Why an Energy Audit Makes a Difference

Energy audits are a great tool for improving the energy performance of your home. By finding out where the problems are, you can better determine which actions will make the most difference for energy conservation. You may find, for example, that air sealing in your attic—a relatively modest cost investment—will save you more energy than replacing windows—a much higher cost investment. You may find that the mystery duct leak that has been sapping ten percent of your home’s energy can quite easily be sealed. The recommendations resulting from an energy audit will help you make the most strategic decisions for your home, both in terms of cost and comfort. Environmentally speaking, a good energy audit will help you see where you can make the most positive difference. By making the right improvements, it is quite possible to reduce your energy use by 30 to 40 percent—and even cut it in half. The typical household in the United States consumes so much energy in electricity and heating fuel, that its greenhouse gas emissions are equivalent to two average automobiles. Cutting your energy consumption by 25% may be equivalent—in climate impact—of eliminating emissions from a car for 6 months each year, or keeping three to four tons of CO2 out of the atmosphere.

What is an Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of your home’s energy usage. A trained energy auditor will conduct a walk-through inspection and may use special tools to evaluate your home for air leaks, the efficiency of heating and cooling systems and home appliances, and of other uses that may affect your home’s overall energy efficiency. The audit takes two to three hours and will result in a report outlining the energy performance of your home. The report will offer recommendations for improving energy efficiency and reducing your home utility bills. Energy audits typically involve several of the following tools and techniques:

• A walk-through and visual inspection of equipment, ducts, attic, windows, walls, and crawlspace
• Blower door test that checks air flow and air pressure in your home
• Infrared heat imaging
• Duct leakage test – sometimes referred to as a duct “blaster” test
• Energy modeling
• Energy performance analysis
• Report with recommendations

Cost

Professional audits range in cost from $180 to $400 based on the techniques and tools that are used. An on-line self-audit is free, only requiring your time to complete the survey.

Action Steps

1. Decide what type of energy audit you would like:
   • If you have selected a do-it-yourself online assessment, click on a weblink below (under Resources).
     • You will find it helpful to have recent utility bills on hand (some sites ask for 12 months of records). The more information you can provide on the survey forms, the more accurate the online audit will be.
     • You may also need to know dimensions of your home, and the number of windows, doors, and approximate number of lights you use in the house.
   • If you decide to have a professional audit performed:
     • Check the energy audit resource list and make your selection(s).
     • Call three providers and find out what type of audit they perform, their availability, cost, and experience (it may include certification by RESnet, Energy Star, or your local power provider).
     • Make your decision!
     • Schedule an energy audit for your home.
     • Compile at least one year’s worth of utility bills, if you can. Make them available for review by the auditor, who may
     • Be present during the audit. Most auditors welcome a homeowner’s participation and will give you valuable tips during the walkthrough.

2. Once you receive your report and recommendations, choose your energy-saving actions based on your goals and budget.

3. Check out the official ENERGY STAR and Alliance to Save Energy web sites for federal tax credit information and ENERGY STAR program rebate information.

4. Make your energy home improvements!

Materials

Budget up to $400.

Time

2 to 3 hours for professional audit
10 minutes to 40 minutes for self an on-line assessment

Resources

For a relatively simple on-line do-it-yourself home energy audit, see Alliance to Save Energy’s Home Energy Checkup.

For a more detailed on-line do-it-yourself home energy audit, go to the Home Energy Saver site.

Residential Energy Service Network certified home energy raters

Find an ENERGY STAR partner

Arlington County Fresh AIRE

Arlington County list of Green Home Choice program professional participants