Energy Audit
Overview
An energy audit is the first step to understanding how to make your home 30 percent more energy efficient, to lower the cost of you utility bills and to reduce your environmental impact! Professional energy auditors test how efficient your home is and identify any changes you can make to increase your homes efficiency.
Energy Audits — The First Step to Energy Efficiency
Energy auditors are trained to understand your home as a whole system because energy efficiency is affected by several different factors. For example, the amount of energy you use to heat your home is determined by factors such as the efficiency rating of your heating appliance, the level of insulation in your attic and the type and age of the windows installed in your home.
The energy analysis an auditor produces will score your home and give you a report, or a "to do" list, to help you make smarter and greener decisions about adding insulation and air sealing, or replacing furnaces, air conditioners and other appliances. The list will also give you an idea of how much each improvement will cost and how long it will take to pay off using the money you will save on your utility bills. And the auditor will score your house to help you understand how efficient your house is compared to other houses like yours.
Energy Auditors, X-Ray Technicians of Home Energy
Energy auditors use specialized equipment like infrared cameras and pressure blower doors to locate air leaks and areas where there isn't enough insulation. Not only can they identify areas to improve energy efficiency, but they can also suggest ways to increase your home's comfort.
It's a good idea to perform an in-home energy audit before making any home improvements — like new windows, insulation, hot water heater replacements, furnace replacements and air conditioner replacements — since you'll then know what efficiency measures can go along with those major investments. These auditors can also act as residential energy efficiency consultants, giving you advice on working with other contractors for energy efficiency and remodeling work.
Last Updated: April 2010
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