Did you perform a double take when you checked your last energy bill? Even though high energy bills can be the end result of severe weather events, consistently high bills can quickly suggest an inefficient HVAC system or your home is misusing energy by other means, such as drafty windows or inadequate insulation.

An easy way to identify whether your home is consuming too much energy is by getting a home service professional to carry out 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 advantages.

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 older energy bills while completing an energy audit to figure out 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 can include swapping out your existing HVAC system, adding new insulation, closing up leaks, or replacing loose 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 figure out if there are air leaks in your home. They’ll also inspect your home’s HVAC system, including the ductwork, the water heater, and the insulation in your attic. Comprehensive assessments may also include reviewing your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be tough for the average homeowner to know for certain how efficient their home is compared to other similar homes in their area. However, many energy companies often provide information about where your home stands when compared with similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient in contrast with your neighbors’ homes. This is a good 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 worthwhile to understand how efficient your home is and where you’re consuming the most energy. For example, if your ducts are leaking, it can lead to a large 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 will outline where you need to make energy-efficient changes to save on energy and lower utility bills. This can include replacing worn-down weatherstripping or buying a new energy-efficient furnace.

Enhancing Health and Safety

Permitting air to leak into your home via doors and windows, or due to a lack of insulation can cause unwanted moisture to build up, which can negatively affect your home’s humidity levels or lead to mold. This can cause health conditions, particularly 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 showing potential buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Do an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although handling an energy audit by yourself might not be as comprehensive as choosing a professional, it’ll offer you a general idea of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any flaws during the DIY test, then you potentially don’t need to call in a professional. Use this step-by-step checklist:

  • Examine your HVAC system. Leaky ducts can lose up to 20% of conditioned air, leading to higher energy bills and greater wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If you find leaks, use duct tape to plug them. If your HVAC equipment is old and wearing down, upgrading to a new system can save you a considerable 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 your energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where you can find a draft, like 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. Check that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are spinning properly, and check for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Olde Towne Heating & Air for a Professional Energy Audit

If you want professional help figuring out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, contact the HVAC professionals at Olde Towne Heating & Air today. We’ve proudly serviced the residents of Mount Pleasant with quality home services for many years. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.