Did you perform a double take when you checked your last energy bill? While high energy bills can be the consequence of intense weather conditions, consistently high bills can quickly indicate an inefficient HVAC system or your home is using too much energy by other means, such as drafty windows or insufficient insulation.
One of the simplest ways to identify whether your home is wasting energy is by hiring a home service expert to perform a home energy audit, also known as 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 comprehensive inspection of how much energy your home uses and whether – and where – your home could be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will review older energy bills during an energy audit to determine where energy is being consumed and how much.
The ultimate goal of an energy audit is to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by recommending energy-efficient updates, which may include swapping out your existing HVAC system, adding new insulation, plugging up leaks, or replacing loose windows.
While completing the energy assessment, the auditor also completes an inspection of the outside and inside of your home. The auditor will perform 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 might also include checking your current lighting system.
Benefits of a Home Energy Audit
It can be difficult for the typical homeowner to be sure how efficient their home is compared to other similar homes in their area. However, many energy companies often supply information about where your home is ranked in comparison to similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient compared to your neighbors’ homes. This could be a good starting point to figure out if you need an energy audit completed.
A few of the benefits of a home energy audit include:
Recognizing How Efficient Your Home Is
It’s worthwhile to know how efficient your home is and where you’re consuming the most energy. For example, if your ducts are leaking, it could cause a large increase in your energy bills and additional wear and tear on your HVAC system because it has to work longer to completely heat or cool your home.
Making Energy-Efficient Upgrades
An energy audit will outline where you need to make energy-efficient changes to cut back on energy and decrease utility bills. This might include replacing worn weatherstripping or installing a new energy-efficient furnace.
Improving Health and Safety
Permitting air to slip 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 influence your home’s humidity levels or produce mold. This can cause health conditions, particularly for people dealing with asthma or allergies.
Raising Your Home’s Retail Value
Energy-efficient homes are preferred by homebuyers. You can sell your home much faster or for more money by telling possible buyers that it’s energy efficient.
How to Do an Energy Audit of Your Home
Although handling an energy audit on your own might not be as detailed as calling a professional, it’ll offer a generalized idea of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any flaws during the DIY test, then you probably don’t need to bring in a professional. Try this step-by-step checklist:
- Inspect your HVAC system. Damaged ducts can lose up to 20% of conditioned air, resulting in steeper energy bills and greater wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If you notice leaks, use duct tape to seal 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 might be better to call a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
- Watch for signs of air leaks. Air leaks on average can raise the energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where there is a draft, including along the edge of flooring and along baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can look for air leaks in 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 functioning properly, and inspect for evidence of rot or moisture.
Contact Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling for a Professional Energy Audit
If you would like professional help determining how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, call the HVAC pros at Herman Allen Plumbing, Heating & Cooling today. We’ve proudly supported the residents of Greater Richmond with quality home services for years. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.