Today was a beautiful spring day here in Las Vegas, so I pulled my shorts from the closet for the first time this year.  Before we know it, the dog days of summer will be upon us. 

From time to time,  my clients ask about ways to save money on their energy bills.  In these cases,  I  perform a simple energy audit for them.   It’s not difficult,  and actually anyone can do it themselves.

I try to do the audits in the spring, preferably on a windy day.  It’s easier to find any air leaks when the wind is blowing, and it allows time for any repairs to be completed before air conditioners start working overtime.

  TOP TEN LIST OF MONEYSAVING TIPS! 

1.  Check for air leaks around windows , doors, electrical outlets, switch covers, and baseboards.  You can save 25 percent on energy use by decreasing or eliminating these types of leaks.  The best way to solve leakage around windows & doors is to add sweeps and weather stripping.  Air leaks around outlets and switch covers can be fixed by taking off the covers and sealing around the box with spray foam insulation.  This is one of the most common places that air enters or escapes.

2.  Check that any weather stripping is in its proper place and doing its job.  If it’s cracked or  shows signs of dry rot, it needs to be replaced.

3.  Check for windows that rattle.  Where there is a rattle, there is a gap and therefore an air leak.  Installation of weather stripping may be needed, if the leaks are really bad.   The window may need replaced.

4.  Check the quantity of insulation in the home, especially the attic.  Energy Star recommends insulating your attic to r38, or 10 to 14 in. thick.

5.  Check the wattage of light bulbs.  Lighting can account for about 10 percent of energy costs.  (Energy efficient, long life fluorescent are the best option and they can mean huge savings in the long run.)

6.  Look for damaged stucco on the outside of the house.  Any cracks or holes should be patched or caulked.

7.  Look for gaps where pipes and/or wires enter the house.  Seal any gaps with foam or caulking.

8.  Check all toilets and faucets for slow leaks.  If  leaks are found replace the flapper of the fill valve on the toilet and the washer or cartridge on the faucet.

9.  Check the hot water heater in the garage to see if it’s wrapped with insulation.  Adding insulation can reduce heat loss by 25%–35%.  This will save you about 3%–8% in water heating costs.

10.  Check the hot water pipes in the attic to see if they’re wrapped with insulation.  Newer homes are easier to inspect because the Wirsbo lines are red.

The main thing to remember here is that every little bit helps.  It’s not that difficult to find ways to save  money,  and you don’t have to break the bank to get started!  

Radiant Barriers are installed in homes,  most commonly in attics  to reduce summer heat gain, which helps lower cooling costs.  The barriers consist of a material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it.  They don’t work in the same way as insulation materials.

When the sun heats a roof, it’s primarily the sun’s radiant energy that makes the roof  hot.  A large portion of this heat travels through the roofing materials to the attic side of the roof.  The hot roof material then radiates its gained heat energy into the  attic (some of the roof’s heat will radiate in other directions, too).  A radiant barrier reduces the radiant heat transfered from the roof to the attic space.

This is especially important here in the Western United States, where so many homes have their forced air units in the attic.  On a  typical summer day in Las Vegas, an attic can reach 180 degrees.  This drives up energy costs, and the heat can damage items stored in the attic.

A  typical installation consists of draping  a double faced rolled-foil radiant barrier on the bottom of  the roof  trusses.  It’s really simple to install.  The hardest part is getting to some of  the smaller areas  of your attic.  I recommend installing in the cooler months.  The last thing you want is to be in a attic when it’s 180 degrees.  Just think of a huge roll of aluminum foil.  It’s best installed by two people.  Just roll it out, and staple it to the trusses.

Studies have shown that radiant barriers can cut energy costs by 15% to 20 % over time.  The costs of radiant barriers vary widely.  As with any purchase, comparison shopping can save you money.  I’ve found rolls as low as $70.  The  initial cost is minimal compared to the money you’ll save over time.