A home energy audit is like a health checkup for your house. It helps you figure out where energy is being wasted and what upgrades can make your home more energy efficient. Think of it as a detective looking for clues about why your electric bill is so high or why some rooms feel cold in winter.
During this process, an expert (or you) checks everything from your windows to your heating system. The goal is simple: find problems and fix them so you save money and feel more comfortable at home. Many homeowners who get energy audits discover they can cut their bills by hundreds of dollars each year.
With energy costs rising everywhere and more people wanting to help the environment, getting a home energy audit makes perfect sense. It helps you spend less on utilities while also reducing the pollution your home creates. In addition, energy-efficient homes are worth more money if you ever want to sell.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything about home energy audits. You’ll learn what happens during one, how much it costs, and how to get ready for it. We’ll also share tips on doing a basic audit yourself.
Quick Summary
- A home energy audit identifies energy waste and recommends efficiency upgrades to lower utility bills and improve comfort.
- Professional audits provide the most accurate results using tools like blower door tests, but DIY audits can still help find basic inefficiencies.
- Fixing air leaks, upgrading insulation, and maintaining HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy costs and carbon footprints.
What Does a Home Energy Audit Include?
A complete home energy audit looks at every part of your house that uses or loses energy. This includes checking your insulation, finding air leaks, testing your heating and cooling systems, and energy-efficient appliances. The person doing the audit combines looking around your house with special tests and studying your energy bills.
The audit starts with a conversation about your energy concerns. Next, the auditor walks around your house, both inside and outside. They use special tools to measure things you can’t see, like air leaks or heat loss. Finally, they create a report that tells you exactly what to fix and how much money you’ll save.
Some audits also include checking your water heater, looking at your electrical system, and testing how well your house holds heat or cool air. The more thorough the audit, the more problems it will find and the more money you can potentially save.
Professional vs. DIY Home Energy Audit
| Feature | Professional Home Energy Audit | DIY Home Energy Audit |
| Accuracy | High, uses advanced tools like blower door tests and infrared cameras | Lower, relies on visual inspection and simple tests |
| Cost | $100 – $700 (may be offset by rebates) | Free or minimal cost |
| Time Required | 2-4 hours | Varies, typically a few hours |
| Recommendations | Comprehensive report with specific upgrades | General improvements based on homeowner’s findings |
Professional auditors bring expensive equipment that homeowners don’t have. For example, they use blower door tests that show exactly where air leaks out of your house. They also have infrared cameras that can see heat loss through walls and windows. These tools help them find problems that are impossible to spot with just your eyes.
However, DIY audits still have value, especially if you’re not ready to pay for a professional one. You can find many obvious problems yourself, like drafty windows or missing insulation in your attic. Even fixing these simple issues can save you money right away.
Why Is a Home Energy Audit Important?
A home energy efficiency audit is important because it finds energy waste and provides solutions to improve home efficiency. Here’s why every homeowner should consider getting one:
1. Save Money on Energy Bills
By fixing problems found during an audit, you can save 5% to 30% on your energy bills. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, that can add up to hundreds of dollars each year.
2. Feel More Comfortable at Home
Audits can reveal cold drafts, hot spots, and moisture problems. Fixing these makes your home feel better in every season.
3. Help the Environment
Lower energy use means fewer greenhouse gases. When you use less gas and electricity, you’re also helping to fight climate change.
4. Boost Your Home’s Value
Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers. Features like sealed windows, better insulation, and efficient heating systems can raise your home’s resale value.
5. Get Access to Rebates and Incentives
Many states, cities, and utility companies offer rebates and incentives to help pay for audits and upgrades. Some people even get tax credits.
How to Perform a Home Energy Audit
For those who prefer a DIY home energy audit, here’s a simple checklist to get started.
Home Energy Audit Checklist
1. Check for Air Leaks
- Look for drafts around windows, doors, outlets, and baseboards.
- Use a candle or incense stick to see if air moves near these spots.
- Seal gaps with caulk or weatherstripping.
2. Inspect Your Insulation
- Look in your attic, walls, and basement.
- Make sure there’s enough insulation.
- Check for water damage or mold, which can reduce insulation performance.
3. Check HVAC Systems
- Replace dirty air filters.
- Have a professional inspect your system once a year.
- Install a programmable or smart thermostat.
4. Look at Windows and Doors
- Check for moisture between window panes.
- Add weather stripping or insulated curtains.
- Consider replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones.
5. Review Lights and Appliances
- Switch to LED bulbs.
- Unplug devices that aren’t in use.
- Use ENERGY STAR-rated appliances.
- Install smart power strips to avoid phantom power use.
What to Expect During a Professional Home Energy Audit
Before the audit, make sure you:
- Gather Utility Bills – Provide at least 12 months of your electricity and gas bills.
- List Any Problems – Write down areas of the home that feel drafty or have moisture.
- Share Your Home’s Age and History – Let the auditor know how old your house is.
- Open Access to All Areas – Make sure the attic, basement, and HVAC system are easy to reach.
- Ask Questions – Bring up any specific concerns you have.
The Process
The full audit usually takes 2 to 4 hours and includes:
- Initial Talk (15-30 minutes) – Go over what you hope to learn.
- Outdoor Inspection (30 minutes) – Check the outside of the house for issues.
- Indoor Check (1-2 hours) – Look at insulation, windows, and systems inside.
- Testing (30-60 minutes) – Use tools like blower doors and infrared cameras.
- Final Review (30 minutes) – Share results and recommendations.
Common Energy Audit Findings
Air Leaks
Air leaks are responsible for 25% to 40% of heating and cooling losses in homes. Common places include:
- Window frames
- Door frames
- Electrical outlets
- Baseboards
- Attic hatches
- Plumbing holes
Insulation Problems
Most homes built before 1980 have too little insulation. Adding insulation in key areas can cut heating and cooling costs by 15% to 50%.
HVAC Efficiency
Heating and cooling systems account for about 50% of home energy use. Energy audits often reveal:
- Outdated systems
- Dirty filters or poor maintenance
- Leaky ducts
- Incorrect system size
- Thermostat settings not optimized
Making Improvements After Your Energy Audit
Consider these factors when implementing improvements:
1. Cost vs. benefit analysis
2. Available budget
3. Seasonal timing
4. Available contractors
How to Prepare for a Home Energy Audit
If you plan to get a home energy audit near me, follow these steps to prepare:
- Gather Energy Bills – Provide at least 12 months of utility data for a thorough analysis.
- List Home Concerns – Note any drafty areas, high energy bills, or inconsistent temperatures.
- Unlock Access Areas – Ensure the auditor can access attics, crawlspaces, and mechanical systems.
- Ask About Incentives – Check with your utility provider for available rebates.
Additional Resources
For more information about home energy audits:
1. Energy.gov – Provides official U.S. Department of Energy resources on energy efficiency, conservation, and technology advancements.
2. ENERGY STAR – Offers guidance on energy-efficient products, home improvements, and certification programs.
3. Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) – Oversees home energy auditors and Home Energy Rating System (HERS) professionals.
4. Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) – A comprehensive source of state, local, and federal financial incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
5. Local utility companies – Offer energy efficiency programs, rebates, audits, and incentives for homeowners.
Wrapping Up
A home energy audit is a valuable tool for identifying energy waste, improving home comfort, and lowering utility bills. Whether you opt for a professional energy efficiency audit or conduct a DIY home energy audit, understanding how your home uses energy can lead to significant savings and environmental benefits. Installing home energy monitoring systems and making recommended improvements pays off in the long run through lower costs, better comfort, and increased home value. If you haven’t had an energy efficiency home assessment, now is the time to consider one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home Energy Audit
What is a home energy audit?
A home energy audit is a checkup of how your home uses energy. It finds where energy is being wasted and shows how to make your home more efficient.
Why should I get a home energy audit?
It helps you lower utility bills, fix comfort issues like drafts, reduce your carbon footprint, and even boost your home’s value.
What’s the difference between a DIY and professional audit?
A DIY audit is free but basic. A professional audit uses special tools for a more accurate and detailed report.
How do I prepare for a home energy audit?
Gather energy bills, list comfort issues, unlock hard-to-reach spaces, and check with your utility for possible rebates or incentives.