Get matched with top energy efficiency auditors in Orr, MN

Smart home upgrades can be worth the money. Several upgrades, including smart thermostats and ceiling fans, can help reduce your energy bills. Others make life more convenient, freeing up your time to do what you love (or get more work done). And some smart home upgrades, such as entertainment systems, simply make life more enjoyable. All are worthy causes.

As you look for the right soundproofing drywall for you, you’ll likely come across the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. This rating measures a building material’s ability to absorb sound. The higher the number, the better the material absorbs rather than reflects sound, reducing noise transmission. The STC rating for drywall doesn’t mean it’s for the panel itself—it refers to the STC rating for the entire wall system, including the soundproofing drywall.

A couple of the best ways to find a reputable energy auditor is by determining whether they are HEP-certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). This certification will help you narrow down your list of professionals to the most qualified pros with the most relevant experience. 

You can also choose from the Department of Energy’s certified list of energy auditors or Angi’s contractor licensing tool to find pros in your area.

Fireplaces can theoretically help you save on heating bills if you lower the temperature throughout the rest of your home and heat only a single room that you occupy using the fireplace. However, in most cases, homeowners won’t save any money on heating bills. Gas and electric fireplace inserts could actually lead to a spike in your respective energy bills if you use them frequently, and if you don’t keep up with chimney maintenance and repairs, your traditional masonry fireplace could actually be a source of heat loss in the winter.