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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.

Wood windows fall in the middle of the window frame materials when it comes to energy efficiency. They’re more insulating than aluminum and vinyl, but they aren’t as efficient as fiberglass or composite frames. If you love the look and lifespan of wood windows and want to maximize efficiency, you can upgrade to double-pane or triple-pane glass and consider window tinting and low-emissivity (low-E) coatings to minimize heat transfer.

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. 

Yes, mini-split or ductless AC systems add value to a home and do not devalue it. They are an attractive feature for potential buyers, especially in older homes without existing ductwork, as they provide a practical air conditioning solution without the significant expense and hassle of installing traditional ducts. Ductless systems also eliminate issues associated with conventional ductwork, such as noise and the potential for pests. Furthermore, homeowners value energy-efficient solutions, and mini-splits offer high efficiency for both heating and cooling, plus zoned temperature control. This leads to lower energy consumption and reduced electric bills, which is a major selling point.

A blower door test shouldn’t take more than an hour, and most can be completed in less than 30 minutes. Expect the test to take longer once you start searching for leaks with thermal imaging or want to include sealing such leaks in the time estimate. The test doesn’t take much time and can’t be rushed, but it will take longer in large homes or those with many air leaks.

The Shell Rock, IA homeowners’ guide to energy efficiency auditing services

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