Two Undervalued Aspects of Home Energy Efficiency

Many people underestimate the impact that air leakage can have on their homes’ energy efficiency. By addressing the following two areas, you can create a more energy-efficient home and potentially reduce your energy costs.

1. Duct leakage
While investing in a high-efficiency HVAC system is smart, it’s important to recognize that your duct system plays a crucial role in your home’s overall efficiency. In fact, it’s common for homes in California to have ductwork leaks of up to 30%, resulting in only 70% of the conditioned air actually making it into the living spaces. If this is true of your home, it means you’re spending more money on heating and cooling than necessary, so your best course of action is to have a professional assess your ductwork and perform any necessary repairs or sealing.

2. Envelope leakage
Envelope leakage refers to areas in the home where air can leak in or out, such as windows, doors, electrical sockets, plumbing cutouts and light fixtures. When combined with a leaky duct system, these envelope leaks can significantly impact your energy bills. To identify areas that require attention, consider conducting a blower door test. This test measures the amount of air leakage in your home and identifies specific locations that need to be sealed or repaired.