Just as a budget or tax audit helps you to hone in on your spending habits, a home energy audit helps you find your energy use habits. They may be good or bad, but they usually can use some improvement. The Department of Energy recommends both a do-it-yourself audit and a professional audit. Both can serve different purposes.
First, the do-it-yourself audit can raise your awareness of all the energy waste your home has and really make you want to change it. You can look for things like air leaks or drafts from windows, baseboards and exterior doors. According to the DOE, minimizing these leaks can result in as much as a 30 percent savings annually on energy bills. Check your ventilation to be sure exhaust fans and heating and cooling units are properly vented, with no dangerous backdraft. Check insulation, especially near doors and windows, as well as attic crawl spaces. Poorly insulated spaces can result in lost heat or coolness. Finally, inspect your heating and cooling units. Change the filters regularly. Be prepared to replace a unit that is approaching the 15-year mark. Newer units operate much more cost-effectively. Talk to your HVAC professional about your HVAC unit’s life span and expected performance.
A professional audit takes some preparation and some commitment to make changes following the report. To find a professional auditor, ask your HVAC technician. Or, research them through your local government energy office. You can also find professional auditors through the Residential Energy Services Network. Once you’ve checked their references and made the appointment, be prepared for a thorough inspection. The professional auditor will inspect both the outside and the inside of your home. He or she will ask questions about your family’s schedule at home to determine times when your energy levels can be at a low. The auditor might use a variety of tools to monitor energy use, including blower doors, infrared cameras and furnace efficiency meters. At the end of the audit, the auditor will provide you with a report for your perusal and action. It’s up to you to take the necessary steps to act on their advice.
