Home Energy Audit: What You Need to Know

A home energy audit, also known as an energy assessment, has many benefits. Home energy improvements will reduce your carbon footprint, reduce your electricity bills, and make your house more comfortable. What's not to love? While some energy improvements are expensive (purchasing a new furnace), others are inexpensive (changing your furnace filter). Although some of those bigger projects may save you a lot of cash, you may not know which projects make sense for your house. Energy audits help homeowners decide which projects should be their highest priority.

What Does an Energy Assessment Cost?

The cost of an energy assessment varies all over the United States. If you want someone to perform a walk-through energy audit, it'll cost you least two hundred dollars. A thorough, professional energy assessment will cost you at least $500. The more tests included in the energy audit, the higher the cost. You will also find that many beginning auditors charge lower fees than the more established companies. It is important to note that some energy providers offer incentives for energy efficiency improvements. Tax credits are also available for residential energy improvements.

How do I Find a Viable Energy Auditor?

If you want to find a skilled home energy auditor and get a quality energy assessment, you will have to do your homework and be a little picky. Interview the energy auditors in your area. Find out if the energy auditors in your area are trained. If so, find out where they got their training. This is important because the quality of the training will help define the quality of the energy audit. The Building Performance Institute is one national organization that offers quality training. After you make a list of trained and qualified auditors in your area, it is advisable to ask for proof of insurance and references.

What'€™s Involved in a Home Energy Assessment?

Energy auditors perform a variety of tests using special tools to measure energy loss from vents, doors, windows, etc. They evaluate the efficiency of energy-using appliances, including dishwashers, stoves, freezers, and refrigerators. Your energy assessment should include testing of combustible gas lines and combustion appliances. The expected efficiency of your cooling and heating equipment should also be noted. Once the data is analyzed, your auditor can provide you with improvement suggestions. The bottom line is that every homeowner should have an energy audit. Unless your house has undergone energy tests, you will likely experience comfort problems and high electricity bills.