Ever done a double take when you viewed your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the consequence of severe weather events, repeatedly high bills can often suggest an inefficient HVAC system or your home is using too much energy because of other means, such as drafty windows or insufficient insulation.

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

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 review previous energy bills in the course of 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 recommending energy-efficient improvements, which might include swapping out your existing HVAC system, installing new insulation, plugging up leaks, or replacing drafty windows.

During the energy assessment, the auditor carries out an inspection of the outside and inside of your home. The auditor will perform a blower door test on doorways, windows and fireplaces to figure 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 reviewing your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be difficult for the typical homeowner to be sure how efficient their home is in comparison to other similar homes in their area. However, many energy companies often offer information about where your home is ranked in comparison to similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient compared to your neighbors’ homes. This is a good starting point to figure out 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 worthwhile to understand how efficient your home is and where you’re consuming the most energy. For example, if your ducts are damaged, it could cause a sizable increase in your energy bills and excessive wear and tear on your HVAC system since it has to stay on longer to properly heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Upgrades

An energy audit can reveal where you need to make energy-efficient improvements to save on energy and lower utility bills. This may include replacing old weatherstripping or buying a new energy-efficient furnace.

Enhancing Health and Safety

Allowing air to slip into your home via doors and windows, or as a result of a lack of insulation can cause excessive moisture to build up, which may negatively affect your home’s humidity levels or lead to mold. This can lead to health conditions, especially for people suffering from asthma or allergies.

Adding to Your Home’s Retail Value

Energy-efficient homes are preferred by homebuyers. You can sell your home more quickly or for more money by showing prospective 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 calling a professional, it’ll give you a generalized idea 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 bring in a professional. Try this step-by-step checklist:

  • Examine your HVAC system. Leaky ducts can lose up to 20% of conditioned air, leading to higher energy bills and increased strain on HVAC equipment. If you notice leaks, use duct tape to plug 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 call 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 is a draft, including along the edge of flooring and along 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 the ventilation. Check that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly, and check for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact B & G HVAC 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 B & G HVAC today. We’ve proudly served the residents of Marshalltown with quality home services for many years. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.