
What to Expect during a Home Energy Audit
Ever wonder how you can reduce the amount of energy you use and reduce your utility bills? Sure, you can find all sorts of tips online that are helpful. But another way to that is a lot more effective is to have a home energy audit.
A home energy audit is a personalized assessment of your home energy usage. During your home energy audit, a professional energy auditor will examine your entire home to help find ways that you can improve your energy consumption and lower your usage. Which will help you save money by lowering your energy bills.
We recently had a home energy audit performed in our home. I was unsure of what all the home energy auditor would need to look at and how long it would take. So I’d like to share what you can expect the energy auditor to do while performing the audit. So you can be prepared for your home energy audit.
What will happen during your Energy Audit
- The energy auditor will look around the outside of your home to determine the size of your home.
- During the home energy audit, the auditor will count the number of windows in your home. While also noting the condition of the windows. The energy auditor will also check for any air leaks in your windows.
- The doors in your home’s will also be inspected for air leakage and to determine if the doors have the appropriate weather stripping applied to reduce air leaks.
- The energy auditor will evaluate the condition of your heating and air units to determine if they are suitable for your home and identify any improvements that can reduce your energy usage. Along with checking the thermostats inside your home.
- The insulation in your attic, walls, and crawl space will be evaluated to determine if they are at appropriate levels.
- The energy auditor will also check for any unsealed holes around plumbing pipes that are allowing outside air in.
- Appliances will also be inspected to determine if it is beneficial to invest in more energy efficient appliances
- The energy auditor will also check fireplaces to ensure they are closed off when they are not being used.
- The duct system for your home will be evaluated. Because the duct system can be a big area for air leaks in your home.
- The energy auditor will also review electrical outlets to ensure they are sealed properly.
- The time of the audit will vary based on the size of your home. Our home is around 1800 square feet and our home energy audit took around an hour to complete.
After the Audit
After the audit is complete the energy auditor will compile the results into a report, which is usually mailed to you a few days after the audit. The report will identify any improvements that you can make to your home to increase your energy efficiency.
What we Learned
Luckily, we don’t need any major improvements to increase our energy efficiency. However, there were a lot of small things that we need to do to improve our homes energy efficiency.
- We need to add weather stripping to our front door.
- We need to have our air conditioning unit cleaned, which will help it to use less energy.
- Caulking around the light fixtures will also help with air leakage.
- Installing switch and outlet sealers around the light switches and electrical outlets.
How to Get an Energy Audit
You can start by calling your local energy provider to see if they perform free energy audits. Where I live our energy provider does provide FREE audits, so I was happy to take advantage of this free benefit. However, if your local energy provider does not provide free audits you can look online for companies in your area that perform energy audits. Or you perform a DIY Energy Audit by using this link from the Department of Energy.
12 Comments
Actually we have! It was totally eye-opening. I most remember changing our light bulbs. Sometimes it’s the little things that add up to the big things, you know?
Tamara recently posted…Preparing Your Child For a Sleepover
Sometimes it’s all about the small things. I thought it was going to be big changes like new windows and more insulation. Luckily, it’s all really small doable things for us
I’ve never been through an energy audit, but if I ever do I know exactly what to expect. Thanks for the tips Sonya!
I was nervous before hand because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen. I like to know what to expect. 🙂
I need to have this done. Thanks for the reminder and tips, Sonya! I probably need to look into outlet sealers. Some of our covers don’t actually cover too well :).
Candace Playforth recently posted…Healing Anxiety With Nature
I had never even heard of outlet sealers before our home energy audit. I just need to install them now because they gave us a package of them.
I haven’t but it sounds like it is worth looking into! Especially before it gets too cold.
robincharmagne recently posted…Change Is Necessary – OOTD #93
I’m hoping it helps us to save some money this winter.
I should totally do this!
We should probably get some weather stripping for these doors. It feels drafty some days in here.
xoxo
It was really helpful. I just need to implement ideas so I can save some money. 🙂
I have never had an energy audit done, but it certainly sounds like something worth looking into. Thanks for all of the great tips 🙂
LaKita recently posted…Harvest Cookies {Vegan}
An engery audit can be really helpful.