Episode 1
Perform a home evaluation

Sydney Roberts of SouthFace Energy Institute conducts “whole house evaluations” to figure out exactly where your home is losing valuable energy.

Setting up a blower door allows specialists to measure whole house infiltration. A fan depressurizes the house and measures how much air is going out through the fan. That amount of air is the same amount that’s coming in through all the leaks that are all over the house. While the fan is blowing, you can find all the leaks.
Typical energy leaks are found around fireplaces, doors, windows, and plumbing penetrations
Anytime you see dirty insulation, whether it’s on the ductwork or in your attic – that means that the air’s moving through the insulation. And where air moves through the insulation, the insulation doesn’t work and you need to do some air sealing or some duct sealing.
If you suspect that your hard-earned money is pouring out of your home, find out if your utility company offers free or discounted home energy audits. If they don’t, you can hire a certified home energy professional for about $150 to $450, or you can do a visual audit yourself.
Learn more about home energy audits