What to Expect From a Home Energy Analysis

Mar

Worth It? What to Expect From a Home Energy Analysis

Are you interested in reducing your home’s energy consumption? This step not only helps you save money on your monthly utility bills, but it’s also great for the environment.

However, it can be difficult to know where to cut back if you don’t know where to begin. A professional home energy analysis gives you a clear snapshot of which areas in your home are using the most energy.

Today, we’re covering what you can expect when you schedule one for your home.

Exterior Review

At a home energy assessment, an auditor will first take a look at your building from the exterior. As they walk around, they’ll take note of each surface that surrounds your home, from windows and doors to walls and eaves.

The goal of this walk-through is to look for any areas where your home might be leaking air. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), heating and cooling costs account for 53% of the average U.S. family’s total energy expenditures.

If the auditor notices any leaks or spots where air could potentially escape, they will explain how to address and correct those areas.

Interior Attic Review

Attic reviews are also included in most home energy assessments. If your home has one, the auditor will give it a thorough check. They’re looking to make sure that your attic is properly insulated, and that there is adequate insulation applied between your walls.

If not, then you could be losing hot and cold air as it rises through your attic. This is akin to throwing money out the window and requires your HVAC system to work even harder to keep your home comfortable.

Blower Door Test

A professional home energy audit may also include a blower door test. To perform this test, the auditor will first close all the doors and windows in your home. Next, they’ll use a special blower door device to depressurize the air in your home.

An infrared camera will then help them identify any areas where air may be entering into or escaping out of your home.

Electrical Check

Another possible source of leakage that’s often overlooked? Your electrical lines. If the holes that house these lines aren’t sealed properly, then air could leak out.

The auditor will locate those lines and make sure they’re properly secured and safeguarded. At the same time, they’ll also check the lighting in your home. If you’re currently using traditional incandescent bulbs, you can save money on electricity costs by switching to light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

Furnace and Water Heater Check

Next, it’s time to examine the current state of your furnace and water heater. If you’ve noticed that these machines are making loud sounds or aren’t working efficiently, then it might be time to upgrade to a more energy-efficient model.

You can learn more about the issues to avoid and the features to look for in a new system from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Basement Check

Finally, it’s time to head downstairs to the basement, if applicable. The ducts here could be another source of air leakage, so they’ll check to make sure they’re properly sealed.

Schedule a Home Energy Analysis Today

Now that you know a little more about what to expect from a home energy analysis, are you ready to schedule one for your home? This assessment can help you unlock energy and costs savings within your property, and make your day-to-day life as efficient as possible.

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