Ever done a double take when you took a look at your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the end result of severe weather conditions, consistently high bills can often signify an inefficient HVAC system or your home is wasting energy by other means, including drafty windows or poor insulation.

An easy way to identify whether your home is using too much energy is by getting a home service professional to complete a home energy audit, also known as a home energy assessment. Keep reading to find out more about home energy audits, including what they are and their advantages.

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

An energy audit is a comprehensive inspection of how much energy your home uses up and whether – and where – your home may be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will take a look at previous energy bills while completing an energy audit to determine where energy is being wasted and how much.

The ultimate goal of an energy audit is to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by suggesting energy-efficient updates, which can include exchanging your existing HVAC system, adding new insulation, closing up leaks, or replacing loose windows.

While completing the energy assessment, the auditor carries out an inspection of the outside and inside of your home. The auditor performs a blower door test on doorways, windows and fireplaces to find out if there are air leaks in your home. They’ll also inspect your home’s HVAC system, which also includes the ductwork, the water heater, and the insulation in your attic. Some assessments might also include reviewing your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be hard for the typical homeowner to know for certain how efficient their home is in comparison to other similar homes in their neighborhood. However, local energy companies often supply information about where your home ranks in comparison to similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient versus your neighbors’ homes. This is a good starting point to decide if you need an energy audit completed.

Several of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Recognizing How Efficient Your Home Is

It’s worthwhile to know how efficient your home is and where you’re using the most energy. For example, if your ducts are leaking air, it will lead to a large increase in your energy bills and excessive wear and tear on your HVAC system as it has to work longer to fully heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Upgrades

An energy audit should expose where you need to make energy-efficient changes to conserve energy and lower utility bills. This can include replacing worn weatherstripping or getting a new energy-efficient furnace.

Improving Health and Safety

Allowing air to seep into your home through doors and windows, or because of a lack of insulation can cause unwanted moisture to appear, which could negatively impact your home’s humidity levels or produce mold. This can cause health conditions, especially for people who have asthma or allergies.

Adding to Your Home’s Retail Value

Energy-efficient homes are desired by homebuyers. You can sell your home sooner or for more money by showing potential buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Do an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although completing an energy audit independently may not be as detailed as hiring a professional, it’ll give you a generalized sense of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t discover any problems during the DIY test, then you likely don’t need to bring in a professional. Try this step-by-step checklist:

  • Review your HVAC system. Damaged ducts can lose nearly 20% of conditioned air, contributing to more expensive energy bills and greater wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If you discover leaks, use duct tape to eliminate them. If your HVAC equipment is old and inefficient, upgrading to a new system can save you a substantial amount on your energy bills. In some cases, it is better to contact a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Watch for signs of air leaks. Air leaks on average can raise your energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where there is a draft, including along the edge of flooring and near baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can inspect for air leaks along the home’s foundation, siding and mortar. Plug, caulk or seal any air leaks to save money.
  • Examine insulation. If your home is older, it could mean your insulation is too. If you can see the joists, you likely need more insulation.
  • Check ventilation. Ensure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are functioning properly, and inspect for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Three Rivers Heating & Cooling for a Professional Energy Audit

If you want professional help figuring out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, contact the HVAC pros at Three Rivers Heating & Cooling today. We’ve proudly supported the residents of with quality home services for years. Contact us today to set up an appointment.