NRV Blueprint March 2025

sustainable living take the First steps The quickest and easiest ways to increase comfort and save money at home is to improve your home’s energy profile. Did you know that the typical American family spends nearly $2,000 each year on home energy bills? Around half of the energy used in homes is for heating and cooling, but up to a third of that energy is wasted through things like inefficient appliances and air leaks. When it comes to creating a comfortable and affordable living space, prioritizing energy efficiency can make a huge difference. Not only does making your home more energy-efficient save you money, it also helps reduce your carbon footprint, benefiting both your wallet and the planet. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to make eco-friendly changes, or a builder interested in incorporating sustainable practices, there are plenty of ways to go green. Let’s dive a little deeper into some of the most effective things you can do to make your home greener and more cost-efficient. Home Energy Audits

Perhaps you’ve lived in your home for years, or maybe you just moved in, but either way, getting an energy audit for your home can save you money and energy, along with making your home healthier and more comfortable. The audit looks at things in your home such as insulation value, HVAC system efficiency, gaps and cracks that are leaking air, as well as moisture and humidity levels. They typically use methods such as a blower door test, which determines how much air is entering or escaping your home by fitting a powerful fan to an existing door and using a digital gauge to determine the difference in air pressure. An infrared camera can also be used to show differences in temperature throughout the house and where improvements can be made. Common improvements include weather stripping, adding insulation, and making upgrades to

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