Energy Efficency Audit

A home energy assessment or energy efficiency audit is a valuable tool in determining how much energy your household is using and identifying steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency. There are some do-it-yourself measures homeowners can take to measure the amount of energy they use – and how much they waste – or professional energy efficiency audits can be performed by certified companies.

In a professional energy efficiency audit, special equipment such as infrared cameras and blower doors is used to pinpoint the places in your home where valuable and costly energy is escaping. The use of these devices allows the auditor to see hard-to-detect areas of infiltration and gaps in insulation. The energy efficiency auditor will do a room-by-room assessment and thoroughly review past utility bills.

Doing some advance preparation before the energy-efficiency audit is scheduled will help your auditor address the specific areas of concern. Homeowners should make a list of problems such as condensation, mold, mildew, excessive dust and drafty or uncomfortable rooms. Having copies of utility bills from the past 12 months will also assist in getting the most benefit out of a home energy efficiency audit.

During the professional energy efficiency audit the auditor will first examine the exterior of the home frequently referred to as the “shell” or “envelope.” He or she will determine the size and features of the home, such as wall area, number of doors and number and size of windows. Next, the auditor will discuss with the homeowner the habits and behaviors of the residents. Common questions include how many people live in the house, how many hours of the day is the home unoccupied, what are the thermostat settings during the winter and summer, and how many rooms in the home are unused.

Many resources exist to help you in choosing a professional energy efficiency auditor. Your utility provider may offer this service for free or at a discounted rate or provide a list of local energy efficiency auditors. Be sure to check references and seek recommendations.

If you wish to perform your own energy efficiency audit by doing a simple but diligent walk-through of your home. Keep a list of areas you have checked with detailed information about your discoveries. First list all obvious leaks and where you can feel a draft. Common areas where leaks exist are around baseboards, electrical outlets, switch plates, window frames, fireplace dampers, doors, attic hatches and wall or window-installed air conditioning units.

A simple way to detect leaks is to use an incense stick which is slow-burning and produces ample smoke. If the smoke moves, you will be certain that air is coming in through cracks. Caulking or weather stripping around windows and doors will help decrease the amount of air that is passing through. Windows that rattle are a sure sign that they are not properly installed or that there are air leaks.

Beefing up the insulation in your home will also slow the loss of air from your home and the infiltration of outdoor air. Adding additional insulation to attics, walls, floors and crawl spaces will make your home more energy efficient and more comfortable. You can perform simple installations or hire a professional contractor for more complicated jobs.