Common problems that you can fix to reduce your energy bills at North Fork Middle School
There are common problems that you can count on to be wasting energy in your home or business. If you take some time to fix these you will reduce your monthly energy bills.
First the attic access. In this modular classroom I visited last week, there was a typical attic access panel. The surface temperature on interior walls was right around 68 degrees. The surface temperature on this access panel was 47 degrees. We determined that there was no insulation or weather sealing around or on this opening. This would be the same as leaving our a 30″ x 30″ window in your wall. Sealing this hole up will certainly improve energy usage.
Recessed can lights are always a huge thermal issue if they are used in a space that is insulated above. The reason is the can itself takes the place of insulation. In this space you can see a 7 degree temperature difference from the warm surface to the air leaking into the space around the can light.
Next, think windows. These single glazed windows are 45 degrees on the surface even on the south face of the building. The windows in this same structure on the north face have storm windows and the surface temperature was 58 degrees. Simple changes will make a huge difference.
