Even though reducing air leaks in a home is a fairly simple project, it’s wise to proceed with caution.
Do-it-yourselfers can overdo it, particularly on newer houses or those that were constructed with Tyvex or other house wraps, noted Gary Canter, general manager of HomeEnergyMD in Twinsburg. Some air exchange is necessary to keep your indoor air fresh, keep moisture from building up and prevent other problems such as back drafting of a water heater vent, Canter noted.
What’s more, it isn’t always easy to identify all the leaks by yourself or figure out which are posing the biggest problems.
That’s why energy experts stress the value of a home energy audit.
An auditor will look at your whole house as a system. He or she will pinpoint problems such as leaks or inadequate insulation, set priorities for addressing them and advise you on how to go about it.
The auditor can also determine how fast air is being exchanged in your house. If you make extensive improvements, it’s a good idea to have the auditor check the air exchange rate again, so you can be sure you still have an adequate flow of fresh air.
Auditors certified by the Residential Energy Services Network can be found at www.natresnet.org. Home energy raters recommended by Energy Star can be found at www.energystar.gov. (In the “New Homes” section, click on “Find Home Energy Rater Partners,” then type in your state to find a list of raters that serve it.) You can also find auditors in the Yellow Pages under “Energy Management & Conservation Consultants.”
Dominion East Ohio offers its customers a Home Performance with Energy Star audit at a discounted price. Information is at www.deohpwes.com, or call 877-287-3416.
Canter and his colleagues at HomeEnergyMD recommend hiring an auditor certified by the Building Performance Institute.
Prices vary according to the extent of the audit. When you’re gathering price quotes, ask each contractor to specify what the audit will entail so you can compare fairly.
— Mary Beth Breckenridge
