Looks like you are in Ohio. I googled "energy audit ohio" and it looks like various utilities offer audits. I also find this site by Ohio government on self performed audit (broken link removed to http://www.occ.ohio.gov/smartenergy/energyefficiency.shtml). In many states the utilities are required to have energy audit programs usually at a reduced price. In some cases they also will do free or reduced cost air sealing or insulation. Take look at the this link of Ohio specific energy programs and call around to see if you qualify.
http://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?fromSir=0&state=OH
A blower door test is specific test with a calibrated fan and an adjustable rig to block up the door. It pulls air through the fan out of the house and by measuring the pressure drop across the opening they can calculate the leakage or air into the house via cracks and openings at a standard pressure drop. It sets a benchmark. The auditor then goes around with smoke gun that puffs smoke around potentially leakage points, if they see the smoke moving they know there is leak. They usually issue a report listing the biggest bang for the buck leak fixes. If they offer air sealing, they then go around and make the fixes which is usually caulking and foaming with some work around interior fixtures that go into the attic. Attic hatches are usually a big issue and "can type" lights in the ceilings are also a big one as they typically can not be directly insulated against. In both cases they may make a box out of foam board around the fixture and seal it with foam or make removable cover for the attic hatch. Bathroom and kitchen fans frequently are a source of leakage as the back draft dampers on these units are usually junk and over the years they can stick open. The other big source of energy loss is HVAC ducts, ideally they should be in the conditioned space but in most houses they run through unconditioned space. Frequently there is all sorts of air leakage at joints or poorly insulated duct runs.
Once done sealing the blower door test is done again and the reduction in air leakage can be proven. There are standard amounts of allowable air leakage that allow for adequate fresh air, make the building too tight and you may need to install a makeup air system with a heat exchanger. They also may notice areas of inadequate insulation and poor windows but rarely does it make sense to change out a window for energy savings. Generally most houses attics dont have enough insulation so I would guess that it may be time to add some cellulose over the rafters.
A poor mans blowers door test is go around on a cold day with a sponge and keep one hand damp while passing it by the exterior walls of the house. You will feel the drafts and can fix the one you can find. A bit more sophisticated is get a large cardboard box and a cheap fan and seal up a window so that the fan is sucking air out of the house then go around an look for leaks using the damp sponge approach. You really cant quantify the difference without a draft gauge but you will be amazed at home many leaks you will find.
We have a fireplace that can take an insert. We have enough wood for 2 years however would like to stay away if possible. Would like options/opinions from this forum. Possible pellet stove, add-on coal stove??? Thanks in advance.
