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Energy Audits: Saving Money on Your Electricity Bill

Get an energy audit and save on your electric bill.

Did you know that you might be wasting energy you are not even aware that you are using? Just by having air leaks or inadequate insulation, you could be using much more electricity than you need to. By conducting an energy audit, you will be able to evaluate what problems may exist in your home. You can hire a professional to do your energy audit or you can do it yourself. Although a professional energy auditor would be able to conduct a more thorough investigation of the energy used in your home, you can discover several problems by doing an energy audit yourself. A do-it-yourself energy audit consists of:

  • Locating air leaks. You should check for leaks around electrical outlets, switch plates, window frames, baseboards, weather stripping around doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches and wall- and window-mounted air conditioners.
  • Checking your insulation in your walls, attic and basement.
  • Inspecting your heating and cooling equipment at least once a year.
  • Check your lighting equipment. Make sure you aren't spending extra money on higher wattage light bulbs than would be adequate.

The U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Web site has a more detailed description of energy audits. Once you follow all the steps in the do-it-yourself energy audit, you should save bundles on your electricity bill.