Managing Your A/C Bill in Phoenix
It’s no secret that, during the summer, your A/C bill is going to go up. If you’re noticing a bigger increase than you think is right, then there might be other issues at play and you may need an energy audit.
Could you be radiating cool air to the neighborhood because your home is not as tight as it should be?
The Consequences of Leaking Air
Newer construction usually is a bit more airtight than older homes, so you’re likely to not face this problem if your home was built in the last 10–15 years. Older homes such as your mid-century colonial might have more challenges than you anticipated.
There are a number of places where your home could be leaking air and where you have an opportunity to tighten up your home. The Consumer Energy Center, part of the California Energy Commission, points out these primary air-infiltration locations:📷
Floors, walls, and ceilingsPlumbing penetrationsDuctsFireplacesDoorsWindowsFans and ventsElectric outlets
As the Center points out, all of these leak areas could lead to serious energy issues—and resulting costs. For instance, a sixteenth of an inch crack around a window lets out as much cold air as leaving the window open half an inch.
How to Know If Your Phoenix Home Isn’t Tight
There’s a delicate balance when it comes to how air tight a home is. Too open and you’re cooling off the whole neighborhood; too tight and you’re not letting in the fresh air needed for proper circulation.
Curious how your home measures up? Your first step is to schedule an energy audit. A professional auditor will examine your home for leaks, insulation, furnace and ductwork. As well as perform tests for things such as a blower door, and air leaks with an infrared camera.
Benefits of Performing an Energy Audit
After completing your energy audit, you’ll know where your home has issues and what you can do to fix them. Studies show that you can save from 5% to 30% on your energy bills by following the suggestions of your auditor.
Remember not all fixes need to be costly. While some homes will need new doors and windows to be airtight, others just need some minor cracks filled. You won’t know until you work with an energy auditor.
If your monthly electric bill is a little higher than it should be, and you’re minimizing your A/C usage, it might be time to schedule an energy audit.
Contact Forrest Anderson Today!