The concept of using a so-called “yardstick” to measure a home’s energy use was devised by Energy Star, a program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. This measuring device was designed to reduce our nation’s consumption of nonrenewable energy sources, and while it’s not an actual yardstick, a lot of little numbers go into understanding how much you’re using and where you might be able to get energy savings and cost control methods.
First, the program advises you to collect all your power bills for the last 12 months. If you don’t save them, you might be able to obtain a one-year summary from your utility company. The Energy Star website calls for such further information as your zip code, how many people live in the home, your square footage, and what energy source besides electricity you are using.
The information gleaned from compiling such data can reveal common energy savings problems such as air or water leaks. The seasonal ups and downs can point you toward doors, windows, insulation, damp basements, cold floors in the winter and hot spots in the summer. The more you learn about the issues specific to your home, the more you’ll save and the more comfortable your home will be during peak energy usage seasons.
Our trained experts can help you with this energy audit and can be counted upon to be more precise than a government website. We have special equipment that detects air and water leaks, issues in ductwork and/or problems with HVAC equipment. And since we’re local to the Edwardsville, IL area, we’re in the best position to understand the common problems that local homeowners encounter. Contact us at Ernst Heating & Cooling, and we’ll be glad to help you find effective ways to save energy.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). Ernst Heating & Cooling services Hamel, Illinois and the Metro East area.