Home-Energy Audits

An energy audit is used to analyze a building’s energy performance and is the first step in determining what can be done to make the building more energy efficient. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, Americans now spend more than $160 billion on energy bills annually, of which 20-30 percent could be saved through energy efficiency improvements.

During professional home energy audits, trained contractors use state-of-the-art equipment to evaluate homes’ energy performance and, based on their findings, recommend energy efficiency improvements. Energy audits vary from one service provider to the next, but there are a few standard practices. A blower door test measures the building’s air flow to test doors for leaks, for example, and a thermographic scan captures infrared images of the building, which reveal where major areas of heat loss are occurring.

There are several ways to get a home-energy audit. First, check with your local utility provider. Many offer home-energy audits for a discounted price or even for free if your property has not received one in a while.

There are also nationally recognized programs that train and certify private companies to perform home-energy audits. Home Performance with ENERGY STAR and Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) are the two most established of these programs, and both provide lists of recognized auditors. To find the auditors nearest you, visit the ENERGY STAR program website and then highlight the middle bubble, titled “Home Energy Raters.” Select your state from the bar at the bottom. RESNET’s list requires you to select your state of residence at the bottom. Note that auditors not found on these lists have not been certified by either of these national programs.

Common home-energy audit recommendations include:

• Sealing air leaks and ductwork
• Improving heating/cooling systems
• Adding insulation
• Upgrading lighting and appliances 

Energy audits are also often used as a precautionary measure before purchasing a home, or as the foundation for an Energy-Efficient Mortgage. Energy audits and home improvements have also been used to qualify for federal tax credits, but these expired in January, 2008.

 “Do-it-yourself” energy audits also exist. Although they will not be as comprehensive or advanced as professional alternatives, they are cheaper and still identify energy efficiency improvements. The following websites will help you get started:

• The Department of Energy’s Home Energy Saver Calculator
• The ACEEE’s energy tips for today, this week, month, and year
• The ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick
• A list of links to more specialized energy calculators and software
• A home energy audit exercise for students

Energy-efficient homes are not only less costly to own, operate, and maintain, but with better sealed homes comes enhanced comfort. Remember, however, that audits alone don't save energy…