Wheres the “Low Hanging Fruit?
” As a general rule, it’s best to “test not guess,” as our friends at Renu Home Performance like to say. So, starting with a home energy audit is the logical first step. The results of the test, along with consultation with the tester, will help you identify the “best bang for the buck” in terms of improving your home’s energy performance. These results vary from home to home but, as a general rule, replacing your windows doesn’t rank at the top of the “to do” list. Here are some general estimates: • Energy loss attributable to windows is about 20% of whole house loss, so tripling the efficiency might save 13% overall. • Up to 35% of a house’s heating and cooling energy may be lost due to air leakage. • Insulating uninsulated wall cavities saves 18-24% in heating and cooling costs. • In a typical house about 20% of the air that moves through the duct system is lost due to leaks and poorly sealed connections. The City of Boulder Office of Environmental Affairs “Greenhouse Gas Savings Ac
