Did you perform a double take when you checked your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the end result of severe weather events, consistently high bills can also suggest an inefficient HVAC system or your home is misusing energy through other means, including drafty windows or poor insulation.

An easy way to identify whether your home is using too much energy is by calling a home service professional 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 key elements.

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 review past energy bills while completing an energy audit to find out where energy is being used 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, installing new insulation, sealing up leaks, or replacing drafty windows.

During the energy assessment, the auditor also completes an inspection of the outside and inside of your home. The auditor performs a blower door test on doorways, windows and fireplaces to figure out if there are air leaks in your home. They’ll also check 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 difficult for the ordinary homeowner to know for sure how efficient their home is versus other similar homes in their area. However, lots of energy companies often offer information about where your home stands in comparison to similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient in contrast with your neighbors’ homes. This could be a great starting point to decide if you need an energy audit completed.

Several of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Learning How Efficient Your Home Is

It’s beneficial to learn more about how efficient your home is and where you’re consuming the most energy. For example, if your ducts are leaking air, it will lead to a sizable increase in your energy bills and additional wear and tear on your HVAC system since it has to run longer to completely heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Upgrades

An energy audit will expose where you need to make energy-efficient improvements to cut back on energy and reduce utility bills. This may include replacing old weatherstripping or getting a new energy-efficient furnace.

Improving Health and Safety

Allowing air to slip into your home through doors and windows, or due to a lack of insulation can cause excessive moisture to form, which may negatively impact your home’s humidity levels or produce mold. This can exacerbate health issues, especially for people who have asthma or allergies.

Adding to 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 potential buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Perform an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although completing an energy audit by yourself may not be as detailed as hiring a professional, it’ll offer a broad sense of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any flaws during the DIY test, then you probably don’t need to call in a professional. Follow this step-by-step checklist:

  • Inspect your HVAC system. Leaky ducts can lose nearly 20% of conditioned air, contributing to steeper energy bills and excess strain on HVAC equipment. If you discover leaks, use duct tape to close them. If your HVAC equipment is old and inefficient, upgrading to a new system can save you a considerable amount on your energy bills. In some cases, it is better to hire a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Look for air leaks. Air leaks on average can raise the energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where you can find a draft, like along the edge of flooring and close to baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can look 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 the ventilation. Ensure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are spinning properly, and look for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Custom Air Systems Inc for a Professional Energy Audit

If you want professional help finding out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, call the HVAC experts at Custom Air Systems Inc today. We’ve proudly served the residents of with quality home services for years. Contact us today to request an appointment.