Understanding Home Energy Audits: How They Can Save You Money

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Understanding home energy audits is crucial for saving money and improving your home's comfort. These assessments help identify where energy is wasted and offer solutions to make your home more efficient. Not only can you save on utility bills, but you can also reduce your carbon footprint and increase your home's resale value.

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is a thorough check-up of your home's energy use. It spots areas where energy is wasted and suggests ways to fix them. This process includes looking at insulation, checking for air leaks, and evaluating heating and cooling systems. It also assesses indoor air quality and ventilation.

Types of Home Energy Audits

There are two main types of home energy audits: remote (virtual) and in-person.

Remote Energy Audits

A remote energy audit doesn't require an auditor to visit your home. Instead, you answer questions about your utility bills and home areas. It's quick and cheap but might miss hidden problems.

In-Person Energy Audits

An in-person energy audit involves a professional auditor inspecting your home and doing tests. They use tools like blower doors and infrared cameras to find air leaks and heat loss. This type of audit gives a detailed report with specific recommendations for your home.

Why Are Home Energy Audits Important?

Home energy audits are essential for several reasons:

Cost Savings

One of the biggest benefits is saving money on utility bills. By finding where energy is wasted, you can make upgrades that cut your energy use. The US Department of Energy says following audit recommendations can save homeowners 5% to 30% on their bills.

Improved Home Comfort

Energy-efficient upgrades can make your home more comfortable. Better indoor air quality and temperature control create a nicer living space. For example, sealing leaky doors and windows can stop drafts, making your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Reduced Carbon Emissions

An energy-efficient home uses less energy, which means burning fewer fossil fuels. This helps reduce carbon emissions, fighting climate change and promoting a healthier environment.

Increased Resale Value

Energy-efficient upgrades can boost your home's resale value. Buyers often pay more for homes that are energy-efficient and eco-friendly. This can be a big plus when selling your home.

The Process of a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit usually involves several steps:

Initial Assessment

First, you provide info about your home's age, size, and recent changes. This helps the auditor understand your home's energy use baseline.

Visual Inspection

The auditor checks your home for signs of energy inefficiency like drafts, poor insulation, and faulty appliances.

Specialized Testing

The auditor might use tools like blower doors and infrared cameras to find air leaks and heat loss. A blower door test measures how "tight" your home is by pressurizing it with a fan and measuring airflow.

Review of Utility Bills

The auditor looks at your utility bills to spot patterns and anomalies in energy use. This helps find specific areas where energy is wasted.

Detailed Report

After the assessment, the auditor gives a detailed report. It lists ways to improve efficiency, costs of improvements, and how long it will take to recoup those investments. The report includes low-cost steps you can do yourself and bigger upgrades needing professional help.

How Much Does a Home Energy Audit Cost?

The cost of a home energy audit varies based on factors like property size, audit complexity, and the company. Typically, it ranges from $200 to $600. Some utility providers offer free or discounted audits as part of their energy-saving programs.

Tax Credits and Incentives

There are tax credits and incentives for homeowners who get home energy audits. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) offers a tax credit of up to $150 for audits by certified pros. Many states and local utilities also offer incentives like tax rebates, discounts, or free assessments.

DIY Home Energy Audits

While professional audits are more thorough, you can do a simple DIY audit to find easy energy efficiency upgrades. Here are some steps:

Inspect Your Home

Look for signs of energy inefficiency like drafts, poor insulation, and faulty appliances.

Check for Air Leaks

Use a candle or incense stick to find air leaks around windows, doors, and outlets. If the flame flickers or smoke moves, there's an air leak.

Improve Attic Insulation

Check if your attic has enough insulation. Adding insulation can cut heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

Seal Gaps

Seal gaps around outlets on exterior walls and caulk windows to stop air leaks.

Replace Light Bulbs

Swap incandescent bulbs for energy-efficient LED bulbs to cut lighting energy use.

Use a Programmable Thermostat

Program your thermostat to turn off your HVAC system when you're not home to save energy.

Evaluate Appliances

Check if your appliances are energy-efficient. Consider replacing older ones with newer, more efficient models.

Benefits of Professional Home Energy Audits

While DIY audits can help, professional audits using advanced tools often find hidden problems and offer tailored solutions. Here are some benefits of hiring a pro:

Comprehensive Report

A pro auditor gives a detailed report with specific recommendations for your home.

Advanced Equipment

Pros use tools like blower doors and infrared cameras to find air leaks and heat loss you might miss.

Expert Knowledge

Energy auditors know a lot about energy efficiency and can spot issues you might overlook.

Cost-Effective Upgrades

Pros can suggest cost-effective upgrades that pay for themselves over time through energy savings.

Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Energy Savings

Here are some real-life examples of how home energy audits saved homeowners money:

Example 1: Insulation Upgrades

A Minnesota homeowner found their attic lacked insulation. Adding insulation cost $1,500 but saved $2,000 on energy bills over five years.

Example 2: HVAC System Upgrade

A California homeowner had high energy bills despite regular HVAC maintenance. An audit showed the system was inefficient. Upgrading to a high-efficiency model cost $3,000 but saved $1,500 annually.

Example 3: Air Sealing

A New York City homeowner found air leaks around windows and doors. Sealing gaps with caulk and weatherstripping cost $500 but saved $800 annually.

Finding a Qualified Energy Auditor

Finding a qualified energy auditor is key for accurate recommendations. Here are some steps:

Research Online

Look up energy auditors in your area and read reviews from past clients.

Check Credentials

Ensure the auditor is certified by organizations recognized by the Department of Energy, like the Building Performance Institute.

Compare Providers

Compare at least two to three providers to get the best value.

Interviews or Consultations

Interview potential auditors to check their credentials, pricing, and methods before deciding.

Conclusion

Home energy audits are a valuable tool for homeowners wanting to improve their home's energy efficiency. By understanding the cost breakdown, benefits, and available upgrades, you can make informed decisions to create a more comfortable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly living space. Whether you choose a DIY approach or hire a pro, investing in energy efficiency can pay off through significant savings on utility bills and improved home comfort. So why wait? Schedule your home energy audit today and start saving money while making your home more sustainable for future generations.

By following these steps and understanding the importance of home energy audits, you can turn your home into an energy-efficient haven that saves you money and helps the environment.