Have you ever performed a double take when you viewed your last energy bill? Even though high energy bills can be the result of extreme weather conditions, consistently high bills can also suggest an inefficient HVAC system or your home is misusing energy because of other means, such as drafty windows or insufficient insulation.

One of the simplest ways to determine whether your home is wasting energy is by calling a home service specialist to complete a home energy audit, also called a home energy assessment. Keep reading to learn more about home energy audits, including what they are and their benefits.

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 might be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will go through previous energy bills while completing an energy audit to find out 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 improvements, which may include replacing your existing HVAC system, putting in new insulation, plugging up leaks, or replacing loose windows.

During the energy assessment, the auditor carries out 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 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 area. However, local energy companies often provide information about where your home stands in comparison to similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient versus your neighbors’ homes. This could be a useful starting point to figure out if you need an energy audit scheduled.

Several of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Learning 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, it will cause a sizable increase in your energy bills and additional wear and tear on your HVAC system as it has to stay on longer to fully heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Improvements

An energy audit should outline where you need to make energy-efficient improvements to cut back on energy and decrease utility bills. This may include replacing worn-down weatherstripping or installing a new energy-efficient furnace.

Improving Health and Safety

Permitting air to seep into your home through doors and windows, or as a result of a lack of insulation can cause excessive moisture to build up, which can negatively impact your home’s humidity levels or lead to mold. This can lead to health problems, especially for people who have asthma or allergies.

Raising Your Home’s Retail Value

Energy-efficient homes are preferred by homebuyers. You can sell your home more quickly or for more money by demonstrating to prospective buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Complete an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although performing an energy audit on your own might not be as thorough as hiring a professional, it’ll give you a generalized understanding of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any flaws during the DIY test, then you potentially don’t need to hire a professional. Follow this step-by-step checklist:

  • Review your HVAC system. Leaky ducts can lose as much as 20% of conditioned air, resulting in more expensive energy bills and increased strain on HVAC equipment. If you discover leaks, use duct tape to eliminate 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 hire a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Watch for signs of air leaks. Air leaks on average can increase monthly 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 close to baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can inspect for air leaks around 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. Make sure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are spinning properly, and check for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Temperature Doctors 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 professionals at Temperature Doctors Heating & Cooling today. We’ve proudly serviced the residents of Rockford with quality home services for a long time. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.