Ever done a double take when you took a look at your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the end result of extreme weather conditions, repeatedly 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 inadequate insulation.

One of the easiest ways to identify whether your home is consuming too much energy is by calling a home service specialist to perform a home energy audit, also known as a home energy assessment. Keep reading to learn more 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 up and whether – and where – your home could be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will go through older energy bills in the course of an energy audit to determine 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 recommending energy-efficient renovations, which might include swapping out your current HVAC system, putting in new insulation, sealing up leaks, or replacing loose windows.

During the energy assessment, the auditor also completes an inspection of the outside and inside of your home. The auditor will perform a blower door test on doorways, windows and fireplaces to find out if there are air leaks in your home. They’ll also evaluate your home’s HVAC system, including the ductwork, the water heater, and the insulation in your attic. Exhaustive assessments might also include reviewing your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be hard for the average homeowner to know for sure how efficient their home is compared to other similar homes in their neighborhood. However, lots of energy companies often offer information about where your home ranks when compared with similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient compared to your neighbors’ homes. This could be a useful starting point to decide 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 worthwhile to know how efficient your home is and where you’re using the most energy. For example, if your ducts are damaged, it could result in a large increase in your energy bills and increased wear and tear on your HVAC system because it has to stay on longer to properly heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Improvements

An energy audit can outline where you need to make energy-efficient changes to save on energy and reduce utility bills. This can include replacing old weatherstripping or buying a new energy-efficient furnace.

Improving Health and Safety

Enabling air to leak into your home through doors and windows, or as a result of a lack of insulation can cause unwanted moisture to form, which could negatively influence your home’s humidity levels or lead to mold. This can exacerbate health issues, particularly for people dealing with asthma or allergies.

Adding to Your Home’s Retail Value

Energy-efficient homes are sought after by homebuyers. You can sell your home sooner or for more money by showing prospective buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Complete an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although handling an energy audit independently may not be as thorough as choosing a professional, it’ll offer you a generalized 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 bring in a professional. Try this step-by-step checklist:

  • Review your HVAC system. Damaged ducts can lose up to 20% of conditioned air, resulting in more expensive energy bills and excess strain on HVAC equipment. If you discover leaks, use duct tape to eliminate 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 might be better to contact a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Watch for signs of air leaks. Air leaks on average can raise the energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where there could be a draft, like along the edge of flooring and close to baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can look for air leaks around 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 the ventilation. Ensure that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly, and look for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact Lakeside Heating & Air for a Professional Energy Audit

If you would like professional help determining how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, call the HVAC experts at Lakeside Heating & Air today. We’ve proudly serviced the residents of Chelan and Wenatchee with quality home services for years. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.