By Thad Warren
Think of a home energy audit like a check-up for your house. Instead of a doctor checking your pulse, an auditor looks for drafty windows, inefficient insulation, and appliances that are quietly draining your wallet.
The goal is to determine where your entire home is wasting energy and give you a clear plan for fixing it.
Here’s what happens during an energy audit:
You can either hire a professional auditor for a detailed assessment or do a DIY version to identify the most obvious problem areas. Either way, an audit helps you cut down on energy waste, lower your bills, and make your home more comfortable year-round.
The cost of a home energy audit varies based on the level of detail and location:
A home energy audit isn’t just about lowering your bills (though that’s a big perk). It’s about making your home more comfortable, safer, and efficient—all while keeping more money in your pocket. By addressing these issues, you can save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable year-round.
Here’s what you get out of it:
Ultimately, an energy audit pays for itself through lower bills, potential rebates, and a more efficient, comfortable home.
A little prep work can help you get the most out of your energy audit. Here’s what to do before the auditor arrives:
Make a list of problem areas – Drafty rooms, high energy bills, or condensation on windows? Take note.
Gather past utility bills – This helps the auditor spot patterns in your energy use.
Clear access to key areas – The attic, basement, HVAC system, and water heater should be easy to inspect.
Be ready to discuss your energy concerns – Whether you want lower bills or a more efficient home, sharing your goals helps the auditor focus on what matters most.
Note that new construction homes are typically not eligible for these audits, as the focus is on existing homes.
A professional energy audit examines how your home uses and loses energy. The auditor inspects key systems, such as your electrical, plumbing, and HVAC setup, for inefficiencies that could be driving up your bills.
Specialized equipment helps uncover hidden problems. A blower door test, for example, uses a powerful fan to detect air leaks, while infrared cameras can pinpoint areas where heat is escaping. The auditor will also check insulation levels, window and door seals, and ventilation to see where improvements can be made.
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll get a detailed report outlining the findings. It will highlight problem areas and provide recommendations for upgrades that could lower your energy costs and improve your home’s efficiency. The auditor may also point you toward rebates and incentives that can help offset the cost of energy-saving improvements. Many utility companies and government programs offer financial incentives for home energy audits, which can help offset the cost of energy-saving improvements.
Conducting a home energy audit is a comprehensive process that involves a thorough examination of your home’s energy usage and efficiency. Typically, a certified home energy auditor will carry out this task, using specialized equipment and techniques to identify areas where your home is losing energy.
The process usually starts with a visual inspection of your home's exterior and interior, including critical areas like the attic, crawl space, and basement. The auditor will look for signs of air leakage, gaps in insulation, and other issues that could be wasting energy.
Next, the auditor will employ specialized equipment, such as a blower door test, to measure your home’s air tightness and pinpoint areas of air leakage. This test involves using a large fan to blow air out of your home, creating a pressure difference that makes it easier to detect leaks.
In addition to the blower door test, the auditor will use infrared cameras and other diagnostic tools to detect heat loss and gain, identifying areas where your home is not energy efficient. They may also conduct a thermographic scan to find temperature differences in your walls, floors, and ceilings, providing a detailed picture of your home’s energy performance.
Once the audit is complete, the auditor will analyze the findings and compile a comprehensive report detailing your home’s energy efficiency. This report will highlight areas for improvement and provide specific recommendations for energy-saving upgrades and repairs.
The report will also include an analysis of your home’s energy usage patterns, breaking down the amount of energy used for heating, cooling, and other appliances. This information is invaluable for identifying where you can reduce energy consumption and prioritize upgrades that will offer the most significant cost savings.
Understanding your home’s energy usage and inefficiencies can help you make informed decisions about which improvements to tackle first, ensuring you get the most out of your investment in energy efficiency.
Once your energy audit is complete, it’s time to implement the recommendations. The best approach is to start with the biggest problem areas, especially those that are costing you the most money.
Sealing air leaks around windows and doors is one of the easiest and most cost-effective fixes. Adding insulation, especially in the attic, can make a huge difference in keeping your home comfortable year-round. If your appliances are outdated, upgrading to energy-efficient models can lower your electricity use without sacrificing performance.
Other great ways to reduce energy waste are switching to LED lighting, installing a smart thermostat, and improving your HVAC system. For even bigger savings, you might consider installing a heat pump or making other long-term efficiency upgrades.
Making these changes lowers your energy bills, makes your home more comfortable, reduces wear and tear on your HVAC system, and could even qualify you for rebates and tax incentives. Additionally, you may qualify for a tax credit for making energy-efficient upgrades to your home.
Maximizing cost savings with energy audits involves a strategic approach that considers your home’s entire energy usage and efficiency. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your energy audit:
By following these tips, you can maximize the cost savings from your energy audit and enhance the energy efficiency of your home, making it more comfortable and reducing your energy bills.
