Home Energy Audit: What to Expect and How It Can Save You Money

High energy bills got you down? A home energy audit can pinpoint energy waste and reveal ways to save. This comprehensive guide outlines what happens during a professional energy audit, the costs involved, DIY options, and the potential savings.

A home energy audit involves a series of tests conducted by a certified auditor to assess your home’s energy efficiency. The process typically takes a few hours and results in a detailed report outlining energy consumption, loss areas, and improvement recommendations. Let’s delve deeper into what’s involved.

Understanding the Home Energy Audit Process

An energy audit examines your home’s energy use, identifying inefficiencies and offering solutions for improvement. The audit report will cover:

• Heating and Cooling System Performance: Assessing the efficiency and condition of your HVAC system.
• Air Leakage Detection: Pinpointing primary areas where air escapes through walls and ceilings.
• Cost-Effective Improvements: Suggesting immediate, low-cost solutions to enhance energy efficiency.
• Long-Term Upgrades: Recommending larger projects with significant long-term energy savings and return on investment.

Home Energy Audit Cost and Financial Incentives

A professional energy audit typically costs between $200 and $600, depending on factors like house size, audit complexity, and the auditing company.

Contact your local utility provider for precise pricing and inquire about potential discounts, rebates, or tax credits. Programs like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offer tax credits for home energy audits, potentially offsetting the cost significantly. Often, scheduling an audit through your utility company offers cost savings compared to hiring an independent auditor.

DIY Home Energy Audit Options

While a professional audit provides the most comprehensive assessment, homeowners can conduct basic energy checks themselves. Simple DIY tasks include:

• Boosting Attic Insulation: Adding insulation to reduce heat loss through the roof.
• Sealing Air Leaks: Caulking windows and gaps around electrical outlets to minimize drafts.
• Upgrading Lighting: Replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED alternatives.

These simple measures can improve energy efficiency, but a professional audit will uncover more subtle issues and offer tailored recommendations.

Key Areas Covered in a Professional Home Energy Audit

A professional audit delves into several critical areas to identify energy waste:

Heating and Hot Water Systems

Furnace Inspection During Energy Audit

The auditor will perform a combustion efficiency test on your furnace to determine how effectively it burns fuel. They’ll also check for carbon monoxide leaks, draft pressure, and potential back-drafting issues in both the furnace and water heater flues. A visual inspection will assess the condition of the heat exchanger, furnace filter, and other components. Combustible materials stored near heating systems are also noted as safety hazards.

Detecting Air Leakage with a Blower Door Test

Blower Door Test for Air Leakage

A blower door test quantifies air leakage by measuring the air infiltration rate. This involves sealing a doorway with a fan and measuring airflow at various pressure points. The test identifies the equivalent size of the air leaks in your home, highlighting the need for sealing and insulation.

Identifying Energy Loss with Infrared Scanning

Infrared Scan Detecting Energy Loss

Infrared cameras pinpoint the exact locations of air leaks by detecting temperature differences. Common leak sources include poorly sealed openings around light fixtures, plumbing vents, and electrical outlets. The scan visually represents energy loss, making it easier to prioritize sealing efforts.

The Energy Audit Report and Potential Savings

The final report summarizes the audit findings, quantifies air leakage, and provides a prioritized list of recommended improvements. It outlines the estimated cost of each upgrade and the potential return on investment through energy savings. Recommendations may include sealing air leaks, adding insulation, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and installing a programmable thermostat.

The report empowers homeowners to make informed decisions about energy efficiency improvements, leading to substantial long-term cost savings and a more comfortable home.