Energy Audits With Jim at Marshfield Utilities
When Jim Benson, energy and water conservation coordinator for Marshfield Utilities, goes out to conduct an energy audit for a homeowner, he looks at a number of factors.
First, he takes into consideration the year the home was built and its directional orientation. He does an inventory of appliances – what brands and how old they are.
And he comes armed with a few essential tools. “I use a thermal imaging camera, and, starting at the exterior, I look for cracks in the foundation. I check the windows to see whether they have single or double panes. I check the door seals, the heating system, insulation, water-heater temperature. I have a form that I fill out as I go,” he says.
Once he has collected the data, he uploads it into a computer program that calculates the low-cost and no-cost measures the homeowner can take to reduce energy costs and consumption. He then provides a comprehensive report to the homeowner, along with pictures of the problem spots.
Some easy fixes? “Sealing cracks at the sill plate is very effective,” Jim says. “Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors and covering windows with plastic film in the winter are easy to do. Installing extra insulation is also very simple. The vast majority of fixes are simple and low cost.”
If you’re prepared to invest a little more, Jim suggests considering new appliances. “Appliances that are 10 years old or older are generally 50 percent less efficient than new Energy Star appliances,” he says.
Visit www.marshfieldutilities.org/homenergyaudits to find out more.
