Did you perform a double take when you checked your last energy bill? Even though high energy bills can be the consequence of extreme weather events, repeatedly high bills can also indicate an inefficient HVAC system or your home is misusing energy because of other means, such as drafty windows or insufficient insulation.

One of the easiest ways to determine whether your home is consuming too much energy is by getting a home service expert 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 benefits.

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

An energy audit is a custom 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 recommending energy-efficient renovations, which might include replacing your existing HVAC system, installing new insulation, closing up leaks, or replacing loose 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, including 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 be sure how efficient their home is versus other similar homes in their neighborhood. However, lots of energy companies often supply information about where your home stands in comparison to similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient compared to your neighbors’ homes. This can be a useful starting point to determine if you need an energy audit scheduled.

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

Understanding How Efficient Your Home Is

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

Making Energy-Efficient Improvements

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

Enhancing Health and Safety

Enabling air to leak into your home through doors and windows, or due to a lack of insulation can cause excessive moisture to form, which may negatively influence your home’s humidity levels or produce mold. This can cause health issues, especially for people dealing with asthma or allergies.

Raising Your Home’s Retail Value

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

How to Complete an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although handling an energy audit independently might not be as thorough as hiring a professional, it’ll offer a general 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 call in a professional. Use this step-by-step checklist:

  • Examine your HVAC system. Broken ducts can lose nearly 20% of conditioned air, leading to more expensive energy bills and increased wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If you find leaks, use duct tape to close 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 call a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Watch for signs of air leaks. Air leaks on average can increase your energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where you can find a draft, including along the edge of flooring and along 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 ventilation. Ensure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly, and inspect for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning for a Professional Energy Audit

If you want professional help figuring out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, contact the HVAC professionals at Giordanos Heating and Air Conditioning today. We’ve proudly serviced the residents of Derby with quality home services for a long time. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.