12.2 Do It Yourself Energy audit

Even if you don’t want to have a professional energy audit performed, you can still look for ways to save energy in your space. What things can you do to look for energy savings in your home?

1. Hunt for Air Leaks (Your #1 Priority)

Air leaks waste energy year-round—letting heated air escape in winter and cool air escape in summer.

Where to look:

• Around windows and doors (feel for drafts with your hand)
• Electrical outlets and switch plates on exterior walls
• Where pipes or wires enter walls (kitchen, bathroom, basement)
• Attic hatches and fireplace dampers
• Baseboards and crown molding gaps

DIY test: On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick near potential leak spots. If the smoke wavers, you've found a leak!

Quick fix: Apply weatherstripping to doors/windows and foam gaskets behind outlet covers ($5–$20 fixes that can save 10–20% on heating/cooling costs).

2. Check Your Insulation Levels

Poor insulation works against your HVAC system constantly.

Easy inspection spots:

• Attic: If you can see ceiling joists, you likely need more insulation (joists should be covered)
• Basement/crawlspace walls: Look for gaps or compressed insulation
• Exterior walls: Cold spots on interior walls during winter suggest missing insulation

3. Inspect Heating & Cooling Equipment

Your HVAC system works harder (and costs more) when poorly maintained.

Checklist:

• Air filters: Are they dusty/clogged? Replace every 1–3 months ($5–$15 filters)
• Thermostat placement: Is it near a draft, lamp, or sunny window? (False readings cause wasted energy)
• Ductwork: In basements/attics, look for disconnected or crushed ducts
• Programmable/smart thermostat: Can you set back temperatures when sleeping or away? (Saves ~10% annually)

4. Slay "Energy Vampires"

These devices drain power 24/7—even when "off." Anything with a light on it is consuming energy, even when it is off.

Common culprits in student/family homes:

• Phone/laptop chargers left plugged in
• Game consoles on standby
• Coffee makers with clocks
• TVs and sound systems with "instant-on" features
• Desktop computers not set to sleep mode

Action: Plug entertainment centers and chargers into a power strip. Flip the switch off when not in use, it could save you 5–10% on electricity bills.

5. Lighting & Appliances

• Light bulbs: Replace incandescent or CLF lighting with LEDs (use 75% less energy, last 25x longer)
• Refrigerator: Check door seals (close door on dollar bill, if you pull it out easily, seals need replacing)
• Water heater: Set to 120°F (not "hot"). Insulate hot water pipes in unheated spaces.