HES Home Energy Frequently Asked Questions.
Home Energy Services (HES) FAQs (Connecticut Homes)
Homestead Comfort — Serving North Central Connecticut Since 1989
If your home feels drafty, has uneven temperatures, or your energy bills seem too high, you’re not alone. Here are clear, practical answers to help you understand what’s happening—and how to fix it.
✅ Quick Answers: Home Energy Services in Connecticut
- Why is my house drafty?
Air leaks in the attic, basement, and walls let outside air in year-round. - Why are my energy bills so high?
Poor insulation, air leaks, and duct issues force your system to work harder. - What is a Home Energy Assessment?
A full evaluation of your home to find where energy is being lost. - Is a home energy audit worth it?
Yes—most homeowners uncover issues that can reduce energy waste by 20–40%. - What improvements make the biggest impact?
Air sealing, insulation, and duct sealing deliver the strongest results. - Do I need an audit for rebates in Connecticut?
Yes—most Energize CT programs require one. - How do I get started?
Schedule a Home Energy Assessment to get a clear improvement plan.
Comfort & High Energy Bill Questions
Why is my house drafty?
Short Answer: Drafts are usually caused by hidden air leaks throughout your home.
Leaks commonly occur in:
- Attics
- Basements
- Around windows and doors
Sealing these gaps is one of the fastest ways to improve comfort in Connecticut homes.
Why are my energy bills so high?
Short Answer: Air leaks, poor insulation, and duct issues are the most common causes.
When your home can’t hold temperature, your HVAC system runs longer—using more energy and raising costs.
Why are some rooms hotter or colder than others?
Short Answer: Uneven temperatures are usually caused by insulation or airflow problems.
Common issues include:
- Duct leakage
- Poor insulation
- Airflow imbalances
Why is my second floor always hotter?
Short Answer: Heat rises, and attic conditions often make it worse.
If your attic isn’t properly sealed and insulated, heat builds up and affects upper floors.
Why is my basement cold in winter?
Short Answer: Heat loss through foundation walls and air leaks.
Basements in Connecticut homes often lack proper insulation and sealing.
Why does my HVAC system run constantly?
Short Answer: Your system may be compensating for energy loss.
Air leaks and insulation gaps force longer run times and higher energy use.
Next step: A home energy assessment can identify exactly where energy is being lost.
Home Energy Assessments (Energy Audits)
What is a Home Energy Assessment?
Short Answer: A complete evaluation of your home’s energy performance.
It identifies:
- Air leaks
- Insulation gaps
- Duct issues
- System inefficiencies
What is a Home Energy Solutions (HES) assessment?
Short Answer: A Connecticut utility-supported energy audit program.
It includes:
- Testing
- Immediate improvements
- A plan for upgrades
What happens during an energy audit?
Short Answer: We test and evaluate your home to find hidden inefficiencies.
This often includes:
- Blower door testing
- Insulation review
- Duct inspections
- HVAC evaluation
How long does a home energy audit take?
Short Answer: Most take 2–5 hours.
Timing depends on the size and complexity of your home.
Is a home energy audit worth it?
Short Answer: Yes—it uncovers problems you can’t see and gives you a clear action plan.
Many homeowners in Connecticut see significant comfort and efficiency improvements after upgrades.
Do I need an audit to qualify for rebates?
Short Answer: In most cases, yes.
Programs like Energize CT and Eversource typically require an assessment first.
Will I get a plan after the audit?
Short Answer: Yes—you’ll receive prioritized recommendations and available incentives.
Blower Door Testing & Home Performance
What is a blower door test?
Short Answer: A test that exposes hidden air leaks in your home.
A large fan depressurizes your home to identify where air is escaping or entering.
Why is blower door testing important?
Short Answer: It shows exactly where energy loss is happening.
This allows improvements to be targeted for maximum impact.
Is a blower door test safe?
Short Answer: Yes—it’s non-invasive and widely used.
What is the building envelope?
Short Answer: The barrier between your indoor and outdoor environments.
This includes:
- Walls
- Attic
- Windows
- Doors
What does “tightening the envelope” mean?
Short Answer: Sealing leaks and improving insulation.
This helps your home hold heated and cooled air more effectively.
Insulation & Air Sealing
Is attic insulation worth it in Connecticut?
Short Answer: Yes—it's one of the highest-impact upgrades.
Proper attic insulation reduces heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.
How do I know if I need more insulation?
Short Answer: Drafts, high bills, and uneven temperatures are key signs.
Where are insulation upgrades most needed?
Short Answer: Attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
These areas are the biggest sources of energy loss.
Can insulation lower my energy bills?
Short Answer: Yes—better insulation reduces system run time.
Can air sealing improve comfort?
Short Answer: Absolutely—it reduces drafts and stabilizes temperatures.
Aeroseal® Duct Sealing
What is Aeroseal duct sealing?
Short Answer: A process that seals leaks from inside your ductwork.
Does Aeroseal really work?
Short Answer: Yes—it significantly reduces duct leakage.
How much air leaks from duct systems?
Short Answer: Many homes lose 20–30% of conditioned air.
Especially in homes with ducts in attics or basements.
How do I know if my ducts are leaking?
Short Answer: Look for uneven temperatures, weak airflow, or high energy bills.
Is duct sealing worth it?
Short Answer: In most cases, yes.
It improves airflow, comfort, and efficiency.
Is Aeroseal safe?
Short Answer: Yes—it uses a non-toxic, water-based sealant.
Will duct sealing improve comfort?
Short Answer: Yes—more consistent airflow improves room temperatures.
Will it reduce energy costs?
Short Answer: Yes—by reducing wasted heating and cooling.
HVAC Efficiency & Performance
What’s the best way to improve home energy efficiency?
Short Answer: Combine air sealing, insulation, and duct improvements.
Addressing the whole home—not just equipment—delivers the best results.
Should I improve insulation before replacing HVAC?
Short Answer: Often yes—it reduces system size and cost.
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Can energy upgrades extend HVAC system life?
Short Answer: Yes—less strain means better long-term performance.
Can home energy improvements help with humidity?
Short Answer: Yes—better airflow and sealing improve moisture control.
Rebates, Incentives & ROI
Are energy rebates available in Connecticut?
Short Answer: Yes—Energize CT and utility programs offer incentives.
Will Homestead Comfort help with rebates?
Short Answer: Yes—we guide you through the process.
Which upgrades provide the best return?
Short Answer: Air sealing, insulation, and duct sealing.
These consistently deliver strong ROI.
How much can I save with energy improvements?
Short Answer: Many homeowners reduce energy waste by 20–40%.
Savings depend on your home’s current condition.
Getting Started
Why choose Homestead Comfort for home energy services?
Short Answer: We take a whole-home, data-driven approach.
We don’t just treat symptoms—we identify and fix root causes.
What makes your approach different?
Short Answer: Testing, diagnosing, and prioritizing what actually matters.
Do I need to leave my home during service?
Short Answer: No—most work is completed while you’re there.
How do I get started with a Home Energy Assessment?
Short Answer: Schedule an assessment to get a clear plan.
We’ll evaluate your home, explain findings, and recommend next steps.
Next step: Book your Home Energy Assessment to uncover hidden energy loss.