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Energy Efficiency Auditing questions, answered by experts

You can save money on heating oil through a combination of improving home efficiency and smart purchasing strategies.

Home Efficiency and Usage:

  • Improve Insulation: Ensure your home, especially the basement and attic, is well-insulated and sealed against drafts to prevent heat leakage.

  • Manage Your Thermostat: Use a properly calibrated and programmable thermostat. Lower the temperature by a few degrees, particularly when you are away from home or asleep.

Purchasing Strategies:

  • Buy in the Off-Season: Order heating oil during the summer months when prices are generally at their lowest. This strategy is most effective if you have a large primary tank or a separate storage tank to accommodate bulk deliveries.

  • Consider a Delivery Contract: Some companies offer contracts with a set price for the term. This can lead to savings if market prices for oil increase, but you might pay more if prices drop.

Attic and whole-house fans improve a home's energy efficiency and comfort. They ventilate hot air from the attic, which reduces peak cooling loads, lowers reliance on air conditioning, and decreases indoor temperatures. This improved air circulation and expedited heat exit helps lower cooling costs, balance moisture levels, and enhance overall natural airflow, contributing to the efficient operation of other home equipment.

A small sump pump running infrequently uses an average of 10 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month. The average cost for electricity is $0.171 per kWh. The size and use frequency affect how much electricity it uses. Sump pumps average one-third to one horsepower (hp) motors. One hp is equal to 745.7 watts. Watts multiplied by the time your pump is running divided by 1,000 equals your average kWh. Multiply kWh by your average cost of electricity. In areas with high rain or a marsh basin, the average cost can be as high as $15-$25 a month.

There is no blanket figure for a residential home’s electrical load, since load varies by the size of the home, how many appliances are used, and the efficiency of their electrical systems. Typically, however, it’s safe to assume 40 to 60 amps is the average electrical load of a residential home. 

Typically, a local home energy auditor is responsible for performing energy audits. A home energy auditor will conduct one of three energy audits designed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to determine the energy efficiency of your home. The auditor often provides analysis that can help guide changes and improvements to your home for better energy efficiency, giving recommendations as necessary.

The Cascade, IA homeowners’ guide to energy efficiency auditing services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.