Ever done a double take when you viewed your last energy bill? Even though high energy bills can be the result of extreme weather conditions, repeatedly high bills can also indicate an inefficient HVAC system or your home is using too much energy because of other means, like drafty windows or poor insulation.

One of the easiest ways to figure out whether your home is using too much energy is by getting a home service professional to perform 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 benefits.

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 may be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will go through older energy bills in the course of an energy audit to find out where energy is being consumed and how much.

The overall goal of an energy audit is to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by recommending energy-efficient renovations, which may include exchanging your current HVAC system, adding new insulation, closing up leaks, or replacing drafty windows.

During the energy assessment, the auditor performs 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. Comprehensive assessments might also include reviewing your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be difficult for the average homeowner to be sure how efficient their home is compared to 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 good starting point to decide if you need an energy audit performed.

Several of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Learning How Efficient Your Home Is

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

Making Energy-Efficient Upgrades

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

Enhancing Health and Safety

Allowing air to seep into your home via doors and windows, or due to a lack of insulation can cause unwanted moisture to appear, which can negatively affect your home’s humidity levels or lead to mold. This can exacerbate health issues, especially for people who have asthma or allergies.

Increasing Your Home’s Retail Value

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

How to Complete an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although handling an energy audit on your own may not be as thorough as choosing a professional, it’ll offer you a general understanding of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any problems during the DIY test, then you likely don’t need to hire a professional. Try this step-by-step checklist:

  • Inspect your HVAC system. Broken ducts can lose as much as 20% of conditioned air, leading to steeper energy bills and excess wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If you notice 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 might be better to call a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Check for air leaks. Air leaks on average can increase your energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where there is a draft, including along the edge of flooring and near baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can inspect 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. Check that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are spinning properly, and check for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Farnell Mechanical, Inc. for a Professional Energy Audit

If you would like professional help figuring out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, call the HVAC pros at Farnell Mechanical, Inc. today. We’ve proudly served the residents of Auburn and Opelika with quality home services for a long time. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.