If you have a goal of creating a more energy-efficient home, then the first step you should take is investing in a home energy audit. It’s a great step to take now, as the temperature outside is cooling down, so you know your home is ready for the cooler weather of winter. A professional audit does come with a price tag, but it can help you save money in the long-run and give you more focused suggestions on how to improve your energy conservation efforts. Keep reading to learn more and turn to Healthy Home 365 for energy-saving products!
What is a Home Energy Audit?
A home energy audit is a professional assessment of the energy efficiency of your home. An auditor will inspect your home to pinpoint where you are losing energy, while also searching for health and safety issues that need to be addressed. Then, you will receive a list of recommended repairs and improvements that will help boost your energy efficiency.
How Much Does It Cost?
A professional home energy audit typically costs around $300 to $500, but it will depend on the architecture of your home as well as the competition among companies in your area offering this service. Aside from the long-term benefits of an energy-efficient home, you may find there are a few other incentives for putting down the dough. Local governments and utility companies often offer subsidies for energy audits. Some contractors may also offer discounted rates if you commit to hiring them to do the improvements recommended in your audit report.
Why You Should Invest in an Audit
Trust us — a home energy audit is worth the time, money, and effort. It’s an important step toward building a more energy-efficient home. Not only can it help you save energy and money down the road, but it can also help you better target problem areas and prioritize energy-efficient improvements. Have you considered replacing your water heater or investing in new window treatments? A home energy audit can help you decide which products will be worthwhile, and which you should install ASAP.
How to Prepare
Your auditor will need some information from you in order to make a thorough and accurate assessment. Before your appointment, walk through your home and look for potential problems that you want to point out to the auditor. Some things to look for include:
- Excess condensation on windows
- Air leaks around windows, doors, outlets, and light fixtures
- Uncomfortable, drafty rooms
- Poor air quality
You should also gather your yearly energy bills, which the auditor will use to look at the past energy usage of your home. You may also be asked to answer a few questions about the circumstances surrounding your energy usage, such as:
- Is anyone home during the day?
- What is your average thermostat settings for summer and winter?
- How many people live here?
- How many rooms are in use?
What to Expect
Your auditor will inspect the exterior and interior of your home, looking for health and safety hazards as well as using tools like an infrared camera to pinpoint sources of energy waste. They’ll ask you questions about the energy efficiency of your home while giving you the chance to point out any problems you’ve noticed. In addition to a general inspection, your auditor may also perform a blow door test, which uses a special fan to depressurize your house in order to measure the effectiveness of air sealing treatments and locate air leaks. According to the Department of Energy, the average home has enough air leaks to equal a two-square-foot hole.
After a thorough inspection, your auditor will analyze their findings and offer you a home energy report. This report will detail your home’s specific safety and energy conservation problems and give you suggestions on how to solve them. When you are looking for energy-saving solutions, turn to Healthy Home 365.
Find Solutions at Healthy Home 365
Here at Healthy Home 365, we are dedicated to helping homeowners like you improve the energy efficiency of their home. Explore our wide selection of eco-friendly energy conservation products, like innovative attic insulation, a hypoallergenic water heater wrap, and more. Call today to see how we can help with your next home improvement project!
