Home Energy Audits
If you're struggling with high utility bills and inefficient home comfort, you may benefit from a home energy audit. A home energy audit (also called a home energy assessment) helps you understand your energy use, reveals problem areas, and provides solutions to improve comfort and reduce costs.
Let's dive deep into how to boost your home efficiency and save money.
What is a home energy audit?
An audit, also known as an assessment, tells you how much energy your home uses and what you can do to increase its efficiency. Ideally, it should be performed by a professional for a thorough assessment. Many homeowners try to save money by performing a do-it-yourself home energy audit, but a professional energy audit may pay for itself in energy savings.
Benefits can include:
- Reduced energy bills
- Identifying hidden energy leaks
- Improved comfort by stabilizing indoor temperatures
- Lower carbon footprint
- Increase home resale value
Can I do a home energy audit myself?
You can do many things before calling for a professional energy audit. Keep this checklist handy next time you're concerned about your home efficiency.
Before calling in the pros, you can:
Search for air leaks
Check windows, doors, outlets, and baseboards for air leaks or drafts. If you find any, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.
Inspect Insulation
We often lose energy through the areas of the house we rarely see or use. Check your attic insulation. Is it adequate for your home's needs? If not, consider reinsulating the area. Inspect basements and crawlspace insulation, too. If you aren't sure what you need, ask a professional.
Keep tabs on your HVAC system
Replacing your air filters regularly helps boost system efficiency. Also, check your ductwork for any dirty streaks which can indicate leaks. Lastly, consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model if your system is over 10 years old.
Review Lighting & Appliances
Swap incandescent bulbs for LED bulbs and unplug electronics when not in use.
Check Water Heater
Insulate water heater, pipes, and ducts to help save energy. Also, set your hot water temperature to 120°F for better efficiency.
What happens during a professional energy audit?
When it's time to call in the professionals, a professional energy auditor will examine the outside of your home and go room by room inside it. They will ask you questions about any problem areas you've identified and your energy habits and usage. Your auditor may use equipment such as infrared cameras to see areas of hot and cold, blower doors to measure leaks, furnace efficiency meters, and surface thermometers. Finally, you'll receive customized recommendations on increasing your energy efficiency and instructions on implementing them.
Are Energy Audits Expensive?
If you're considering an energy audit, you are probably wondering: How much does an energy audit cost? While fees may vary, most typical professional audits cost between $200 and $600. Of course, this depends on the size of your home and the area where you live. Call your local utility supplier and ask about the cost. Some energy providers even offer discounts or free audits as part of their service. You'll never know until you ask!
Do You Need an Energy Audit?
If you're wondering if you need a professional energy audit in New Jersey, we can tell you this— a home energy audit is one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a professional energy audit may "save you up to 30 percent on your energy bill by making efficiency upgrades identified in your home energy audit."
Whether you do a quick DIY inspection or hire a professional, finding and fixing energy inefficiencies may save money, improve comfort, and extend the life of your home systems.