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703 622-1554
Larry Brown
Energy Specialist
Email: larry@energyauditforhomes.com

COMMON HOME PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
Listed below are some possible indicators of an home energy problem. Do any of these common problems describe your energy issue?
Higher Than Average Energy Bills
High utility bills in summer and winter can often be traced to air leaks
in your home's envelope, inefficient windows or heating and cooling equipment,
or poorly sealed and insulated ducts.
Solution: Caulking and sealing will generally reduce your bills
by 20%.
Mold, Mildew or Musty Odors
Water leaks or high humidity can lead to mold and mildew. This can cause
wood rot, structural damage, peeling paint, and a variety of health problems.
Solution: We can help you with your minor mold and mildew problems
but more serious mold will require a professional.
Damp Basement
A damp basement is commonly caused by moisture migrating through the foundation.
As this moisture evaporates, it increases indoor humidity and can promote
the growth of mold — resulting in an uncomfortable house.
Solution: We will find the source of your damp basement.
Cold Floors in Winter
Some types of floor coverings (such as wood, stone, tile, or concrete)
will naturally feel cold on bare feet. However, insufficient insulation
or air infiltration can also cause cold floors.
Solution: Air Sealing and insulation can help stop drafts and improve
the comfort of your home.
Drafty Rooms
Cold air coming into or going out of your house, especially through leaks
hidden in the attic and basement, can cause rooms to feel drafty and uncomfortable.
Solution: The most important leaks are often in the attic.
Dust
Increased dust could be a sign that it is time to change your air filter
or that your ductwork is not well sealed.
Solution: Consider leaving your shoes at the door so you don’t
track outside debris-often the largest source of dust -into your house.
Moisture on Windows
Inefficient windows or high indoor moisture levels from air leaks can
result in condensation, frost, or pools of water on windows and sills.
Solution: If you have single pane windows, especially with metal
frames, install storm windows or consider replacing your existing windows.
Ice Dams
Warm air inside your home leaks into the attic and will warm the underside
of the roof causing snow and ice to melt and refreeze as it runs off your
roof — forming icicles and ice dams.
Solution: Seal air leaks and sealing duct air leaks in your attic
to stop warm air leakage (the source of the problem).
Peeling Paint
Peeling or cracking paint on your home's exterior may be a sign of a humidity
problem or improper paint application.
Solution: Control moisture problems.
Hot or Cold Rooms
Significant differences in temperature from one room to another could
be caused by several factors, including inadequate insulation, air leakage,
and poor duct performance.
Solution: Seal air leaks and add insulation or if the sun is making
rooms to hot, consider shades or solar screening.
Dry Indoor Air in Winter
Air leaks in your home allow warm humid air to escape and draw in drier
colder air.
Solution: Seal air leaks to prevent infiltration of cold, dry air
for outside. If you have a tight home you may not need a humidifier.
Blower Door Test