Did you know that up to 20% of your home energy bill could be going to waste from inefficiency? Would you like to improve the energy efficiency of your home but aren’t sure how?
An energy audit can help. A home energy audit will identify the most effective ways to make your home more energy-efficient.
You may wonder if going through a formal home energy audit is worth it. Find out more about what an energy audit does. You’ll learn how it can help you save money and be more comfortable in your home.
What Is a Home Energy Audit?
A home energy audit is also known as an energy evaluation or energy assessment. An audit focuses on three components of your energy use:
- How much energy your home uses
- Where your home is losing or wasting energy
- Which problem areas you should prioritize
A home energy audit shows you the best ways to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Homeowners can benefit directly from an energy audit. Landlords and property management companies can also benefit. Energy-efficient common areas save money. Marketing an energy-efficient property attracts more potential residents.
Professional Energy Audit vs. DIY
You can either hire a professional energy auditor or do the audit yourself. A professional auditor will usually find more ways for you to save energy than you would find yourself. However, the fees for hiring a professional can seem expensive.
Professional Energy Audit
A professional energy evaluation starts with looking at the outside of your home. The auditor establishes the size of your home and features like the number of doors and windows.
The auditor will then ask questions to determine the residents’ behavior. Types of questions include the number of people who live in the home and if anyone is home during the day.
After that, the auditor will conduct hands-on tests to find any areas with leaks or inefficient usage. The auditor may use equipment like a blower door, infrared camera, or furnace efficiency meter.
Finally, the auditor will give you a report that identifies areas where your home could benefit from energy improvements. You can then take action to fix the problems.
DIY Energy Audit
An energy audit you do yourself won’t be as complete as a professional audit. However, even small changes can reduce your energy consumption. You’ll also avoid paying several hundred dollars for a professional.
Using a checklist will help you do a more thorough audit. You can find home energy audit checklists online, including this one from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Is a Home Energy Audit Worth It?
A home energy audit can benefit you in several ways. Understanding where and how you use energy gives you the information you need to make effective changes.
Making your home more energy-efficient saves you money. It also improves your health and safety. For example, eliminating moisture problems reduces allergens and asthma triggers.
Your home will be more comfortable when it’s more energy-efficient. You can keep it at an ideal temperature more easily.
Finally, making your home more energy-efficient can increase your property value.
In short, a home energy audit is almost always worth it. Even if you don’t make all the repairs right away, you’ll have a step-by-step plan.
Making Your Home More Efficient
A home energy audit is a good first step toward increasing the energy efficiency of your home. The next step is following the auditor’s recommendations and making any necessary repairs or upgrades. You’ll soon be enjoying lower energy bills and a more comfortable living space.
For more useful tips, check out our other articles on maximizing the value and enjoyment you get from your home.
