Ever done a double take when you checked your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the consequence of intense weather conditions, repeatedly high bills can also indicate an inefficient HVAC system or your home is misusing energy because of other means, including drafty windows or insufficient insulation.

One of the easiest ways to determine whether your home is using too much energy is by hiring a home service specialist to carry out 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 key elements.

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 could be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will take a look at previous energy bills during an energy audit to find out where energy is being used and how much.

The general 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 current HVAC system, putting in new insulation, sealing up leaks, or replacing drafty windows.

While completing the energy assessment, the auditor also completes 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 check your home’s HVAC system, which also includes 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 ordinary homeowner to know for sure how efficient their home is in comparison to other similar homes in their community. However, many energy companies often supply information about where your home is ranked when compared with 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:

Understanding 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 damaged, it could lead to a large increase in your energy bills and excessive wear and tear on your HVAC system since it has to work longer to completely heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Improvements

An energy audit will expose where you need to make energy-efficient changes to save on energy and decrease utility bills. This can include replacing old weatherstripping or buying a new energy-efficient furnace.

Enhancing Health and Safety

Enabling air to seep into your home via doors and windows, or due to a lack of insulation can cause extra moisture to appear, which can negatively impact your home’s humidity levels or encourage mold. This can cause health problems, particularly for people dealing with asthma or allergies.

Raising Your Home’s Retail Value

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

How to Do an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although performing an energy audit by yourself might not be as detailed as hiring a professional, it’ll offer a general 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 bring in a professional. Follow this step-by-step checklist:

  • Review your HVAC system. Damaged ducts can lose nearly 20% of conditioned air, contributing to higher energy bills and greater 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 considerable amount on your energy bills. In some cases, it is better to contact 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 could be a draft, like along the edge of flooring and close to baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can look for air leaks in 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. Check that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are spinning properly, and check for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Dave's Diversified Services 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 Dave's Diversified Services today. We’ve proudly serviced the residents of Front Royal with quality home services for years. Contact us today to set up an appointment.