| When a home has particular energy-related problems, like the following symptoms, you the homeowner can begin the diagnostic process with your. Although it is not a replacement for professional evaluation, the DIY approach can uncover problems for quick fixes or further investigation. |
| Symptoms and Problems |
- High energy bills—leaks in building envelope, inefficient windows, poorly sealed ducts
- Mold, mildew, musty odors—improperly sized or installed AC, water leaks, wood rot
- Damp basement—moisture migration through foundation or walls
- Cold floors in winter—insufficient insulation under flooring or gaps around baseboards, windows, and doorframes
- Drafty rooms—leaks around windows, doors, attic hatches, and basement doors
- Dust—excessive dust could mean it’s time to change the air filters; dust streaks on ducts indicate air leakage
- Moisture or condensation on inside of windows, interior frost or pools on sills—loose window frames
- Ice dams—warm air in home escaping into the attic and heating the underside of the roof causes ice to melt and refreeze; ice dams cause downspout overflows and roof leakage
- Peeling paint—excess interior humidity
- Hot or cold rooms—air leakage, inadequate insulation, poor duct performance, improperly installed HVAC
- Dry indoor air in winter—air leaks allowing warm humid air to escape and draw in dry cold air
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| Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Survey Checklist |
| Make a list of areas and items to inspect. Check off the items as they are inspected and make notes about problems. The list and notes will serve as a to-do list for tackling problem areas and also help in prioritizing upgrades. Click here for a downloadable PDF Version |
- Gaps along baseboards, flooring edges, junctures of walls and ceilings, anywhere that two different building materials meet
- Insulation around electrical outlets and switch plates
- Windows and doors—rattling indicates an air leak source
- Fireplace flue
- Cellar door and attic hatch (hatch should have the same insulation as the attic floor)
- Wall- and window-mounted air conditioners
- Mail slots and pet doors
- Exhaust fans and hoods, dryer vents
- Foundation seals, siding, mortar between bricks (especially building corners)
- Worn or improperly installed caulking and weather stripping
- Storm windows
- Vapor barrier underneath installation
- Attic vents (should not be blocked by insulation)
- Wrapping on water heater, hot water pipes, and furnace ducts
- Furnace air filters
- Ducts and seams (dirt streaks indicate leakage)
- Lighting (replace incandescent bulbs with CFL or LED bulbs)
- Schedule a furnace inspection (annual)
- Gaps or settling in wall insulation. Turn off power to an electrical outlet or switch, use a power tester to double-check no current is flowing to the outlet, remove the cover plate and probe around the opened outlet with a stick or screwdriver; resistance indicates presence of insulation.
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| Adapted from “Common Home Problems and Solutions,” www.energystar.gov |
