Ever done a double take when you viewed your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the end result of severe weather events, persistently high bills can also signify an inefficient HVAC system or your home is using too much energy because of other means, including drafty windows or poor insulation.

An easy way to determine whether your home is consuming too much energy is by getting a home service specialist to perform a home energy audit, also referred to as a home energy assessment. Keep reading to learn all 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 might be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will take a look at older energy bills in the course of an energy audit to figure out where energy is being consumed and how much.

The general goal of an energy audit is to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by identifying energy-efficient updates, which might include replacing your current HVAC system, putting in new insulation, plugging up leaks, or replacing loose windows.

During the energy assessment, the auditor carries out an inspection of the outside and inside of your home. The auditor performs 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, as well as the ductwork, the water heater, and the insulation in your attic. Some assessments may also include checking your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be hard for the ordinary homeowner to know for certain how efficient their home is compared to other similar homes in their neighborhood. However, local energy companies often supply information about where your home stands when compared with similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient compared to your neighbors’ homes. This is a useful starting point to figure out if you need an energy audit scheduled.

Several 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 using the most energy. For example, if your ducts are leaking, it will lead to a sizable 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 can reveal where you need to make energy-efficient changes to cut back on energy and reduce utility bills. This might include replacing worn weatherstripping or buying a new energy-efficient furnace.

Improving Health and Safety

Permitting air to slip into your home through doors and windows, or because of a lack of insulation can cause extra moisture to form, which can negatively influence your home’s humidity levels or lead to mold. This can cause health issues, particularly for people suffering from asthma or allergies.

Increasing Your Home’s Retail Value

Energy-efficient homes are desired by homebuyers. You can sell your home more quickly or for more money by showing possible buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Perform an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although completing an energy audit independently will not be as comprehensive as choosing a professional, it’ll offer a generalized understanding 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 hire a professional. Follow this step-by-step checklist:

  • Examine your HVAC system. Leaky ducts can lose nearly 20% of conditioned air, resulting in higher energy bills and increased wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If you find leaks, use duct tape to plug 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 is better to hire a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Watch for signs of air leaks. Air leaks on average can raise your energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where you can find a draft, including along the edge of flooring and along 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.
  • 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. Make sure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly, and check for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Gilray Heating and Cooling for a Professional Energy Audit

If you would like professional help figuring out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, contact the HVAC pros at Gilray Heating and Cooling today. We’ve proudly served the residents of Wausau with quality home services for many years. Contact us today to request an appointment.