Ever done a double take when you checked your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the result of severe weather events, consistently high bills can also signify an inefficient HVAC system or your home is using too much energy by other means, like drafty windows or poor insulation.

One of the simplest ways to figure out whether your home is wasting energy is by hiring a home service professional to perform a home energy audit, also known as a home energy assessment. Keep reading to learn more about home energy audits, including what they are and their key elements.

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

An energy audit is a thorough 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 older energy bills while completing an energy audit to figure out where energy is being wasted and how much.

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

Over the course of the energy assessment, the auditor carries out an inspection of the outside and inside of your home. The auditor performs a blower door test on doorways, windows and fireplaces to determine 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. Comprehensive assessments may also include checking your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be tough for the average homeowner to know for sure how efficient their home is compared to other similar homes in their neighborhood. However, lots of energy companies often provide information about where your home ranks 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 useful starting point to figure out if you need an energy audit completed.

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

Recognizing How Efficient Your Home Is

It’s worthwhile to know how efficient your home is and where you’re using the most energy. For example, if your ducts are leaking, it can cause a significant increase in your energy bills and excessive wear and tear on your HVAC system since it has to run longer to fully heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Improvements

An energy audit should outline where you need to make energy-efficient changes to save on energy and reduce utility bills. This may include replacing old weatherstripping or getting a new energy-efficient furnace.

Enhancing Health and Safety

Permitting air to leak into your home through doors and windows, or due to a lack of insulation can cause excessive moisture to appear, which can negatively influence your home’s humidity levels or produce mold. This can lead to health issues, particularly for people suffering from asthma or allergies.

Adding to Your Home’s Retail Value

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

How to Complete an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although performing an energy audit by yourself may not be as thorough as choosing a professional, it’ll offer you a general sense of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any issues during the DIY test, then you potentially don’t need to call in a professional. Follow this step-by-step checklist:

  • Review your HVAC system. Leaky ducts can lose nearly 20% of conditioned air, contributing to more expensive energy bills and greater wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If you notice 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 considerable amount on your energy bills. In some cases, it can be better to hire a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Watch for signs of air leaks. Air leaks on average can raise your 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 along 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.
  • 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 the ventilation. Make sure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are functioning properly, and inspect for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Strine's for a Professional Energy Audit

If you would like professional help determining how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, contact the HVAC professionals at Strine's today. We’ve proudly serviced the residents of York with quality home services for a long time. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.