Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Survey Checklist

Easily begin the diagnostic process if your home has energy-related problems. Although not a replacement for professional evaluation, the DIY approach can uncover problems for quick fixes or further investigation. Inspect the items on the list and make notes about the problem(s). The list and notes will serve as a to-do list for tackling problem areas and prioritizing repairs and upgrades.

• Gaps along baseboards, flooring edges, junctures of walls and ceilings; anywhere that two different building materials meet.

• Insulation around electrical outlets and switch plates. Turn off power to an electrical outlet or switch, use a power tester to double-check that no current is flowing to the outlet, remove the cover plate and probe around the opened outlet with a stick; resistance indicates the presence of insulation.

• Windows and doors - rattling indicates an air leak source.

• Fireplace flue.

• Cellar door and attic hatch (hatch should have the same insulation as the attic floor).

• Wall- and window-mounted air conditioners.

• Drafts through mail slots and pet doors.

• Exhaust fans and hoods; dryer vents.

• Foundation seals, siding, mortar between bricks (especially building corners).

• Worn or improperly installed caulking and weather stripping.

• Storm windows installed.

• Vapor barrier underneath installation.

• Attic vents (should not be blocked by insulation).

• Wrapping on water heater, hot water pipes, and furnace ducts.

• Replacement of furnace air filters.

• Ducts and seams (dirt streaks indicate leakage).

• Lighting (replace incandescent bulbs with CFL or LED bulbs).

• Schedule annual HVAC inspections.

• Gaps or settling in wall insulation.

• Blockages in rain gutters and downspouts.