Home Energy Audit– Your First Step to an Energy-Efficient Home
03/05/2024
With rising energy costs and more extreme weather patterns, it's more important than ever to have an energy-efficient home. But where do you start? Look no further than an energy audit.
What is an energy audit?
An energy audit is a comprehensive evaluation that identifies areas where energy is being wasted and provides recommendations for improvements with the biggest impact on your home's efficiency. Not only will you pinpoint where your energy dollars are going, you'll also be able to develop a plan to lower your utility bills and increase overall comfort.
What to expect during an energy audit
An energy audit involves a professional energy auditor coming to your home with specialized tools—such as an infrared camera, blower door, duct blaster, and smoke pen—to conduct a series of tests and inspections. They may:
- Check for air leaks and drafts
- Examine insulation levels
- Inspect heating and cooling systems
- Evaluate appliance and lighting performance
- Analyze your energy bills
The home energy audit report provided by the expert can be used to prioritize efficiency improvements. Some upgrades can be done yourself, while others require a trained professional. Projects can be scheduled based on your budget, projected savings, or coordinated with other home improvements.
Blower door test — a key component of your home energy audit
One key tool used in an energy audit is a blower door test. This involves fitting a powerful fan into an exterior door or window to blow air out of the house, creating negative pressure inside. This negative pressure exaggerates air infiltration through leaks in the building envelope. By going room to room and using zonal pressure diagnostics, the auditor can locate air leaks and estimate their severity.
Making energy audits more affordable
A home energy audit can cost between $200–$700, depending on your home's size, location, and the audit level. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, energy audit tax credits are available to help offset the cost. The tax credit offers 30% of the cost for a home energy assessment, up to $150 per year.
An energy auditor can also help homeowners access federal, state, local, and utility programs that may help reduce costs.
An energy audit is a valuable investment for any homeowner looking to reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and improve home comfort. By identifying wasted energy and creating an improvement plan, you can enjoy a more sustainable and cost-effective home.
Homeowner Benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act
- Save up to 30% of the material cost (labor excluded).
- Save up to 30% of the cost of a qualified home energy audit (maximum $150 for the audit; counts toward the $1,200 annual total).
- Claim up to $1,200 per year by adding qualified insulation for energy efficiency improvements.
*25C Tax Credit guidelines subject to change. Current guidelines are available 1/1/23 – 12/31/32. Check with your tax advisor for the latest information.