Did you perform a double take when you viewed your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the end result of intense weather events, repeatedly high bills can also signify an inefficient HVAC system or your home is using too much energy by other means, like drafty windows or insufficient insulation.

One of the simplest ways to determine whether your home is consuming too much energy is by hiring a home service professional to complete a home energy audit, also referred to as 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 consumes and whether – and where – your home could be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will take a look at older energy bills during an energy audit to figure out where energy is being consumed and how much.

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

During 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 determine if there are air leaks in your home. They’ll also inspect your home’s HVAC system, as well as the ductwork, the water heater, and the insulation in your attic. Some assessments might also include reviewing your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be difficult for the average homeowner to be sure how efficient their home is compared to other similar homes in their neighborhood. However, many energy companies often supply information about where your home ranks when compared with similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient compared to your neighbors’ homes. This can be a good starting point to figure out if you need an energy audit scheduled.

A few of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Understanding How Efficient Your Home Is

It’s good to know how efficient your home is and where you’re using the most energy. For example, if your ducts are damaged, it can cause a significant increase in your energy bills and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system since it has to stay on longer to completely heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Updates

An energy audit can outline where you need to make energy-efficient improvements to cut back on energy and reduce utility bills. This might include replacing worn-down weatherstripping or buying a new energy-efficient furnace.

Enhancing Health and Safety

Allowing air to leak into your home through doors and windows, or because of a lack of insulation can cause extra moisture to build up, which could negatively influence your home’s humidity levels or encourage mold. This can cause health conditions, especially for people who have asthma or allergies.

Adding to Your Home’s Retail Value

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

How to Do an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although handling an energy audit independently may not be as thorough as calling a professional, it’ll offer you a broad idea of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t discover any problems during the DIY test, then you potentially don’t need to bring in a professional. Use this step-by-step checklist:

  • Inspect your HVAC system. Damaged ducts can lose as much as 20% of conditioned air, contributing to more expensive energy bills and increased strain on HVAC equipment. If you discover leaks, use duct tape to eliminate them. If your HVAC equipment is old and inefficient, upgrading to a new system can save you a considerable amount on your energy bills. In some cases, it can be better to contact 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 near baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can look 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 the ventilation. Check that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are spinning properly, and check for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Contra Costa Heating & AC for a Professional Energy Audit

If you want professional help determining how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, contact the HVAC pros at Contra Costa Heating & AC today. We’ve proudly served the residents of The Bay Area with quality home services for a long time. Contact us today to set up an appointment.