Most households would welcome information on how to save money on heating and cooling their homes. As a handyman, you could offer your own home energy audits that identify those problems that impact energy efficiency.
To do a home energy audit, start with a walk through of the home, make a note of problem locations, and then report back to your customer with recommendations on what needs to be done.
Include the following items during the home energy audit:
- Check for air leaks around windows and doors. (By decreasing air leaks the customer can save up to 25 percent in energy use.)
- Check electrical outlets, switch plates, and baseboards for air leaks.
- Check that the condition of any weatherstripping is reasonable and doing its job.
- Check for windows that rattle. Where there is a rattle there is a gap and therefore a leak. Replacement or installation of weatherstripping may be necessary.
- Check the condition and quantity of insulation in the home,
especially in the attic. Advise if more may be necessary.
- Check the wattage of light bulbs. Lighting can account for upwards of 10 percent of energy costs. You could suggest that 100-watt bulbs be replaced with 60-watt bulbs to decrease energy consumption. Energy-efficient, long-life compact fluorescent bulbs are another option, and they can mean huge savings in the long run.
- Look for damaged siding on the outside of the house. Any holes should be plugged and caulked.
- Look for gaps where pipes and wires enter the house. Fill as necessary.
- Check for carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers. Make sure they are in good working order. (Fire extinguishers have a limited life, even if they have never been used.)
- Examine emergency exits, such as windows. Make sure they open with ease if needed in an emergency.
- Suggest the installation of low-flow toilets and/or shower heads.
- Examine faucets for leaks.
- Suggest that water tanks and hot water pipes get wrapped to conserve energy.
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