Ever done a double take when you checked your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the consequence of intense weather events, consistently high bills can also indicate an inefficient HVAC system or your home is misusing energy through other means, such as drafty windows or inadequate insulation.

One of the easiest ways to determine whether your home is wasting energy is by hiring a home service professional to complete a home energy audit, also called 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 custom inspection of how much energy your home uses up and whether – and where – your home may be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will take a look at older energy bills during an energy audit to find out where energy is being consumed and how much.

The ultimate goal of an energy audit is to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by identifying energy-efficient improvements, which may include swapping out your existing HVAC system, installing new insulation, sealing up leaks, or replacing old windows.

Over the course of the energy assessment, the auditor performs an inspection of the outside and inside of your home. The auditor will perform a blower door test on doorways, windows and fireplaces to determine if there are air leaks in your home. They’ll also check your home’s HVAC system, as well as 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 hard for the average homeowner to know for certain how efficient their home is in comparison to other similar homes in their community. However, local energy companies often provide information about where your home ranks when compared with similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient versus your neighbors’ homes. This could be a good starting point to determine if you need an energy audit performed.

Some of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Understanding How Efficient Your Home Is

It’s good to know how efficient your home is and where you’re using up the most energy. For example, if your ducts are leaking air, it can lead to a large increase in your energy bills and excessive wear and tear on your HVAC system as it has to run longer to properly heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Updates

An energy audit can reveal where you need to make energy-efficient changes to conserve energy and lower utility bills. This might include replacing worn weatherstripping or getting a new energy-efficient furnace.

Improving Health and Safety

Allowing air to slip into your home through doors and windows, or because of a lack of insulation can cause unwanted moisture to appear, which could negatively impact your home’s humidity levels or encourage mold. This can cause health conditions, particularly for people dealing with asthma or allergies.

Increasing Your Home’s Retail Value

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

How to Complete an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although completing an energy audit on your own might not be as thorough as choosing a professional, it’ll offer a general idea of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any flaws during the DIY test, then you likely don’t need to call in a professional. Use this step-by-step checklist:

  • Examine your HVAC system. Leaky ducts can lose as much as 20% of conditioned air, contributing to higher energy bills and greater 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 substantial 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 raise your energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where there is a draft, such as along the edge of flooring and near 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. Make sure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are functioning properly, and inspect for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. for a Professional Energy Audit

If you are interested in professional help determining how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, call the HVAC experts at LTS Plumbing & Heating Inc. today. We’ve proudly supported the residents of Shamokin and Sunbury with quality home services for many years. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.