Building Green Homes

     The first thing a homeowner who is serious about conserving energy should do is learn about the energy use in their home.  There are several ways to go about this process.  First they should see how their energy use compares to similarly sized homes in the same climate as theirs.  Larger homes and homes in more extreme climates consume more energy.  Websites like Energystar.com provide homeowners with questionnaires to evaluate their energy consumption and provide tips to help homeowners decide what the best methods for energy reduction are for their specific climate.[1] 

 

     There are also more specialized ways for homeowners to evaluate their homes. This includes getting an energy audit done on their homes.  An energy audit is when an energy technician evaluates a home to determine where the home is losing energy and costing the most money.  An energy auditor checks for leaks, looks at insulation, inspects the furnace etc.  This will help to find the problem areas in the home and provide for the best ways to save money on energy consumption.

 

     Every home has its own unique issues and problem areas. What saves a lot of energy in one home might not save as much in another. Homeowners should be aware of how well their home functions and what areas have issues. 

 

     An audit will provide for issues specific to each home, but there are common problem areas amongst homes that account for a lot of energy loss. 

 

 

[1] Energy Star, “Home Energy Audits”, Accessed 20 Sept. 2014