Sonoran Property Inspections

Home Inspections Prescott, Prescott Valley, Cottonwood, Scottsdale, Arizona

Home Renovations

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If you are buying a home that needs work, or selling a home and want to renovate first, or most importantly just want to stay put and enjoy your home more, here are some tips from Sonoran Property Inspections to consider before you start your home renovation projects.  Getting ideas is easier now than ever. Use online tutorials and magazines to get ideas, and decide what you want to do yourself. Make sure you feel confident in taking on parts of the project or look into getting professional help.

Do you have the right equipment?

Research the needed tools to be sure you have everything you will need before starting the project. This includes safety equipment like gloves, eyewear, ear plugs, and masks to protect your lungs from harmful fumes.

Protect Furniture and other surfaces.

Before you actual start, cover furniture, flooring, countertops, and other surfaces to keep them clean and protected.

Be careful with harmful substances

Older homes may contain hidden dangers in the form of asbestos. There may also be hidden molds in basements, drywall, baths and kitchens. If the home was built before the mid 1970’s there may be lead based paints.  All of these potential issues should be considered before taking on a DIY project.

Final words on the subject

Do-it-yourself projects can be fun, save you money, and be immensely rewarding. For major renovations or projects that affect the overall value of your home, it’s best to seek out the help of professionals. Your home is a large investment and through taking necessary precautions you can do your best to minimize potential risks of a DIY project gone wrong. Do your research and don’t be afraid to reach out to a professional for a quote on a project you might feel unsure about.

 

Time to Check Your AC Systems

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It is heating up out here in Arizona (finally) – even here in Prescott, but especially in the Phoenix area. Now is the time to make sure your air conditioning is ready to handle the heat!  As part of a home inspection (in the Phoenix and Prescott areas) we do take a close look at the HVAC units, and if in doubt we will suggest an HVAC company come take a closer look. We also have routine maintenance done on our own home’s unit since a building’s central air-conditioning system must be periodically inspected and maintained in order to function properly. While an annual inspection performed by a trained professional is recommended, homeowners can do a lot of the work themselves by following the tips offered in this guide.Exterior Condenser Unit

Clean the Exterior Condenser Unit and Components
The exterior condenser unit is the large box located on the side of the building that is designed to push heat from the inside of the building to the outdoors. Inside of the box are coils of pipe that are surrounded by thousands of thin metal “fins” that allow the coils more surface area to exchange heat. Follow these tips when cleaning the exterior condenser unit and its inner components — after turning off power to the unit!
  • Remove any leaves, spider webs and other debris from the unit’s exterior. Trim foliage back several feet from the unit to ensure proper air flow.
  • Remove the cover grille to clean any debris from the unit’s interior. A garden hose can be helpful for this task.
  • Straighten any bent fins with a tool called a fin comb.
  • Add lubricating oil to the motor. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
  • Clean the evaporator coil and condenser coil at least once a year.  When they collect dirt, they may not function properly.
Inspect the Condensate Drain Line
Condensate drain lines collect condensed water and drain it away from the unit.  They are located on the side of the inside fan unit. Sometimes there are two drain lines—a primary drain line that’s built into the unit, and a secondary drain line that can drain if the first line becomes blocked. Homeowners can inspect the drain line by using the following tips, which take very little time and require no specialized tools:
  • Inspect the drain line for obstructions, such as algae and debris. If the line becomes blocked, water will back up into the drain pan and overflow, potentially causing a safety hazard or water damage to your home.
  • Make sure the hoses are secured and fit properly.
Clean the Air Filter
The air filter slides out for easy replacement
Air filters remove pollen, dust and other particles that would otherwise circulate indoors. Most filters are typically rectangular in shape and about 20 inches by 16 inches, and about 1 inch thick. They slide into the main ductwork near the inside fan unit. The filter should be periodically washed or replaced, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. A dirty air filter will not only degrade indoor air quality, but it will also strain the motor to work harder to move air through it, increasing energy costs and reducing energy efficiency. The filter should be replaced monthly during heavy use during the cooling seasons. You may need to change the filter more often if the air conditioner is in constant use, if building occupants have respiratory problems,if  you have pets with fur, or if dusty conditions are present.
 
Cover the Exterior Unit

When the cooling season is over, you should cover the exterior condenser unit in preparation for winter. If it isn’t being used, why expose it to the elements? This measure will prevent ice, leaves and dirt from entering the unit, which can harm components and require additional maintenance in the spring. A cover can be purchased, or you can make one yourself by taping together plastic trash bags. Be sure to turn the unit off before covering it.

Close the Air-Distribution Registers
Air-distribution registers are duct openings in ceilings, walls and floors where cold air enters the room. They should be closed after the cooling season ends in order to keep warm air from back-flowing out of the room during the warming season. Pests and dust will also be unable to enter the ducts during the winter if the registers are closed. These vents typically can be opened or closed with an adjacent lever or wheel.  Remember to open the registers in the spring before the cooling season starts.  Also, make sure they are not blocked by drapes, carpeting or furniture.
In addition, homeowners should practice the following strategies in order to keep their central air conditioning systems running properly:
  • Have the air-conditioning system inspected by a professional each year before the start of the cooling season.
  • Reduce stress on the air conditioning system by enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. Switch from incandescent lights to compact fluorescents, for instance, which produce less heat.
In summary, any homeowner can perform periodic inspections and maintenance to their home’s central air-conditioning system.

Central Air-Conditioning System Inspection

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It is heating up out here in Arizona (finally) – even here in Prescott, but especially in the Phoenix area. Now is the time to make sure your air conditioning is ready to handle the heat!  As part of a home inspection (in the Phoenix and Prescott areas) we do take a close look at the HVAC units, and if in doubt we will suggest an HVAC company come take a closer look. We also have routine maintenance done on our own home’s unit since a building’s central air-conditioning system must be periodically inspected and maintained in order to function properly. While an annual inspection performed by a trained professional is recommended, homeowners can do a lot of the work themselves by following the tips offered in this guide.Exterior Condenser Unit

Clean the Exterior Condenser Unit and Components
The exterior condenser unit is the large box located on the side of the building that is designed to push heat from the inside of the building to the outdoors. Inside of the box are coils of pipe that are surrounded by thousands of thin metal “fins” that allow the coils more surface area to exchange heat. Follow these tips when cleaning the exterior condenser unit and its inner components — after turning off power to the unit!
  • Remove any leaves, spider webs and other debris from the unit’s exterior. Trim foliage back several feet from the unit to ensure proper air flow.
  • Remove the cover grille to clean any debris from the unit’s interior. A garden hose can be helpful for this task.
  • Straighten any bent fins with a tool called a fin comb.
  • Add lubricating oil to the motor. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions.
  • Clean the evaporator coil and condenser coil at least once a year.  When they collect dirt, they may not function properly.
Inspect the Condensate Drain Line
Condensate drain lines collect condensed water and drain it away from the unit.  They are located on the side of the inside fan unit. Sometimes there are two drain lines—a primary drain line that’s built into the unit, and a secondary drain line that can drain if the first line becomes blocked. Homeowners can inspect the drain line by using the following tips, which take very little time and require no specialized tools:
  • Inspect the drain line for obstructions, such as algae and debris. If the line becomes blocked, water will back up into the drain pan and overflow, potentially causing a safety hazard or water damage to your home.
  • Make sure the hoses are secured and fit properly.
Clean the Air Filter
The air filter slides out for easy replacement
Air filters remove pollen, dust and other particles that would otherwise circulate indoors. Most filters are typically rectangular in shape and about 20 inches by 16 inches, and about 1 inch thick. They slide into the main ductwork near the inside fan unit. The filter should be periodically washed or replaced, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. A dirty air filter will not only degrade indoor air quality, but it will also strain the motor to work harder to move air through it, increasing energy costs and reducing energy efficiency. The filter should be replaced monthly during heavy use during the cooling seasons. You may need to change the filter more often if the air conditioner is in constant use, if building occupants have respiratory problems,if  you have pets with fur, or if dusty conditions are present.
 
Cover the Exterior Unit

When the cooling season is over, you should cover the exterior condenser unit in preparation for winter. If it isn’t being used, why expose it to the elements? This measure will prevent ice, leaves and dirt from entering the unit, which can harm components and require additional maintenance in the spring. A cover can be purchased, or you can make one yourself by taping together plastic trash bags. Be sure to turn the unit off before covering it.

Close the Air-Distribution Registers
Air-distribution registers are duct openings in ceilings, walls and floors where cold air enters the room. They should be closed after the cooling season ends in order to keep warm air from back-flowing out of the room during the warming season. Pests and dust will also be unable to enter the ducts during the winter if the registers are closed. These vents typically can be opened or closed with an adjacent lever or wheel.  Remember to open the registers in the spring before the cooling season starts.  Also, make sure they are not blocked by drapes, carpeting or furniture.
In addition, homeowners should practice the following strategies in order to keep their central air conditioning systems running properly:
  • Have the air-conditioning system inspected by a professional each year before the start of the cooling season.
  • Reduce stress on the air conditioning system by enhancing your home’s energy efficiency. Switch from incandescent lights to compact fluorescents, for instance, which produce less heat.
In summary, any homeowner can perform periodic inspections and maintenance to their home’s central air-conditioning system.

Windbreaks for your Home

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It is a WINDY day here in Prescott Valley, Arizona!  So let’s talk a little about how you can use natural windbreaks to your advantage. Windbreaks are dense rows of trees and shrubs designed to reduce wind speed before it reaches a building.  During a home inspection I will pay attention to landscape items as it relates to the home, such as making sure trees and shrubs are not too close to the structure, but well placed trees and shrubs can do much to enhance not only the beauty of the home, but the also provide other perks for the homeowner.

Some of the advantages provided by windbreaks, beyond simple wind mitigation, include the following.Properly-designed windbreak protects a house
  • Many animals rely on windbreaks. Food, shelter from severe weather, nesting sites, and a means of escape cover are all provided by the vegetation that composes a windbreak. For example, the planting of windbreaks during the Dust Bowl of the 1930s is believed to have allowed the expansion of woodland birds and other creatures, such as Mississippi kites and fox squirrels. Birds, in particular, are known to rely on windbreaks for temporary cover during winter storms. Even large mammals, such as white-tailed deer, use windbreaks for cover, food and fawning. Employ a variety of trees and shrubs in your windbreak to create an abundance of different kinds of nuts, seeds and berries, which will, in turn, attract a diversity of wildlife.
  • While any vegetation will increase the appeal of an otherwise barren yard, a uniform, well-maintained windbreak can actually increase property values with their pleasing aesthetics. Also, they allow the homeowner to strategically screen out undesirable sights.
  • Windbreaks are effective for noise deflection. Windbreaks reduce the infiltration of traffic noise into a property by absorbing and deflecting it with leaves and large branches. In addition, traffic noises will be replaced with the sounds of rustling leaves or the singing of birds that are drawn to the vegetation.
  • Windbreaks provide snow control (okay, those of you in Phoenix can ignore this part!). A properly placed windbreak will prevent snow drifts in areas such as driveways and building entrances. Valuable time and effort can then be spent on activities other than snow removal.

Windbreaks work either by deflecting the wind up and over a building, thereby forming a protective wind shadow, or by catching it to reduce its speed. And as the windbreak captures the winter wind, so too does the wind chill diminish. For example, if the outside temperature is 12° F (-11° C), a windbreak can reduce a 20-mph wind to 5 mph, and the wind chill will be reduced from -22° F (-30° C) to a more bearable 8° F (-11° C).

The best windbreaks block wind close to the ground by using fast-growing trees and shrubs that have low crowns. Deciduous trees, while they are favored as shade trees during the summer, lose their leaves in cold weather, which makes them less effective than evergreens at stopping the frigid winter wind. The best choices are dense, fat, fast-growing conifers that will mature to a height higher than the roof. These qualities may be found with Norway, white and Colorado blue spruce. Again, those of you in Phoenix and Scottsdale will have to use something like fast growing oleanders or other dense shrubs to help.

Tips that you may find helpful:Windbreak

  • For maximum protection, plant your windbreak at a distance from your home of three to five times the height of the mature trees. Studies have shown, however, that the effective distance of wind reduction is sometimes as high as 30 times the height of the windbreak, depending on the tree species.
  • Do not plant trees too close to the home’s south side, as this will reduce the warmth supplied by the winter sun.
  • Arrange windbreaks in multiple rows to increase their effectiveness.
  • Do not prune the lower branches of the windbreak, as this will increase the wind speed near the ground.
  • Thin the trees and shrubs as they grow to ensure that competition does not jeopardize the health of the windbreak. For instance, you can plant trees 3 feet apart, but then you should remove every second tree when their crowns begin to intersect.
  • Incorporate numerous plant species in the windbreak to impede wind from ground level to the treetops. Even non-living yard features, such as walls, fences and raised soils, can be incorporated into a single windbreak.
  • Decide which direction the prevailing winds come from in your area so you know where the best places are to plant the windbreak.
  • Be careful to not plant large trees too close to the home, as they may fall during a storm, shed leaves or needles on your roof, allow pests to access your roof, or even penetrate your basement walls with their root structure. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, be sure to talk about it with your home inspector during your next scheduled inspection.
  • Arrange the windbreak in such a way that it will provide a conduit for breezes and desired winds.

Annual Home Inspections

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The concept of an annual home inspection has been around for a long time, but it may just now be catching on that this is a good idea. Why wait until you plan to sell your home and then get overwhelmed with all the small items that you have not stayed on top of.  As a home inspector in the Prescott area, as well as the Phoenix metro area, we have seen houses that have so much going for them when they hit the market, but then once all the items from a home inspection come up the buyers get concerned with the potential added cost of fixing them, and it sometimes causes them to look elsewhere.

It is easy to stay on top of the maintenance items, and sometimes delay the more costly repairs that all homes need over time, by getting a “home health checkup” on a regular basis – just like going to the doctor for your wellness exams, or taking your car to the shop for routine maintenance. Your home is perhaps your largest asset, so maximize your investment and consider a regular home inspection to provide you with an easy to understand to-do list.

After the inspection you will have a clear idea of the items that need attention so that you may decide what you can do on your own, and what you may need a professional contractor to complete. Then you can enjoy your home more while you live there, and can have fewer surprises when you go to sell it.

Call us today to talk about what we can do for you when it comes to annual (or even semi-annual) “health” checkups for your home!

Paying a Little Extra for a Home Inspection Could Pay Off

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Buying a home in Prescott or the Phoenix area? It is probably the most expensive purchase you will ever make. This is no time to shop for a cheap home inspection. The cost of a home inspection is very small relative to the value of the home being inspected. The additional cost of hiring an InterNACHI-certified inspector (like Jerry at Sonoran Property Inspections) is almost insignificant by comparison.

You have recently been crunching the numbers — negotiating offers, adding up closing costs, shopping for mortgages — and trying to get the best deals. Don’t stop now. Don’t let anyone talk you into skimping on the home inspection. A certified professional home inspector will earn their fee many times over. With over 30 years of home building and inspecting experience, we are able to provide clients with more knowledge that can help them in the sale or purchase of a home, and — yes — I may charge a little more than a less experienced inspector.

So do yourself a favor and pay a little more for the quality home inspection you deserve!

Home Inspection for Sellers? It’s a Good Idea!

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Happy New Year from Sonoran Property Inspections, your local home inspector for Prescott, Prescott Valley, as well as Phoenix and Scottsdale.  With home inventory getting lower, it is a good time to consider listing your home. Did you know that a pre-listing home inspection could help you sell your home quicker?

When the home buyer hires an inspector to look at the home, issues can come up that may send both parties back to the negotiating table. But when you decide to hire an inspector before you list you can address any potential stumbling blocks BEFORE they derail your sale of the home.  You may choose to repair any items yourself, or price the house accordingly. But either way, by taking the initiative you are the one in control.  The buyer may (and should) hire a different inspector to re-inspect the home, but at least there should be no big surprises to you as the seller.

So, if you decide to list your home, consider doing a home inspection to go into the transaction with a little more peace of mind for a small amount of investment. If we can help, just let us know.

Home Inspection of Windows

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Windows are one of the things that get looked at when we do a Scottsdale or Prescott home inspection for a buyer or seller. This evaluation of windows determines not only if they open and close properly, but also looks for issues like broken seals or other defects that may need to be addressed or looked at more closely. If you decide to replace defective windows either before or after the sale of the home, here are a few items that may help you understand what is best for you.

First of all, if you are the seller or the buyer and a home inspection reveals defective windows, don’t panic! The cost to repair or replace the window may not be all that bad, and the potential savings in energy even better.

The Potential Energy Payback

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the average household spends between $1,500 and $2,500 annually on energy bills, and attributes about 45% of the expense to heating and cooling. With a window replacement project, selecting the right windows can have significant impact not only on the price of the project, but also on the potential for cutting energy expenses, which is especially important for those who intend to remain in their homes for years after the project is completed.

But when it comes to replacement windows, one size does not fit all. Homeowners need expert guidance to select products that offer the best value for their budget, climate, and the orientation of their home with respect to sun and shade. They should also be careful to contract only with installers who are well trained, efficient, and guarantee their work.

Are Replacement Windows the Right Choice?

It’s important to first determine what type of window project is best for your home. Technically speaking, replacement windows are designed to fit inside an existing window frame so that the siding and trim needn’t be disturbed or replaced.

New-construction units have nailing fins and are designed for installation in a rough opening.

Installation of prime windows requires removal of siding and trim around the window, then restoration of the finishes once the window is in place.

If an existing window frame is relatively square and free of rot and other defects, replacement windows can work well and save lots of time and money. But if an existing window has shifted out of square or there are signs of moisture infiltration in the surrounding wall, the old window and surrounding finishes should be removed. This gives the installer a chance to inspect the framing, find and flash the infiltration source, add insulation where necessary, and seal the opening against water and air leakage.

Replacement Window Material Choices

Vinyl
Vinyl replacement windows are a popular choice due to their affordable cost and low transmission of heat and cold air through the frames. They require little or no maintenance, which should always be factored into the value proposition.

There’s wide variation in the quality of vinyl frames and sashes in the market. More dimensionally stable vinyl frames are extruded with matrices of reinforcing cells for greater strength, and have joints that are welded. These features improve the potential for weather-tightness, energy performance, and lasting attractiveness.

One note: Residents of historic districts and certain homeowners’ associations should be advised that vinyl replacement windows may be prohibited and should check with authorities before installing them.

Wood
Wood replacement windows are more expensive than vinyl but offer comparable heat/cold transmission ratings. Wood is a good choice for older, traditional homes and in districts where vinyl and metal are prohibited by code. Though wood frames require routine maintenance, the extra expense can usually be avoided with approved metal or vinyl cladding applied at the time of installation.

Composition or Fiberglass
Fiberglass replacement windows are comparable in price to wood windows, and they boast better dimensional stability than vinyl. They have inherently good heat/cold transmission resistance that can be augmented with foam insulation applied within voids in the extrusions. Fiberglass windows are available in an array of factory-applied colors that require no maintenance.

Aluminum
Aluminum replacement windows are relatively inexpensive but have poor thermal transmission characteristics, especially when frames are constructed without a thermal break. However, they may offer decent value with the right glazing in warm climates. Factory-applied finishes need no maintenance.

Glazing Choices

Along with selecting a frame and sash with high resistance to thermal transfer, the right glazing can have an enormous impact on a replacement window’s energy-saving performance and, therefore, its long-term value. Glass by itself is not a particularly good insulator, but most replacement window suppliers offer a number of glazing options that can double or triple energy performance, in comparison to single glazing.

Selecting Replacement Windows Based on Orientation

ENERGY STAR, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s program to help consumers and businesses conserve energy, makes some very specific recommendations for window U-value and SHGC ratings with respect to their orientation toward the sun:

In cold climates:

  • South-facing walls: Shaded windows should have a higher SHCG for more passive heat gain in winter and lower U-values to reduce heat loss. Unshaded south-facing windows should have lower SHGC to prevent excessive heat gain in summer.
  • East- and west-facing windows should have lower SHGC ratings.
  • North-facing windows should have the lowest U-value possible; SHGC ratings are unimportant.

In warm climates:

  • East-, west- and south-facing windows should have low SHGC and should be shaded to prevent excessive heat gain.
  • All windows should have low U-values to minimize heat loss and reduce air-conditioning loads.

Go by the Numbers

For guidance in selecting the best values in replacement windows, analyze and compare the ratings found on the NFRC/ENERGY STAR labels on the products offered within your budget range.

Lots of info here, sorry if it is overwhelming, but all windows are clearly not the same, so ask your local expert to help you, and then enjoy those new windows and hopefully the energy you will save in the long run.

Conserve Energy and Save Money

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In addition to doing home inspections in Prescott and Prescott Valley and parts of the Phoenix area, we also do home checks on vacation homes. I recently advised one of my clients that it was time to update the HVAC unit on their vacation home that I manage for them in Scottsdale. They noticed higher than normal bills recently, and while there HAS been a record breaking heat in the valley this summer, part of the problem for them is outdated equipment. This guide is primarily aimed at homeowners who are thinking of upgrading or replacing their home’s existing heating or cooling systems. It also contains useful information for people who are having a home built for them, and for those who want to reduce their energy consumption in general.

A Wise Choice
 
The options presented will help you to select heating and cooling systems that meet the needs of both your lifestyle and your checkbook. Besides the obvious savings for you that occur by lowering your consumption, by reducing demand for energy through conservation, or, in the case of electricity, from shifting consumption to times of lower demand, together we can lower the market price for the energy that is consumed. The advantages of investing in energy efficiency aren’t only felt within your family budget – they are realized in the cleaner environment that goes hand in hand with more efficient systems and the wise use of energy.


Before You Start
Putting an energy-efficient heating system into a drafty, poorly insulated house will reduce your energy bills. But you’ll notice a more dramatic savings and even make yourself more comfortable if you also make your entire house more energy-efficient. How? Here are some ideas:
  • Weatherstrip and caulk to seal air leaks. You may have to replace uncontrolled sources of air with designed sources to ensure proper ventilation.
  • Increase insulation levels where appropriate (such as in the attic and walls) to reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
  • Open drapes on south-facing windows on sunny winter days so that the sun’s energy can help heat your home, and close them in summer to help keep your home cool.
  • Choose energy-efficient products when replacing windows and doors.
By making your house more energy-efficient, your heating and cooling systems will work less, and you may reduce the capacity needed when you replace your systems, which means more savings for you.
Choose the Right Equipment
In order to correctly size new heating and cooling equipment, your contractor must analyze how much heat is lost from your home in winter and gained in summer. Ask for this heat loss/gain analysis in writing, including the method used to perform the calculation. This calculation should take into consideration such factors as the size of the house, its level of insulation, and the condition of windows and doors. If the heat loss and gain is significant, and you haven’t already taken steps to increase the energy efficiency of the house, now is the time to do it.
Avoid the temptation to simply choose the same size equipment that already exists in your house without doing a heat loss/gain analysis. Your home has likely been altered over the years, and the system might even have been the wrong size at the start. An oversized unit will usually operate below peak efficiency, and both oversized and undersized units can adversely affect the comfort of your home. Any installation involving combustion equipment should include steps to ensure that there will be an adequate supply of air for combustion and venting, and that other air-exhausting equipment will not cause problems.
I am not going to go into detail about all the different types of units out there, or the SEER ratings… but I am more than happy to talk to you about these things if you care to give me a call.  In summary, homeowners can reduce their energy consumption by adopting the strategies offered in this guide and contacting an inspector who may be able to guide you in ways to conserve energy and save money.

10 Energy Saving Tips for your Home

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There are lots of things you can do in your home to save energy (and therefore money), and Sonoran Property Inspections is here to help. Many of these things can be done yourself. If you want an inspection of your home to give you a better idea of where to start, feel free to call us. We can have Jerry (the home inspector you can count on in the Prescott area) come out and take a look and help guide you. Start by taking a look at the items you can do now to start saving energy and money.

1. Find better ways to heat and cool your house. 

As much as half of the energy used in homes goes toward heating and cooling. The following are a few ways that energy bills can be reduced through adjustments to the heating and cooling systems:

  • Install a ceiling fan. Ceiling fans can be used in place of air conditioners, which require a large amount of energy.
  • Periodically replace air filters in air conditioners and heaters.
  • Set thermostats to an appropriate temperature. Specifically, they should be turned down at night and when no one is home. In most homes, about 2% of the heating bill will be saved for each degree that the thermostat is lowered for at least eight hours each day. Turning down the thermostat from 75° F to 70° F, for example, saves about 10% on heating costs.
  • Install a programmable thermostat. A programmable thermostat saves money by allowing heating and cooling appliances to be automatically turned down during times that no one is home and at night. Programmable thermostats contain no mercury and, in some climate zones, can save up to $150 per year in energy costs.
  • Install a wood stove or a pellet stove. These are more efficient sources of heat than furnaces.
  • At night, curtains drawn over windows will better insulate the room.

2. Install a tankless water heater.

Demand-type water heaters (tankless or instantaneous) provide hot water only as it is needed. They don’t produce the standby energy losses associated with traditional storage water heaters, which will save on energy costs. Tankless water heaters heat water directly without the use of a storage tank. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. A gas burner or an electric element heats the water. As a result, demand water heaters deliver a constant supply of hot water. You don’t need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water.

3. Replace incandescent lights.

The average household dedicates 11% of its energy budget to lighting. Traditional incandescent lights convert approximately only 10% of the energy they consume into light, while the rest becomes heat. The use of new lighting technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), can reduce the energy use required by lighting by 50% to 75%. Advances in lighting controls offer further energy savings by reducing the amount of time that lights are on but not being used. Here are some facts about CFLs and LEDs:

  • CFLs use 75% less energy and last about 10 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
  • LEDs last even longer than CFLs and consume less energy.
  • LEDs have no moving parts and, unlike CFLs, they contain no mercury.

4. Seal and insulate your home.

Sealing and insulating your home is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy-efficient, and you can do it yourself. A tightly sealed home can improve comfort and indoor air quality while reducing utility bills. An InterNACHI energy auditor can assess  leakage in the building envelope and recommend fixes that will dramatically increase comfort and energy savings.

The following are some common places where leakage may occur:

  • electrical receptacles/outlets;
  • mail slots;
  • around pipes and wires;
  • wall- or window-mounted air conditioners;
  • attic hatches;
  • fireplace dampers;
  • inadequate weatherstripping around doors;
  • baseboards;
  • window frames; and
  • switch plates.

Because hot air rises, air leaks are most likely to occur in the attic. Homeowners can perform a variety of repairs and maintenance to their attics that save them money on cooling and heating, such as:

  • Plug the large holes. Locations in the attic where leakage is most likely to be the greatest are where walls meet the attic floor, behind and under attic knee walls, and in dropped-ceiling areas.
  • Seal the small holes. You can easily do this by looking for areas where the insulation is darkened. Darkened insulation is a result of dusty interior air being filtered by insulation before leaking through small holes in the building envelope. In cold weather, you may see frosty areas in the insulation caused by warm, moist air condensing and then freezing as it hits the cold attic air. In warmer weather, you’ll find water staining in these same areas. Use expanding foam or caulk to seal the openings around plumbing vent pipes and electrical wires. Cover the areas with insulation after the caulk is dry.
  • Seal up the attic access panel with weatherstripping. You can cut a piece of fiberglass or rigid foamboard insulation in the same size as the attic hatch and glue it to the back of the attic access panel. If you have pull-down attic stairs or an attic door, these should be sealed in a similar manner.

5. Install efficient showerheads and toilets.

The following systems can be installed to conserve water usage in homes:

  • low-flow showerheads. They are available in different flow rates, and some have a pause button which shuts off the water while the bather lathers up;
  • low-flow toilets. Toilets consume 30% to 40% of the total water used in homes, making them the biggest water users. Replacing an older 3.5-gallon toilet with a modern, low-flow 1.6-gallon toilet can reduce usage an average of 2 gallons-per-flush (GPF), saving 12,000 gallons of water per year. Low-flow toilets usually have “1.6 GPF” marked on the bowl behind the seat or inside the tank;
  • vacuum-assist toilets. This type of toilet has a vacuum chamber that uses a siphon action to suck air from the trap beneath the bowl, allowing it to quickly fill with water to clear waste. Vacuum-assist toilets are relatively quiet; and
  • dual-flush toilets. Dual-flush toilets have been used in Europe and Australia for years and are now gaining in popularity in the U.S. Dual-flush toilets let you choose between a 1-gallon (or less) flush for liquid waste, and a 1.6-gallon flush for solid waste. Dual-flush 1.6-GPF toilets reduce water consumption by an additional 30%.

6. Use appliances and electronics responsibly.

Appliances and electronics account for about 20% of household energy bills in a typical U.S. home. The following are tips that will reduce the required energy of electronics and appliances:

  • Refrigerators and freezers should not be located near the stove, dishwasher or heat vents, or exposed to direct sunlight. Exposure to warm areas will force them to use more energy to remain cool.
  • Computers should be shut off when not in use. If unattended computers must be left on, their monitors should be shut off. According to some studies, computers account for approximately 3% of all energy consumption in the United States.
  • Use efficient ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and electronics. These devices, approved by the U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Program, include TVs, home theater systems, DVD players, CD players, receivers, speakers, and more. According to the EPA, if just 10% of homes used energy-efficient appliances, it would reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of 1.7 million acres of trees.
  • Chargers, such as those used for laptops and cell phones, consume energy when they are plugged in. When they are not connected to electronics, chargers should be unplugged.
  • Laptop computers consume considerably less electricity than desktop computers.

7. Install daylighting as an alternative to electrical lighting.

Daylighting is the practice of using natural light to illuminate the home’s interior. It can be achieved using the following approaches:

  • skylights. It’s important that they be double-pane or they may not be cost-effective. Flashing skylights correctly is key to avoiding leaks;
  • light shelves. Light shelves are passive devices designed to bounce light deep into a building. They may be interior or exterior. Light shelves can introduce light into a space up to 2½ times the distance from the floor to the top of the window, and advanced light shelves may introduce four times that amount;
  • clerestory windows.  Clerestory windows are short, wide windows set high on the wall. Protected from the summer sun by the roof overhang, they allow winter sun to shine through for natural lighting and warmth; and
  • light tubes.  Light tubes use a special lens designed to amplify low-level light and reduce light intensity from the midday sun. Sunlight is channeled through a tube coated with a highly reflective material, and then enters the living space through a diffuser designed to distribute light evenly.

8. Insulate windows and doors.

About one-third of the home’s total heat loss usually occurs through windows and doors. The following are ways to reduce energy lost through windows and doors:

  • Seal all window edges and cracks with rope caulk. This is the cheapest and simplest option.
  • Windows can be weatherstripped with a special lining that is inserted between the window and the frame. For doors, apply weatherstripping around the whole perimeter to ensure a tight seal when they’re closed. Install quality door sweeps on the bottom of the doors, if they aren’t already in place.
  • Install storm windows at windows with only single panes. A removable glass frame can be installed over an existing window.
  • If existing windows have rotted or damaged wood, cracked glass, missing putty, poorly fitting sashes, or locks that don’t work, they should be repaired or replaced.

9. Cook smart.

An enormous amount of energy is wasted while cooking. The following recommendations and statistics illustrate less wasteful ways of cooking:

  • Convection ovens are more efficient that conventional ovens. They use fans to force hot air to circulate more evenly, thereby allowing food to be cooked at a lower temperature. Convection ovens use approximately 20% less electricity than conventional ovens.
  • Microwave ovens consume approximately 80% less energy than conventional ovens.
  • Pans should be placed on the matching size heating element or flame.
  • Using lids on pots and pans will heat food more quickly than cooking in uncovered pots and pans.
  • Pressure cookers reduce cooking time dramatically.
  • When using conventional ovens, food should be placed on the top rack. The top rack is hotter and will cook food faster.

10. Change the way you do laundry.

  • Do not use the medium setting on your washer. Wait until you have a full load of clothes, as the medium setting saves less than half of the water and energy used for a full load.
  • Avoid using high-temperature settings when clothes are not very soiled. Water that is 140° F uses far more energy than 103° F for the warm-water setting, but 140° F isn’t that much more effective for getting clothes clean.
  • Clean the lint trap every time before you use the dryer. Not only is excess lint a fire hazard, but it will prolong the amount of time required for your clothes to dry.
  • If possible, air-dry your clothes on lines and racks.
  • Spin-dry or wring clothes out before putting them into a dryer.
Homeowners who take the initiative to make these changes usually discover that the energy savings are more than worth the effort. Home inspectors can make this process much easier because they can perform a more comprehensive assessment of energy-savings potential than the average homeowner can.