Ever done a double take when you checked your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the consequence of extreme weather conditions, persistently high bills can quickly indicate an inefficient HVAC system or your home is using too much energy through other means, including drafty windows or poor insulation.

One of the easiest ways to identify whether your home is using too much energy is by getting a home service professional to perform a home energy audit, also called 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 comprehensive inspection of how much energy your home consumes and whether – and where – your home might be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will take a look at past energy bills during an energy audit to determine where energy is being wasted and how much.

The overall goal of an energy audit is to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by suggesting energy-efficient updates, which can include replacing your existing HVAC system, adding new insulation, sealing up leaks, or replacing loose windows.

During 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 find out if there are air leaks in your home. They’ll also evaluate your home’s HVAC system, as well as 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 hard for the ordinary homeowner to know for certain how efficient their home is in comparison to other similar homes in their neighborhood. 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 versus your neighbors’ homes. This could be a useful starting point to figure out if you need an energy audit completed.

Some of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Understanding How Efficient Your Home Is

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

Making Energy-Efficient Updates

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

Enhancing 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 form, which may negatively impact your home’s humidity levels or encourage mold. This can cause health problems, especially for people dealing with asthma or allergies.

Adding to Your Home’s Retail Value

Energy-efficient homes are preferred by homebuyers. You can sell your home sooner or for more money by telling potential buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Complete an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although performing an energy audit on your own may not be as comprehensive as calling a professional, it’ll give you a broad understanding of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any problems during the DIY test, then you potentially don’t need to hire a professional. Try this step-by-step checklist:

  • Review your HVAC system. Broken ducts can lose nearly 20% of conditioned air, leading to higher energy bills and greater wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If you find leaks, use duct tape to close 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 can be 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 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.
  • 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 look for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Comfort Zone, LLC for a Professional Energy Audit

If you want professional help figuring out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, contact the HVAC pros at Comfort Zone, LLC today. We’ve proudly serviced the residents of Cape Coral with quality home services for a long time. Contact us today to request an appointment.