An In-Home Energy Audit: A Report Card For Your Home

As energy prices climb, now is the time to have one of our Energy Marketing Specialists visit your home to help determine if your home is working as efficiently as possible. One of the best ways to combat higher energy prices is to use your energy at home as efficiently as possible. We can help!

A South River EMC Energy Marketing Specialist will be happy to look over your account information and visit your home to perform an energy audit. They will visually observe accessible areas to determine your possibilities for improved efficiency. The auditor looks at: insulation, doors, windows, caulking, heating, air conditioning, water heating, appliances and other electrical components of your home. From this energy audit recommendations are made concerning how you can conserve on your energy consumption.

Our Energy Marketing Specialist will also give you an evaluation and suggestions concerning any investment measurers that you might be considering to more efficiently use energy. This includes, but is not limited to, new appliances, new windows, adding insulation and/or purchasing a new heating/air conditioning system.

What does it cost to run a certain appliance? What uses the major amount of electricity in your home? Can lifestyle changes produce savings for you and your family? Our Energy Marketing Specialist will answer all of your energy questions and help you to better understand how you are using electricity around your home. You may be amazed by what small changes you can use to make a big difference, and what a value electricity truly is when you consider all items in your home and the amount of comfort you receive for your energy dollars.

Call our Dunn office today at (910) 892-8071 and ask to speak to one of our Energy Marketing Specialists.

Many tips our specialist recommends are easy do-it-yourself projects.

Easy ways to get started saving energy around your home:

• Insulate! Check the attic and outside walls or those next to unheated areas, floors above unheated areas and foundation walls.
• Install storm windows and doors or use plastic sheeting.
• Weather strip and caulk! Check for drafts around windows, door frames, foundation cracks, electrical outlets, etc.
• Maintain your heating and cooling system by replacing air filters often and doing regular maintenance.
• Fix leaking faucets and toilets.
• Insulate the hot water tank and hot water pipes where they are exposed.
• Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees.
• Buy energy efficient appliances and use them efficiently.
• Don't block radiators and vents with furniture, drapes or rugs.
• Turn off lights and appliances when they are not being used.

Think energy-efficiency during cold weather:

• Open window shades that receive direct sunlight during the day.
• Close shades at night.
• Set the thermostat at 68 degrees and lower the setting a few degrees at night or when home is unoccupied.
• Wear layers of clothing and use extra blankets.
• Keep fireplace chimney dampers closed when not using the fireplace.

Think energy-efficiency during hot weather:

• Leave window shades that receive direct sunlight down during the day.
• Try to use the oven, dishwasher and other appliances that produce heat during the late evening and early morning.
• Set the thermostat no lower than 78 degrees and turn it up a few degrees when the house is unoccupied.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes.
• Keep fireplace chimney dampers closed.

The amount of savings you're going to get in return for your investment in an energy audit depends on you and your home. Take a few minutes to complete an online energy audit, with this Home Energy Saver tool.