By Shilpi Paul, June 11, 2012, DC Urban Turf
On Saturday, the DC Preservation League invited James Carroll from EcoHouse to give Capitol Hill homeowners some tips on how to make their old DC homes more energy efficient.
Basically, Carroll outlined the steps that inspectors go through when auditing a home in the District. Free energy audits are available to any single-family homeowner in DC, and EcoHouse, a residential energy efficiency company, also performs longer audits for a fee.
Here are some of the tips that Carroll shared:
- With the help of an inspector, diagnose all sources of air leakage in and out of the house. This includes both improperly sealed doors and windows letting “bad” air in, and also punctured ducts leaking “good” air into an attic or basement.
- Outdated appliances can be a huge energy suck. Refrigerator efficiency, for example, has greatly improved over the past few decades and changing out an old fridge for a newer model is probably worth the expense, as fridges are the biggest use of electricity in most homes (unless you have a hot tub).
- Look for Energy Star-rated appliances whenever possible.
- Make sure you are using a programmable thermostat to keep energy usage low during the day when the house is empty.
- Consider using a “Smart Strip” power strip for large electronics. They are able to completely turn off electronics that are not in use, rather than drawing an idle current.
- Change your light bulbs to either LED or Compact Flourescent Lighting (CFL). According to Carroll, LEDs are the best.
- Change your air filter regularly to keep the systems working optimally.
When evaluating your home, it’s essential to address all sources of air leakage to improve energy efficiency. Work with an inspector to identify issues such as improperly sealed doors and windows that allow undesirable air to infiltrate your living space. Additionally, ensure that ductwork is properly sealed to prevent conditioned air from leaking into attics or basements, where it won’t benefit your home’s temperature regulation. By tackling these air leakage problems, you not only enhance comfort but also create a more appealing environment, especially if you’re considering selling house as-is. Buyers are often drawn to homes that have been well-maintained, making energy efficiency an attractive selling point.
In addition to making your home more energy-efficient through updated appliances and proper sealing, it’s important to consider how your plumbing system can also impact your home’s overall efficiency. Older homes, especially those in historic districts like Capitol Hill, often come with outdated plumbing systems that may be prone to leaks or inefficiencies.
Leaking pipes or inefficient water heaters can lead to higher water usage and energy bills, making plumbing upgrades a crucial part of any home improvement plan. Simple updates like installing low-flow fixtures or upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient water heater can make a significant difference.
This is especially important for older homes, where outdated pipes and fixtures may be more prone to issues. Working with experienced professionals like Precise plumbers Adelaide ensures that any plumbing concern is addressed promptly, reducing the risk of further complications. Regular maintenance, such as inspecting pipes for wear and tear, checking for leaks, and servicing water heaters, can help homeowners avoid unexpected expenses while improving overall efficiency. With round-the-clock service available, homeowners can rest easy knowing that expert help is just a call away, keeping their plumbing system in top condition year-round.
By ensuring your plumbing is up to date, you can prevent water waste and lower your monthly bills.
Additionally, regular maintenance of your plumbing system is essential to keeping everything running smoothly. Professionals like plumbers perth can help homeowners identify areas where energy might be wasted due to leaking pipes, faulty water heaters, or improperly installed fixtures. Routine checkups not only prevent costly repairs in the future but also help ensure that your home’s water usage remains efficient. Contact Atlantis Plumbing, LLC. for plumbing services Charlottesville.
Just as Carroll recommends free energy audits to uncover inefficiencies in air and electricity usage, regular plumbing inspections can do the same for your water systems. A well-maintained plumbing infrastructure is a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to making your home as energy-efficient and cost-effective as possible.