Energy Audits - Find Out How Efficient Your Home is on Energy

Home Energy Score Assessments: A Tool for Improving Home Value and Energy Efficiency

The Home Energy Score assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of a home's energy use and carbon footprint. Your report will  provide a score on a scale of 1 to 10. Scott B. Moore, a certified inspector and energy assessor, explains the details of the assessment which can benefit homeowners and help them get higher home prices. Home owners may also be eligible  for Department of Energy incentives. (Meaning rebates of some sort)

1.  There are a number of factors that contribue to your Home Energy Score. This can include such things as it's  structure, equipment, roofing, insulation, windows, and air sealing. All these can help  determine your homes energy score. This assessment is just a yard stick and shoul dnot be considered a  judgment on a home's overall value. It's only an indicator of your homes  energy efficiency.

2.   Electric vs. Gas Tankless Hot Water Heaters: Moore explains that gas tankless hot water heaters are more efficient than electric ones. As electric ones do not provide hot water as effectively. Gas tankless heaters are especially useful for households with high hot water usage, such as families with teenagers who take long hot showers. These heaters can provide an endless supply of hot water plus use energy more efficiently than their electric counterparts. Additionally, gas tankless hot water heaters typically have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than electric models, further contributing to their overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

3.  Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pumps: Ductless heat pumps or mini-splits rank highest for energy efficiency and are cost-effective especially as older structures might not have as much attic space for ducting. These systems provide both heating and cooling. They transfer heat between the indoor and outdoor units, as this helps on energy savings as well as improves your comfort. Mini-splits do not rely on ducts, which can lead to energy loss due to leaks or poor insulation. By avoiding these issues, ductless mini-split systems can offer higher energy savings compared to traditional forced-air systems. Also since you have different zones for different rooms, mini-splits lets  homeowners  control the temperature room by room in  the house, which can further increasing energy efficiency.

4.  Insulation Upgrades: If you Upgrade your attic and floor insulation this can significantly improve your home's energy efficiency. Newer insulation materials are more efficient than those used in older homes as they provide better thermal resistance and reduce heat transfer. By upgrading the insulation in the attic and floors, homeowners can minimize heat loss in the winter as well as minimize heat gain in the summer. This can noticably  reduce energy consumption and lower your energy bills. Additionally, focusing on insulation improvements in the attic and floors is less invasive, easier and cheaper than upgrading wall insulation. This can make  it a more practical option for many homeowners. Proper insulation can also help you maintina a  more consistent indoor temperatureas well as  reduce drafts or cold spots.

5. Windows and Air Sealing: Not all windows are created equal, and the type of glass coating can significantly impact a home's energy efficiency. Windows with low-emissivity (low-E) coatings reflect heat back into the home during winter and as well as block solar heat from entering the home during summer. This can greatly  reduce the load on heating and cooling systems. Also double or  or even triple-pane windows with argon or krypton gas filling between the panes can provide increased insulation and further improve energy efficiency, which can lower your bill. 

Air sealing is another crucial factor in reducing energy loss as small leaks can add up. Homeowners should check for  leaks around windows, doors, and attic penetrations. Sealing gaps and cracks with weatherstripping, caulking, or expanding foam can help prevent drafts and air leaks, leading to reduced energy consumption and make you more comfortable indoors. . If you address these air leaks, homeowners can improve their home's energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and maintain a more consistent indoor temperature.

6. Benefits of Home Energy Score Assessment: A higher energy score can increase your home's value and attract more potential buyers. Homeowners who make energy-efficient upgrades also qualify for Department of Energy incentives, which apply to both single-family residences and rental properties. These incentives can help offset the cost of energy efficiency improvements and make it easier for homeowners to invest in upgrades that can reduce their energy consumption and environmental impact.

Homeowners who obtain a Home Energy Score assessment, get a better more comprehensive understanding of their home's energy efficiency and get recommendations for improvements. This information lets you prioritize your upgrades, as well as maximize energy savings, and increase the home's overall appeal to buyers. Also your real estate agent can leverage the Home Energy Score to spotlight a home's energy efficiency features. This differentiates your home from competing listings, and can possibly lead to a faster sale as well as a  higher sale price.

Conclusion: The Home Energy Score assessment provides homeowners with a roadmap to improve their home's energy efficiency, which can also increase its value. Real estate agents should also understand the assessment's importance so you can better advise clients on potential improvements and as this can impact a home's energy efficiency. Key aspects such as high-performance windows, effective air sealing, and energy-efficient systems, helps homeowners optimize their home's energy performance and is good for the environment and can keep you more comfortable and possibly make you more money in a sale!