Archaeology Meets Energy Efficiency in Massachusetts
Posted by Renewal by Andersen on Thu, Jun 10, 2010
The Robbins Museum of Archaeology in Middleboro, MA received a hybrid energy audit from the Middleboro Gas & Electric company to help save money on its utilities. The audit examines all areas of the building to determine where air may be leaking out. A list of improvements offers suggestions on increasing the energy efficiency through implementation.
A thermal imaging camera was used to see where warm air was leaking out and cold air was coming in. Their findings were that air was escaping through the windows and pipes and the lighting needed to be updated. Even though this energy audit was done on a museum, these relatively small upgrades can be implemented in your home so you can start reaping the benefits of lower utility bills.
Updating your windows to ones that are more energy efficient is a great way to decrease the amount of energy being wasted. It is also important that they are installed correctly. Ensuring that the windows are accurately measured and sealed properly to be air tight is something that may be overlooked. Another way to increase the efficiency is making sure there is adequate insulation in the walls near the windows.
The pipes are another area that energy is wasted because exposed pipes causes the heat to escape and the boiler to work harder. By insulating the pipes with foam, you can not only cut down on the heat escaping due to exposure but also allow your boiler to operate more effectively.
Lighting is the cheapest upgrade you can make. Changing your lighting to the new compact fluorescent bulbs can make a big impact. They are a little more expensive upfront but in the long term, they save you money.
Middleboro Gas & Electric allows its customers to apply for their own energy audit once funding becomes available through their website at www.mgandeonline.com.
Renewal by Andersen offers energy efficient replacement windows that are custom built to your home so they will be properly installed and sealed for maximum energy efficiency.
