Understanding Home Energy Audits

<img src="https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/dcr-apis/wp_contents/uploads/DCR-ADMIN/home%20energy.webp" alt="undefined" style="height: auto;width: auto"/> Conducting an energy audit can help you identify areas where your home is losing energy and recommend improvements to enhance comfort, reduce energy bills, and minimize your environmental impact. Here’s what you need to know about home energy audits. What is a Home Energy Audit? A home energy audit evaluates how energy-efficient your home is and identifies ways to improve energy use: <ul> <li>The audit involves a thorough examination of your home’s insulation, heating and cooling systems, appliances, windows, and doors.</li> <li>Energy auditors use specialized equipment, such as blower doors and infrared cameras, to detect air leaks and insulation gaps. These tests help pinpoint specific areas where energy is being lost.</li> <li>The auditor reviews your energy bills and usage patterns to understand how and where energy is being consumed.</li> </ul> Benefits of a Home Energy Audit <ul> <li>By identifying inefficiencies and recommending improvements, an energy audit can help you reduce your energy consumption, leading to lower utility bills.</li> <li>Addressing issues like drafts, inadequate insulation, and inefficient heating and cooling systems can make your home more comfortable year-round.</li> <li>Reducing energy consumption lowers your carbon footprint, contributing to environmental sustainability.</li> <li>Energy-efficient homes are more attractive to buyers. Implementing the recommendations from an energy audit can increase your home’s market value.</li> </ul> What to Expect During an Energy Audit <ul> <li>The auditor will start with an initial consultation to discuss any specific concerns you have and review your energy bills.</li> <li>The auditor will inspect your home’s exterior and interior, checking for air leaks, insulation levels, and the efficiency of heating and cooling systems.</li> <li>A blower door test involves mounting a powerful fan in an exterior door frame to lower the air pressure inside. The auditor can then identify air leaks using an infrared camera or smoke pencils.</li> <li>After the audit, the auditor will provide a detailed report with findings and recommendations for improving your home’s energy efficiency. This report may include suggested upgrades like sealing air leaks, adding insulation, or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances.</li> </ul> DIY Energy Audit Tips <ul> <li>Feel for drafts around windows, doors, and electrical outlets. Seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulk.</li> <li>Look in your attic, walls, and crawl spaces to ensure you have adequate insulation. Adding insulation can significantly improve energy efficiency.</li> <li>Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use less energy and last longer.</li> <li>Check the age and efficiency of your appliances. Consider upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances that consume less energy.</li> </ul> Finding a Professional Energy Auditor <ul> <li>Look for auditors certified by organizations such as the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET).</li> <li>Ask for references and read online reviews to ensure you hire a reputable auditor.</li> <li>While there is a cost associated with a professional energy audit, the potential savings on energy bills and the increased comfort of your home make it a worthwhile investment. </li> </ul> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-air-conditioning-heating-ventilation-hvac/" target="_self">Santa Clara County HVAC Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-county-insulation/" target="_self">Sonoma County Insulation Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-electrical-contractors/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Electrical Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-air-conditioning-heating-ventilation-hvac/" target="_self">San Francisco HVAC Contractors</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-mateo-insulation/" target="_self">San Mateo County Insulation Contractors</a>  Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Home-Energy-Efficiency/" target="_self">The Homeowner's Guide to Home Energy Efficiency</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>