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Why You Should Consider a Professional Home Energy Audit

Jul 28, 2022

Are you coping with an unexplained increase in utility bills? Perhaps the level of comfort in your home has dramatically reduced due to temperature differences. Or it could be your home's insulation or HVAC unit is faulty or old. If you're facing any of these situations, you should consider a professional home energy audit.

A home energy audit, evaluation, or assessment is a room-by-room review to determine residential energy consumption. Also, an energy audit identifies any air leaks, insulation, or HVAC issues in your home causing energy wastage.

During the audit, an energy auditor surveys your home using different techniques and testing equipment. Some equipment used includes a blower door, infrared camera, combustion analyzer, gas leak detector, moisture meter, and more. When these pieces of equipment combine with extensive skills, the auditor can achieve accurate and comprehensive findings. They will use these results to recommend customized changes and solutions to improve your home's overall comfort and energy use.

Not sure if you should have an energy audit in your home? Below are the major benefits of a professional home energy audit.

Understand Your Energy Usage

An energy audit will assess the current energy usage in your home. The audit will give you a clear understanding of how and where energy in your home is used. With this information, you can make necessary changes to conserve energy and keep your home comfortable.

For instance, if the audit identifies your HVAC unit as one of the reasons for high energy bills, you may consider a tune-up, repair, or replacement for lower energy use.

Improve Energy Efficiency

The key objective of an energy audit is to improve your home's energy efficiency. The energy auditor assesses your home's energy use and determines areas where energy is lost. Based on the findings, they will propose the necessary steps for maximum energy efficiency and lower utility bills.

If you've always wanted to make some energy efficiency improvements but not sure where to start, the audit will offer a clear improvement plan. For instance, the audit will help detect gaps in your roofing, flooring, walls, windows, and doors, allowing energy loss. The audit will advise whether you'll need repair or replacements to improve insulation and seal these air leaks.

The assessment will involve an inspection of your heating and cooling system, appliances, and fixtures. The audit may suggest numerous ways to make your home more energy-efficient. These tips may include the need for air duct cleaning, changing air filters, using a smart thermostat, or replacing kitchen appliances with energy-rated ones.

If you implement the recommendations from the audit, your home's energy efficiency will dramatically improve. Improved energy efficiency will translate to lower power use and reduced utility bills.

Improve Overall Safety and Comfort

During an energy audit, the professional may unearth the underlying cause for various problems in your home.

For instance, hidden leaks may have facilitated mold growth in your basement, ceiling, or walls causing various health issues in your household. These dirty air ducts or air filters could be the cause of any persistent allergies and asthma in your home. The energy assessment will thus make your home safer and healthier for you and your loved ones.

In addition, an energy audit could reveal the cause of discomfort in your home. For instance, thorough checks on your home's ventilation and insulation could explain why your home is always hot and uncomfortable during the hotter months.

To improve your home's comfort, the auditor may suggest upgrades such as installing a cool roof. Also, you may need to schedule HVAC maintenance to enhance the quality of air in your home.

The benefits of a home energy audit extend beyond energy and money savings. An energy audit offers the right information and guidance for improvements to help you create a better home. If you're considering an energy audit, contact Keil Plumbing & Heating Inc to know how to make your home more energy-efficient.

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Man Using Tablet to Control Smart Home Automation Assistant as A Virtual Screen. Smart Home Concept

5 Reasons to Have Smart Home Integration: Controlling Your Plumbing, Heating, and Air with Technology

By admin • 29 Oct, 2024

As technology continues to evolve, smart home integration has become a growing trend in Richmond, VA. From enhanced convenience to energy efficiency, integrating smart systems into your home’s plumbing, heating, and air conditioning offers several advantages. At Keil Plumbing & Heating, Inc., we’ve seen firsthand how smart systems can transform a home. Let’s explore five key reasons why you should consider smart home integration for your plumbing and heating systems. 1. Convenience and Remote Control Imagine being able to control your home’s heating and plumbing systems with just a tap on your smartphone. Whether you're away at work or on vacation, smart home integration allows you to manage your home’s temperature, water usage, and even emergency situations remotely. For instance, if you're out and notice a water leak, a smart plumbing system can notify you immediately, and you can shut off the water remotely, avoiding potential disasters. This kind of control is especially crucial during an emergency plumbing Richmond VA scenario. 2. Enhanced Energy Efficiency Energy savings is one of the most significant benefits of integrating smart technology. Smart thermostats can learn your household’s routine, adjusting the temperature automatically to save energy when you're not home. The same goes for your plumbing system. With smart water heaters, you can schedule heating times to ensure hot water is available when needed, without wasting energy. This advanced control system not only reduces your energy bills but also helps contribute to a more sustainable environment. When choosing a Heating Contractor Richmond VA, smart home integration is an important feature to ask about. 3. Proactive Maintenance Alerts One of the major advantages of smart home systems is the ability to get real-time alerts for potential issues. Smart plumbing and heating systems can detect early warning signs such as leaks, reduced water pressure, or HVAC inefficiencies before they become major problems. This proactive approach can save homeowners hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in repairs. If you notice a problem, calling a Plumber in Richmond VA like Keil Plumbing & Heating, Inc. can help ensure swift service and prevent further damage. 4. Improved Comfort and Customization Smart home integration allows you to personalize your heating, air conditioning, and water settings to match your lifestyle. You can create specific temperature zones in different parts of your home or even set schedules to ensure your house is always at the perfect temperature when you wake up or come home. Customization like this can also extend to water usage, where you can track how much water is being consumed daily. By working with experts in plumbing and heating, you can ensure that your system is set up for ultimate comfort and efficiency. 5. Increased Home Value Investing in smart home technology can significantly increase the value of your property. Potential homebuyers are drawn to the convenience, efficiency, and modern appeal of smart systems. Integrating features like smart thermostats, automated plumbing controls, and air quality monitoring shows that your home is equipped for the future. In a competitive real estate market like Richmond, these features can set your home apart. When the time comes to sell, having modern plumbing and heating systems can give you a strong edge. ________________________________________ Embrace the Future of Home Control with Keil Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Smart home integration is transforming the way homeowners manage their plumbing, heating, and air systems. Whether you want to increase your home’s efficiency, improve comfort, or prevent costly emergency repairs, smart systems are the future of home management. Call us at (804) 672-9180 or contact us online to learn how we can help you integrate smart technology into your plumbing and heating systems.