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 Do-it-Yourself Energy Audit An energy audit is something you can do yourself. Start by using an energy calculator available online. The PSNH Energy Calculator is a wonderful tool that allows you to enter specific information about your home, and will provide you with recommendations for making your home more energy efficient. Of course, there's no substitute for physically looking at your home for potential sources of energy waste. It's estimated that air infiltration (leaks) from the outside to the inside of the home can waste up to 30% of the energy you pay for. To find these leaks, begin by closing doors, windows and fireplace dampers, animal doors, etc. Next, turn on bathroom and kitchen fans and the clothes dryer to create a negative pressure inside the home. Then, check for drafts or air flow around potential leak areas. These may include: • Window/exterior door frames • Electrical outlets/switch plates • Baseboards • Ceiling fixtures • Recessed lighting • Attic doors/hatches • Baseboards • Plumbing under sinks • Wiring that runs through floors or outside walls It's easiest to find these leak sources when it's cold outside and warm inside because you'll be able to feel them. You can also find leaks by blowing out a match and holding it near a suspected leak to see if the smoke is drawn to it. The important thing to remember is that you may find one or more large leaks, a loose window track, or a bottom door seal that's missing. Repairing these simple things can greatly reduce your energy bill.
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