This winter, in addition to regular snowstorms, we’re getting hit by another perfect storm of rising energy costs and unusually low temperatures. If your house isn’t prepared, you’re going to be dealing with cold, drafty rooms and expensive heating bills.
Not sure what kind of winter home prep you need? An energy audit from Home Energy Medics is the best place to start.
Here are five key signs you need to schedule an energy audit for your Northern VA or DC home today.
1. Expensive Heating Bills
Energy costs are rising in Virginia, and you’re likely to pay higher rates this winter. But if your bills are way higher than what your neighbors are paying for similar usage, your house could be the problem.
Poorly insulated houses leak energy, letting heat escape quickly in the winter and driving up your energy costs. Outdated heating equipment can also play a role in higher costs, as it takes more energy to run.
An energy audit from Home Energy Medics will uncover the hidden issues driving up your heating costs so you can fix them and keep your bills in check.
2. Cold and Drafty Rooms
Does it feel like the cold air blows right through your house? This is a clear sign of poor insulation and air sealing. If your house isn’t well sealed and insulated, heat will seep out while cold air rushes in, creating drafts and making it impossible to stay warm.
During an energy audit, we use thermal cameras and a blower door test to measure air leakage and find gaps in your insulation. This shows you exactly where to air seal and add more insulation so you can make the most effective improvements.
3. Ice Dams
Do icicles form along the edge of your roof every winter? They might look pretty, but they usually mean you have ice dams.
Ice dams are caused by poor or missing attic insulation. If your attic isn’t well insulated, heat will warm up the roof unevenly, melting snow in the center that then refreezes along the edges, creating a dam. Water can pool behind the ice dam and seep under the shingles, causing serious structural damage.
A home energy audit from Home Energy Medics includes a thorough attic insulation inspection. We’ll evaluate the amount and condition of your attic insulation to determine if it needs an upgrade.
4. Your Heat Runs Constantly
If your heating system is running all the time, there’s a problem—especially if it’s not keeping your house warm enough. You might have energy efficiency issues with the heating system itself, or your house may not be insulated properly, letting heat escape as quickly as it's generated.
As part of your energy audit, we’ll look at your insulation and HVAC system to locate inefficiencies that could be driving up your energy bills. If home efficiency improvements are needed, we’ll help you map out a plan for upgrades that will make the biggest difference.
5. Inconsistent Temperatures Between Rooms
Your heating system should keep your whole house warm, not just one or two rooms.
If you have some rooms that stay warm and others that are always freezing, an energy audit will help you uncover the problem. We’ll look at your insulation, air leakage, HVAC system efficiency, air ducts, and more to find out why heat isn’t making it to every room in your house.
Looking for Energy Auditors Near You in Northern Virginia?
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an energy audit! Having an audit done now will help you prepare for the coming cold so you can keep your house warm and your heating bills in check this winter.
Plus, the benefits extend far beyond one season. The same improvements that keep your house warm in the winter will also help it stay cooler in the summer and reduce your AC costs.
At Home Energy Medics, we take energy audits seriously. We measure and test key aspects of your home’s energy efficiency, like air leakage and insulation levels, so we can provide data-backed recommendations for improvements, not guesses.