Home Energy Audits: What to Expect and How They Can Save Money

Energy efficiency is key when it comes to saving on utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint. A home energy audit is a great first step in identifying areas where you can make improvements. But what exactly is a home energy audit, and what should you expect? Here’s everything you need to know about energy audits and how they can help you save money.

What is a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit, sometimes called an energy assessment, is a comprehensive evaluation of your home's energy use and efficiency. The goal is to identify areas where your home is losing energy and recommend improvements that can lead to significant cost savings. Energy audits can be conducted by a professional auditor, or there are DIY options if you prefer to assess your energy consumption yourself.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

• Lower Utility Bills: An energy audit can help pinpoint areas where energy is being wasted, allowing you to make improvements that will lower your utility bills.
• Increased Comfort: An energy-efficient home is not only cheaper to maintain but also more comfortable, with fewer drafts and better temperature control.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Energy-saving improvements reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making your home more eco-friendly.

What to Expect During a Professional Energy Audit

1. Inspection of Insulation and Ventilation

The auditor will inspect the insulation in your attic, walls, and crawl spaces to ensure that your home retains heat in winter and stays cool in summer. They will also check for adequate ventilation, which helps maintain indoor air quality and prevent moisture buildup.

• Suggested Product: If your insulation needs an upgrade, consider Owens Corning R-19 Kraft Faced Insulation to improve efficiency.

2. Air Leak Test

Air leaks are one of the most common sources of energy loss in homes. The auditor will perform a blower door test, which uses a powerful fan to depressurize your home and locate leaks in windows, doors, and other areas.

• DIY Solution: You can use a simple Frost King Air Leak Detector to find and seal small leaks.

3. Inspection of Windows and Doors

The auditor will inspect your windows and doors for drafts and recommend sealing or upgrading where necessary. Leaky windows and doors can account for a significant amount of wasted energy.

• Recommended Product: For a quick fix, try Duck Brand Weatherstripping Seal Tape to seal drafty windows and doors.

4. Evaluation of Heating and Cooling Systems

The auditor will assess your HVAC system's efficiency, check filters, and examine your ductwork for any leaks or blockages. They may recommend upgrading to a more efficient model or simple maintenance to improve performance.

• Upgrade Suggestion: Consider installing a Nest Learning Thermostat to better control your home’s temperature and save on energy bills.

5. Appliance and Lighting Assessment

Older appliances and lighting fixtures can use a lot more energy than newer, energy-efficient models. The auditor will review your current appliances and lighting, providing recommendations for upgrades or simple energy-saving practices.

• Lighting Upgrade: Switch to Philips LED Energy-Saving Light Bulbs to cut down on energy use and save money.

6. Detailed Report and Recommendations

At the end of the audit, you will receive a detailed report that includes:

• Identified Issues: Areas where your home is losing energy.
• Recommended Improvements: Suggestions for upgrades and changes, ranging from sealing leaks to installing new insulation.
• Cost-Saving Estimates: Projected savings based on making the recommended improvements.

How Can an Energy Audit Save You Money?

A home energy audit provides a detailed understanding of how your home uses—and wastes—energy. By implementing the recommended improvements, you can expect significant cost savings on your utility bills, improved comfort, and a more sustainable home. Here are some specific ways an audit can help:

• Improved Insulation reduces the workload on your heating and cooling systems, lowering energy costs.
• Sealing Air Leaks prevents heat from escaping during winter and keeps cool air inside during summer, leading to lower utility bills.
• Upgrading Appliances and Lighting can save hundreds of dollars each year, particularly if you switch to Energy Star-certified models.

DIY Energy Audit Tips

If you’re not ready for a professional energy audit, there are steps you can take to conduct a basic DIY energy audit:

• Check for Drafts: Walk around your home on a windy day and feel for drafts around windows, doors, and baseboards.
• Inspect Insulation: Look in your attic and crawl spaces to ensure there is enough insulation to keep your home energy efficient.
• Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs to save on energy costs.

Conclusion

A home energy audit is a smart investment that can help you save money, improve your home’s comfort, and reduce your environmental impact. Whether you choose to go the professional route or perform a DIY audit, the insights you gain will help you make your home more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

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