Ever done a double take when you viewed your last energy bill? While high energy bills can be the result of intense weather events, repeatedly high bills can quickly indicate an inefficient HVAC system or your home is using too much energy by other means, like drafty windows or inadequate insulation.

One of the easiest ways to identify whether your home is using too much energy is by calling a home service professional to perform a home energy audit, also referred to as a home energy assessment. Keep reading to learn more about home energy audits, including what they are and their key elements.

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

An energy audit is a thorough inspection of how much energy your home consumes and whether – and where – your home could be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will review older energy bills while completing an energy audit to determine 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 identifying energy-efficient improvements, which may include swapping out your existing HVAC system, adding new insulation, plugging up leaks, or replacing loose windows.

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

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be tough for the typical homeowner to know for certain how efficient their home is compared to other similar homes in their community. However, many energy companies often supply information about where your home ranks when compared with similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient compared to your neighbors’ homes. This can be a great starting point to figure out if you need an energy audit completed.

Several of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Understanding How Efficient Your Home Is

It’s beneficial to know how efficient your home is and where you’re using the most energy. For example, if your ducts are damaged, it will cause a large increase in your energy bills and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system as it has to stay on longer to completely heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Updates

An energy audit will reveal where you need to make energy-efficient improvements to conserve energy and decrease utility bills. This may include replacing old weatherstripping or installing a new energy-efficient furnace.

Improving Health and Safety

Allowing air to leak into your home through doors and windows, or as a result of a lack of insulation can cause excessive moisture to appear, which can negatively influence your home’s humidity levels or lead to mold. This can lead to health conditions, especially for people suffering from asthma or allergies.

Increasing Your Home’s Retail Value

Energy-efficient homes are sought after by homebuyers. You can sell your home much faster or for more money by showing possible buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Perform an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although completing an energy audit on your own may not be as detailed as hiring a professional, it’ll give you a generalized understanding of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any issues during the DIY test, then you likely don’t need to hire a professional. Try this step-by-step checklist:

  • Examine your HVAC system. Leaky ducts can lose up to 20% of conditioned air, resulting in higher energy bills and excess strain on HVAC equipment. If you notice leaks, use duct tape to seal them. If your HVAC equipment is old and inefficient, upgrading to a new system can save you a significant amount on your energy bills. In some cases, it is better to hire a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Watch for signs of air leaks. Air leaks on average can raise the energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where there is a draft, such as along the edge of flooring and along 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.
  • Inspect 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 working properly, and check for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning for a Professional Energy Audit

If you want professional help finding out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, contact the HVAC experts at Interstate Heating & Air Conditioning today. We’ve proudly supported the residents of Omaha with quality home services for many years. Contact us today to set up an appointment.