Did you perform a double take when you checked your last energy bill? While high energy bills can be the result of extreme weather events, repeatedly high bills can quickly signify an inefficient HVAC system or your home is misusing energy through other means, such as drafty windows or inadequate insulation.

One of the simplest ways to identify whether your home is using too much energy is by getting a home service expert to complete 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 custom inspection of how much energy your home consumes and whether – and where – your home may be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will review past energy bills during an energy audit to figure out where energy is being wasted and how much.

The general goal of an energy audit is to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by suggesting energy-efficient improvements, which may include exchanging your existing HVAC system, installing new insulation, sealing up leaks, or replacing loose windows.

While completing the energy assessment, the auditor carries out an inspection of the outside and inside of your home. The auditor will perform a blower door test on doorways, windows and fireplaces to determine if there are air leaks in your home. They’ll also check your home’s HVAC system, which also includes the ductwork, the water heater, and the insulation in your attic. Exhaustive assessments might also include checking your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be difficult for the typical homeowner to know for certain how efficient their home is versus other similar homes in their community. However, lots of energy companies often provide information about where your home ranks in comparison to similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient in contrast with your neighbors’ homes. This could be a good starting point to figure out if you need an energy audit scheduled.

Some of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Understanding How Efficient Your Home Is

It’s beneficial to learn more about how efficient your home is and where you’re using up the most energy. For example, if your ducts are damaged, it can result in a sizable increase in your energy bills and additional wear and tear on your HVAC system as it has to run longer to completely heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Upgrades

An energy audit can reveal where you need to make energy-efficient changes to cut back on energy and decrease utility bills. This can include replacing worn-down weatherstripping or getting a new energy-efficient furnace.

Improving Health and Safety

Allowing air to seep into your home through doors and windows, or as a result of a lack of insulation can cause unwanted moisture to form, which could negatively affect your home’s humidity levels or produce mold. This can cause health problems, especially for people who have asthma or allergies.

Raising Your Home’s Retail Value

Energy-efficient homes are desired by homebuyers. You can sell your home sooner or for more money by telling possible buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Perform an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although handling an energy audit on your own will not be as comprehensive as hiring a professional, it’ll give you a broad understanding of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any issues during the DIY test, then you probably don’t need to bring in a professional. Use this step-by-step checklist:

  • Review your HVAC system. Broken ducts can lose up to 20% of conditioned air, leading to higher energy bills and excess wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If you discover leaks, use duct tape to close them. If your HVAC equipment is old and inefficient, upgrading to a new system can save you a significant amount on your energy bills. In some cases, it might be better to call a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Watch for signs of air leaks. Air leaks on average can increase monthly energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where there is a draft, such as along the edge of flooring and along baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can inspect for air leaks around the home’s foundation, siding and mortar. Plug, caulk or seal any air leaks to save money.
  • Examine 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 ventilation. Make sure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly, and inspect for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc for a Professional Energy Audit

If you want professional help finding out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, contact the HVAC experts at Rapids Sheet Metal Works Inc today. We’ve proudly serviced the residents of with quality home services for years. Contact us today to set up an appointment.