Congratulations! You’ve just completed your home energy audit, and now you have a detailed report highlighting the inefficiencies in your home. But the audit is just the beginning. To reap the benefits of reduced energy bills and increased comfort, it’s time to put those findings into action. This is where post-audit implementation strategies come into play.
At High Efficiency Energy Solutions, we understand that knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Let’s break down the most effective strategies to tackle your audit recommendations and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
1. Prioritize the Low-Hanging Fruit
Once the audit is complete, you’re likely to have a list of recommendations—some simple fixes and others more complex. Start by addressing the low-cost, high-impact changes. These are often referred to as the “low-hanging fruit.”
Example:
In many homes, easy fixes like replacing incandescent bulbs with LEDs, sealing air leaks around windows and doors, and adding weather-stripping can provide immediate energy savings with minimal cost. One client in Mashpee, MA, managed to reduce their heating bill by 10% just by installing new door sweeps and insulating their attic hatch.
Think of these changes as tightening the lid on a leaky jar—you might not need a whole new jar, just a better seal to prevent unnecessary waste.
Pro Tip:
Get an energy-saving power strip to reduce phantom loads from electronics left plugged in but not in use. This can save up to 10% on your energy bill!
2. Address Air Sealing and Insulation
Air sealing and insulation are often the most significant recommendations from an energy audit. Leaks around windows, doors, and attics are major contributors to heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. The audit may show where these leaks are, but now it’s time to seal them.
In a recent project in Hyannis, MA, we helped a homeowner reduce their energy consumption by 25% by sealing leaks in the attic and adding new insulation. The immediate difference in comfort was noticeable, especially in the upstairs bedrooms, which had previously been drafty in the winter and stuffy in the summer.
Fact:
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, air sealing combined with adequate insulation can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.
Insulation is like a thermos for your home—it keeps the temperature stable inside, regardless of what’s happening outside. Without proper insulation, you might as well be living in a house with paper-thin walls.
3. Upgrade Your HVAC System
If your energy audit revealed that your heating and cooling systems are outdated or inefficient, it may be time to invest in a new HVAC system. While this is a larger investment, modern systems are far more energy-efficient and can offer significant long-term savings.
Example:
A family in Falmouth upgraded their 20-year-old furnace after the audit revealed it was operating at just 60% efficiency. After installing a modern, energy-efficient model, they not only saved on energy bills but also noticed improved indoor air quality and overall comfort.
Running an old HVAC system is like driving an old car with poor gas mileage—it’ll get you where you need to go, but it’s costing you a fortune in fuel along the way.
Pro Tip:
Consider installing a programmable or smart thermostat to further optimize your HVAC system. This can help you save energy by automatically adjusting temperatures based on your schedule.
4. Consider Renewable Energy Solutions
Many energy audits, especially in forward-thinking areas like Cape Cod, suggest renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and/or heat pumps. These options not only reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources but can also make you eligible for tax credits and incentives.
One homeowner in Orleans, MA, decided to install a heat pump system along with solar panels following their energy audit. Not only did this significantly reduce their heating and cooling costs, but it also lowered their carbon footprint, making their home more environmentally friendly.
Fact:
According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Massachusetts ranks among the top states for solar installations, and homeowners can expect to save significantly on their energy bills by switching to solar power.
Switching to renewable energy is like planting a garden—you’re investing in something that will continue to yield benefits for years to come.
5. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Windows and Doors
Old, single-pane windows and drafty doors can be significant sources of energy loss. Energy-efficient windows and doors can greatly improve the overall insulation of your home and reduce your heating and cooling costs.
A family in Harwich, MA, had been dealing with drafty windows for years. After their energy audit, they replaced their old windows with double-pane, low-E glass windows, which immediately improved both their comfort and their energy bills. During the next winter, they noticed their home stayed warmer without needing to crank up the heat.
Pro Tip:
When upgrading windows, look for Energy Star-certified products. These windows meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Think of energy-efficient windows as a pair of insulated boots for your home—keeping the elements out while retaining the warmth inside.
6. Water Heating Solutions
Your energy audit might have revealed inefficiencies with your water heating system. Traditional water heaters can be energy hogs, especially if they’re outdated. Consider upgrading to an energy-efficient water heater or a tankless system.
Example:
One of our clients in Dennis, MA, switched to a tankless water heater, which only heats water on demand, saving them both energy and money. They no longer had to keep a large tank of water heated 24/7, which made a noticeable impact on their utility bills.
Fact:
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can be 24-34% more energy-efficient than traditional water heaters for homes that use less than 41 gallons of water daily.
A tankless water heater is like an instant coffee machine—you get what you need when you need it, without wasting energy keeping an entire pot warm.
7. Implement Behavioral Changes
Sometimes the simplest changes come from altering your habits. Behavioral changes like turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging electronics when not in use, and adjusting your thermostat by just a degree or two can have a significant impact on your energy consumption.
Pro Tip:
Educate your household about energy-efficient behaviors. Small actions like using cold water for laundry or running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads can add up to substantial savings over time.
Behavioral changes are like going on a diet for your energy use—small, consistent adjustments can lead to big results over time.
Conclusion:
Post-audit implementation is where the real benefits of your energy audit begin to materialize. Whether it’s simple fixes like air sealing, investing in a new HVAC system, or upgrading your windows, taking action on the audit’s findings can drastically improve your home’s energy efficiency and comfort. At High Efficiency Energy Solutions, we specialize in helping homeowners across Cape Cod, MA, implement these strategies effectively, ensuring maximum savings and a more comfortable home.
Ready to put your energy audit results to work? Contact High Efficiency Solutions today, and let’s start improving your home’s efficiency together.