Ever done a double take when you checked your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the end result of severe weather events, consistently high bills can also signify an inefficient HVAC system or your home is wasting energy through other means, including drafty windows or insufficient insulation.

One of the simplest ways to identify whether your home is wasting energy is by getting a home service specialist to carry out 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 advantages.

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

An energy audit is a custom inspection of how much energy your home uses up and whether – and where – your home may be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will review previous energy bills while completing an energy audit to figure out where energy is being wasted and how much.

The ultimate goal of an energy audit is to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by recommending energy-efficient renovations, which can include replacing your existing HVAC system, installing new insulation, closing up leaks, or replacing drafty windows.

During the energy assessment, the auditor carries out 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, including the ductwork, the water heater, and the insulation in your attic. Some assessments might also include inspecting your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

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

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

Recognizing How Efficient Your Home Is

It’s good to understand how efficient your home is and where you’re consuming the most energy. For example, if your ducts are leaking, it can cause a large increase in your energy bills and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system as it has to stay on longer to properly heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Improvements

An energy audit will outline where you need to make energy-efficient changes to cut back on energy and reduce utility bills. This might include replacing old weatherstripping or installing a new energy-efficient furnace.

Improving Health and Safety

Allowing air to seep into your home via doors and windows, or because of a lack of insulation can cause extra moisture to appear, which can negatively impact your home’s humidity levels or produce mold. This can cause health problems, particularly for people who have 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 completing an energy audit independently may not be as detailed as calling a professional, it’ll offer a broad idea of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t find any flaws during the DIY test, then you likely don’t need to hire a professional. Use this step-by-step checklist:

  • Review your HVAC system. Damaged ducts can lose nearly 20% of conditioned air, resulting in more expensive energy bills and increased strain on HVAC equipment. If you discover leaks, use duct tape to seal them. If your HVAC equipment is old and wearing down, upgrading to a new system can save you a significant amount on your energy bills. In some cases, it can be better to contact a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Watch for signs of 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, including along the edge of flooring and near baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can inspect for air leaks in the home’s foundation, siding and mortar. Plug, caulk or seal any air leaks to save money.
  • Inspect 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. Ensure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are functioning properly, and look for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Brandywine 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 experts at Brandywine Heating & Air today. We’ve proudly supported the residents of Wilmington with quality home services for a long time. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.