House Energy Audit: Enhancing Efficiency and Savings

A house energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of a home’s energy use and efficiency. Conducted by a licensed energy advisor, this audit identifies areas where energy is being wasted and recommends measures to improve energy efficiency.

The Process

1. Initial Consultation: Understanding the homeowner’s concerns and goals for energy efficiency.
2. Exterior Inspection: Examining the home’s exterior, including insulation, windows, doors, and the condition of the roof and walls.
3. Interior Inspection: Assessing the interior components such as heating and cooling systems, lighting, appliances, and water heating systems.
4. Diagnostic Tests: Performing tests like blower door tests to measure air leakage and thermographic scans to identify thermal defects.
5. Energy Usage Analysis: Reviewing utility bills and analyzing patterns in energy consumption.

Benefits of an Energy Audit

Post-Audit Recommendations

After the audit, the energy advisor provides a detailed report with recommendations for improvements. These may include:

• Sealing air leaks and adding insulation.
• Upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors.
• Replacing outdated heating and cooling systems with high-efficiency models.
• Installing programmable thermostats and energy-efficient lighting.