Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 5
Conserving Energy
Abstract
Conserving energy in the home is a methodical approach to a never end-
ing battle with the environment. Time and weather extremes tear away at our walls,
foundations, roofs and windows until they no longer hold back the effects of cold
and heat. Constant vigilance is required to keep nature out and comfort in. Watch-
ing your HEI go down each month is a sure sign that your conservation efforts are
paying off. Sealing the leaks, adding insulation and replacing older less efficient
appliances are the big “money makers” when it comes to energy conservation. Pay-
ing attention to air flow and solar effect can breed new ideas about how to conserve.
Monitor your consumption in the most minor detail to see if your conservation
efforts have paid off.
5.1
Sealing Leaks
Sealing leaks in the home starts by simply walking around your home, inside and
out, looking for gaps in the structure. These gaps may appear around the openings
cut in the floors and walls for pipes or near baseboards down through the floor.
Make sure the doors and windows seal completely when they are closed. Look for
old caulking around windows and doors. When caulking gets old it will crack or
shrink leaving gaps around it. Remove the old caulking and replace it. Look for
missing or damaged weather stripping. These pieces of weather stripping will dete-
riorate over time and fall apart. If any of the weather stripping on a door or window
is bad remove it all and replace it for the whole window or door. Your forced air
ducts may also leak. Look for obvious gaps in the connections. Feel around electri-
cal outlets and switch plates for any air movement. If the outlets or switch plates are
leaking insulate them with an appropriate fire resistant foam sealant.
If necessary, an energy audit can pinpoint problems with leaks in your ducts and
your whole house. A certified home energy audit usually lasts 4 to 6 h and costs
$ 200 to $ 500. You can audit your own home by making a list of the problems as
you walk around your home. You can place box fans in the windows facing out to
create a draft and make it easier to feel the leaks [4].
On the outside look for cracks in the foundation and seal them with concrete
filler material. I sealed the space between my foundation and siding with spray
