Ever done a double take when you took a look at your last energy bill? While high energy bills can be the consequence of extreme weather events, repeatedly high bills can often indicate an inefficient HVAC system or your home is wasting energy because of other means, like drafty windows or poor insulation.

One of the simplest ways to identify whether your home is consuming too much energy is by getting a home service expert to carry out a home energy audit, also known as a home energy assessment. Keep reading to learn all about home energy audits, including what they are and their benefits.

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

An energy audit is a custom inspection of how much energy your home uses and whether – and where – your home might be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will review past energy bills in the course of an energy audit to find out where energy is being consumed and how much.

The general goal of an energy audit is to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by recommending energy-efficient updates, which might include swapping out your current HVAC system, adding new insulation, closing up leaks, or replacing loose windows.

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

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be tough for the typical homeowner to be sure how efficient their home is versus other similar homes in their community. However, many energy companies often provide information about where your home is ranked in comparison to similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient versus your neighbors’ homes. This could be a great starting point to figure out if you need an energy audit scheduled.

A few of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Recognizing How Efficient Your Home Is

It’s good to understand how efficient your home is and where you’re using the most energy. For example, if your ducts are leaking air, it will result in a significant increase in your energy bills and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system because it has to run longer to fully heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Improvements

An energy audit can reveal where you need to make energy-efficient upgrades to save on energy and decrease utility bills. This can include replacing worn-down weatherstripping or getting a new energy-efficient furnace.

Enhancing Health and Safety

Allowing air to slip into your home through doors and windows, or due to a lack of insulation can cause unwanted moisture to build up, which could negatively influence your home’s humidity levels or lead to mold. This can cause health conditions, particularly for people dealing with 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 demonstrating to prospective buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Do an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although completing an energy audit on your own may not be as comprehensive as choosing a professional, it’ll offer a generalized sense of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t discover any flaws during the DIY test, then you likely don’t need to bring in a professional. Follow this step-by-step checklist:

  • Review your HVAC system. Damaged ducts can lose nearly 20% of conditioned air, resulting in more expensive energy bills and excess strain on HVAC equipment. If you find leaks, use duct tape to seal them. If your HVAC equipment is old and wearing down, upgrading to a new system can save you a substantial amount on your energy bills. In some cases, it is better to call a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Look for air leaks. Air leaks on average can increase monthly energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where there could be a draft, such as along the edge of flooring and close to baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can look for air leaks in 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 the ventilation. Ensure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly, and check for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Stanford Heating & Cooling for a Professional Energy Audit

If you are interested in professional help finding out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, call the HVAC pros at Stanford Heating & Cooling today. We’ve proudly serviced the residents of Bloomfield with quality home services for a long time. Contact us today to set up an appointment.