Choose a Home Energy Audit to Increase Efficiency

What if you were able to know where energy is wasted and what changes would most increase your energy efficiency? Well, that's what the energy audit at home will do.

An energy audit is good for your house, your wallet, and the environment. It's not lengthy to do, but for years the results can be felt. Let's discuss how you carry out an energy audit and how you can use this to boost your home's efficiency.

What to Expect with an Energy Audit

The whole house in and out is covered by an energy audit. It can take 30 minutes to 4 hours from the start to the finish, depending on the size of the building and the tests used. It is precisely dependent on the auditor what happens during the energy audit, but most auditors take standard measures to assess a building. The auditor will:

• List all the related home features

• Take note of the home size and settings

• Go from the outside of the roof to the base

• Check all air leak windows and doors

• Make an examination room by room

• Search and measure isolation in the attic spaces

• Do an infrared camera thermographic scan to detect air leak and insufficient isolation

• Examine electrical outlets and lines to see if they are sealed correctly

• Check the furnace or heater

• Check the duct for possible leaks

• Conduct a door blower test to detect air leaks

• Test the lighting

Some auditors may also ask for recent utility bills and ask for information on energy usage at home. This allows the auditors in their report to make a more meaningful and informed recommendation.

DIY Energy Audits

They are not official, but the DIY energy audits can still be useful if you invest in energy efficiency. The Energy Department has developed a DIY Energy Audit Guide that will support you in the process. This is a progressive step by step in examining and analyzing the signs of energy waste.

Local Utility Companies Audits

You will get a free energy audit from your local low-rate energy companies. Typically, it is a simple visual audit not as profound as professional energy auditing. If the service is not provided by the provider, government agencies, non-profit organizations and experts that provide inexpensive audits may be recommended.

Results of the Interpretation and Use of Energy Audit

You have finished your home energy audit! What now? On the basis of their results, the auditor produces a report. The report would provide the auditor, property, and the total energy usage with basic information. The experiments performed and the measurements used and results should then be detailed. The results should mention any discrepancies or inefficiencies, if necessary, as well as photos.

What are most interesting among homeowners are the proposed changes. Often called energy efficiency measures (EEMs). An estimation of what is supposed to be saved in terms of energy consumption along with all non-financial benefits should be included in our energy audit. It can also include an assessment of the costs of improving each energy consumption and targets after changes have been achieved.

At least one of the three items the suggestions aim to do:

• Making the house more comfortable

• Save energy and lower charges

• Enhance air and/or health quality

In order to have a net impact on energy efficiency, the changes should be identified, so that the key fixes can easily be focused. The auditor can also mention room-by-room improvements. 

It should be clearly mentioned and well written so that the information on the report is simple to read and apply. But please ask the auditor for clarity if you have any questions.

The energy-saving alliance estimates the ability to increase home owner’s performance by up to 30 percent through a professional energy audit. In less than a year, savings could easily be accounted for the audit costs.

Who Should Take The Energy Audit Into Consideration?

Most homeowners may profit from an energy audit, but it is warranted in some instances.

• Your Home is Older

The older your house, the more you will normally take advantage of an energy audit. For households of 10 or older years, this is typically recommended. Many houses which were constructed more than ten years ago, even if built using tight construction, were less energy-efficient. Key energy-efficient elements such as water heaters which be replaced or serviced after 10 years.

• You Intend To Sell the Home

An energy audit might be a good investment if you intend to sell your house. A good rating or changes to energy efficiency based on the audit may increase the marketability and desirability of your home. A survey by the National Home Builders Association (NAHB) showed that purchasers are more interested in 'green' homes than others, and many are more likely to pay up to $10,000 for a strong home. In some areas such as Austin, Texas needs an energy audit before a transaction can occur.

• Your Utility Bills Seem High

Is your bill of utilities exceptionally high? Is it any more than last years’ time? See how much electricity has been used by you on your bill. There can be a fixed problem if a large increase in kWh use occurs and there have been no major improvements (as more people live in the house). An energy audit may detect a problem like a hole in the ductwork or major energy waste air leak.