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What is a home energy audit?
A home energy audit is an assessment of your home’s energy usage that is conducted by a professional inspector. Audits include a detailed inspection of your home and an examination of your utility bills. Afterward, you’ll receive a report detailing the inspector’s findings and recommendations for improving efficiency.
Home energy audits are offered by specialized energy companies, HVAC installers, and sometimes your utility company. Compare multiple quotes from local companies and choose a certified auditor for the most reliable results.
What does an energy audit entail?
An energy audit identifies areas where energy is lost and suggests ways to address them. Here are some tasks often included in an audit:
| Energy audit task | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Utility bill assessment | Determines your energy usage and identifies potential spikes |
| Insulation check | Prevents heat loss and helps maintain a comfortable temperature |
| Blower door test | Locates air leaks that are causing temperature variations |
| HVAC assessment | Examines your unit for damage and inefficiency |
| Appliance evaluation | Identifies appliances that may be wasting energy |
| Water heater check | Checks proper temperature settings and insulation |
| Ventilation | Reviews airflow and identifies blockages |
| Electrical wiring inspection | Catches critical wiring issues |
Benefits of an energy audit
There are numerous benefits to an energy audit, including:
- Potentially lowering your energy bill by reducing electricity waste
- Improving the comfort of your home by maintaining a consistent temperature
- Reducing your carbon footprint with energy-efficient upgrades
- Gaining peace of mind by catching safety issues like carbon monoxide leaks or faulty wiring
- Increasing the value of your property with new appliances or upgrades
Picking your priorities
Depending on the auditors’ findings, incorporating every improvement they suggest could be costly. The good news is that you don’t have to make every change — you can create a priority list based on necessity and budget. Ask yourself these questions to establish your priorities:
- What’s my budget for home upgrades?
- What part of my home is wasting the most energy?
- Are there any critical issues that will significantly impact my safety or comfort?
- Which upgrades can I make myself?
Easy DIY home energy audit tasks
While certain tasks require a professional inspector, there are aspects of an energy audit that you can do yourself:
- Identify drafty doors and windows. Some air leaks are easy to identify through obvious gaps along door frames or cold spots by a window. Often, these leaks can be sealed with caulk or weatherstripping, which are available at most hardware stores.
- Check your lightbulbs. Replace your old incandescent light bulbs with updated LED ones. LED light bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.
- Assess your appliances. An energy auditor will likely recommend switching to energy-efficient appliances. Consider ENERGY STAR appliances, which are endorsed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for energy efficiency. For example, an ENERGY STAR-certified clothes washer uses 20% less energy and 30% less water than other washers.
- Replace your HVAC filters. Your HVAC filters collect debris over time, especially during periods of heavy usage, such as summer or winter. Replace your filters monthly for optimal performance.
Home energy audit FAQs
How much does a home energy audit cost?
The cost for a home energy audit could range between $200 and $700. The exact cost is difficult to pinpoint because it depends on a few factors, such as your home size, the complexity of the audit, and location. Since independent auditors conduct home energy assessments, the fees may vary based on their rates.
Will an energy audit save me money?
Home energy efficiency improvements can save money on your electricity bill in the long run. Your energy bill is dependent on the amount of electricity you consume. By improving your home’s efficiency, you can reduce the number of kilowatts you use each month, subsequently lowering your bill.
Can I do a home energy audit myself?
You can easily conduct a few energy audit tasks yourself, but more complex ones should be left to a professional. For example, common DIY energy audit tasks include checking your light bulbs, changing air filters, and sealing drafty doors and windows. More complex assessments, such as electrical writing or ventilation, require a certified auditor.
How do I know if an energy auditor is certified?
To determine if an energy auditor is certified, search for accreditation from recognized programs such as the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) or the Building Performance Institute (BPI). A certified auditor should be able to provide proof of their certification, so it’s a good idea to ask for verification.