Ever done a double take when you checked your last energy bill? While high energy bills can be the end result of extreme weather events, repeatedly high bills can quickly signify an inefficient HVAC system or your home is using too much energy because of other means, such as drafty windows or poor insulation.

One of the easiest ways to identify whether your home is wasting energy is by calling a home service professional to carry out a home energy audit, also called a home energy assessment. Keep reading to learn 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 uses and whether – and where – your home may be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will go through past energy bills while completing an energy audit to find out where energy is being wasted and how much.

The ultimate goal of an energy audit is to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by suggesting energy-efficient renovations, which can include swapping out your existing HVAC system, installing new insulation, plugging up leaks, or replacing old windows.

Over the course of the energy assessment, the auditor performs an inspection of the outside and inside of your home. The auditor completes a blower door test on doorways, windows and fireplaces to find out if there are air leaks in your home. They’ll also inspect your home’s HVAC system, which also includes the ductwork, the water heater, and the insulation in your attic. Some assessments could also include checking your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

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

Several of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Understanding How Efficient Your Home Is

It’s beneficial to know how efficient your home is and where you’re using the most energy. For example, if your ducts are leaking, it can lead to a sizable increase in your energy bills and excessive wear and tear on your HVAC system as it has to run longer to fully heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Improvements

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

Enhancing Health and Safety

Enabling air to slip into your home through doors and windows, or due to a lack of insulation can cause extra moisture to form, which could negatively affect your home’s humidity levels or lead to mold. This can lead to health issues, especially for people suffering from asthma or allergies.

Increasing Your Home’s Retail Value

Energy-efficient homes are preferred by homebuyers. You can sell your home much faster or for more money by showing potential buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Perform an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although completing an energy audit on your own will not be as detailed as calling a professional, it’ll offer you a general sense of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any issues during the DIY test, then you likely don’t need to call in a professional. Try this step-by-step checklist:

  • Review your HVAC system. Broken ducts can lose up to 20% of conditioned air, leading to steeper energy bills and excess strain on HVAC equipment. If you find leaks, use duct tape to eliminate them. If your HVAC equipment is old and wearing down, upgrading to a new system can save you a significant amount on your energy bills. In some cases, it is better to call a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Look for 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 close to baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can look for air leaks along the home’s foundation, siding and mortar. Plug, caulk or seal any air leaks to save money.
  • Inspect 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 the ventilation. Ensure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly, and inspect for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Ilten's for a Professional Energy Audit

If you are interested in professional help finding out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, call the HVAC professionals at Ilten's today. We’ve proudly supported the residents of Cedar Rapids with quality home services for a long time. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.