Ever done a double take when you checked your last energy bill? While high energy bills can be the end result of extreme weather conditions, persistently high bills can often indicate an inefficient HVAC system or your home is using too much energy because of other means, including drafty windows or inadequate insulation.

One of the easiest ways to determine whether your home is consuming too much energy is by getting a home service specialist to perform a home energy audit, also called a home energy assessment. Keep reading to find out more 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 uses up and whether – and where – your home could be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will go through previous energy bills in the course of an energy audit to find out where energy is being used 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 can include swapping out your current HVAC system, putting in new insulation, closing up leaks, or replacing old windows.

While completing the energy assessment, the auditor also completes 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, which also includes 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 average homeowner to know for certain how efficient their home is compared to other similar homes in their area. However, local energy companies often offer information about where your home ranks in comparison to similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient versus your neighbors’ homes. This can be a great starting point to determine if you need an energy audit performed.

Several of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Understanding 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 damaged, it can result in a large increase in your energy bills and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system because it has to run longer to completely heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Updates

An energy audit should outline where you need to make energy-efficient improvements to cut back on energy and lower utility bills. This can include replacing worn weatherstripping or installing a new energy-efficient furnace.

Improving Health and Safety

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

Raising Your Home’s Retail Value

Energy-efficient homes are sought after by homebuyers. You can sell your home much faster or for more money by demonstrating to possible buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Complete an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although completing an energy audit independently will 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 problems during the DIY test, then you potentially don’t need to call in a professional. Use this step-by-step checklist:

  • Review your HVAC system. Damaged ducts can lose up to 20% of conditioned air, resulting in higher energy bills and excess wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If you discover leaks, use duct tape to seal 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 is better to hire a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Watch for signs of air leaks. Air leaks on average can increase your energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where you can find a draft, such as along the edge of flooring and close to 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.
  • 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. Ensure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly, and look for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Air Temperature Control for a Professional Energy Audit

If you want professional help finding out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, contact the HVAC professionals at Air Temperature Control today. We’ve proudly supported the residents of Macon with quality home services for years. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.