

These problems could spring from various sources such as air leakage, poor duct performance, incorrect or inadequate insulation, poor ventilation or improperly installed heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Correcting the issues and installing an Energy Efficient HVAC system can be the answer to all your energy problems.

It is advisable to commission a home energy audit to pinpoint the exact energy issues troubling your household. The auditors will also suggest remedial measures – such as energy efficient HVAC system – that will resolve the matter and help you to conserve energy. Reduced bills, additional comfort and peace of mind are guaranteed!