Did you perform a double take when you took a look at your last energy bill? Although high energy bills can be the end result of extreme weather events, repeatedly high bills can also indicate an inefficient HVAC system or your home is misusing energy because of other means, including drafty windows or poor insulation.

One of the simplest ways to identify whether your home is consuming too much energy is by hiring a home service professional to perform a home energy audit, also called a home energy assessment. Keep reading to learn all about home energy audits, including what they are and their benefits.

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

An energy audit is a comprehensive inspection of how much energy your home uses up and whether – and where – your home might be losing or wasting energy. An inspector will take a look at past energy bills while completing an energy audit to determine where energy is being wasted and how much.

The general goal of an energy audit is to help homeowners save money on their energy bills by identifying energy-efficient renovations, which can include exchanging your existing HVAC system, adding new insulation, sealing up leaks, or replacing loose windows.

Over the course of the energy assessment, the auditor carries out an inspection of the outside and inside of your home. The auditor performs a blower door test on doorways, windows and fireplaces to find out if there are air leaks in your home. They’ll also check your home’s HVAC system, as well as the ductwork, the water heater, and the insulation in your attic. Exhaustive assessments may also include reviewing your current lighting system.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

It can be hard for the typical homeowner to be sure how efficient their home is compared to other similar homes in their area. However, lots of energy companies often provide information about where your home stands when compared with similar homes and whether it’s more efficient, about average, or inefficient compared to your neighbors’ homes. This can be a great starting point to figure out if you need an energy audit performed.

Several of the benefits of a home energy audit include:

Understanding How Efficient Your Home Is

It’s good to learn more about how efficient your home is and where you’re using the most energy. For example, if your ducts are damaged, it can cause a significant increase in your energy bills and additional wear and tear on your HVAC system as it has to run longer to properly heat or cool your home.

Making Energy-Efficient Updates

An energy audit will outline where you need to make energy-efficient changes to cut back on energy and reduce utility bills. This can include replacing old weatherstripping or getting a new energy-efficient furnace.

Enhancing Health and Safety

Allowing air to leak into your home through doors and windows, or as a result of a lack of insulation can cause unwanted moisture to build up, which can negatively affect your home’s humidity levels or lead to mold. This can lead to health issues, especially for people who have asthma or allergies.

Increasing Your Home’s Retail Value

Energy-efficient homes are sought after by homebuyers. You can sell your home much faster or for more money by telling possible buyers that it’s energy efficient.

How to Perform an Energy Audit of Your Home

Although completing an energy audit on your own might not be as comprehensive as choosing a professional, it’ll offer a generalized sense of how energy efficient your home is. If you don’t discover any problems during the DIY test, then you likely don’t need to hire a professional. Try this step-by-step checklist:

  • Inspect your HVAC system. Leaky ducts can lose as much as 20% of conditioned air, leading to more expensive energy bills and greater wear and tear on HVAC equipment. If you notice leaks, use duct tape to plug them. If your HVAC equipment is old and wearing down, upgrading to a new system can save you a considerable amount on your energy bills. In some cases, it is better to hire a reputable HVAC company to inspect your system.
  • Watch for signs of air leaks. Air leaks on average can increase the energy bills by 10 to 20%. Inside, look for air leaks in areas where there is a draft, like along the edge of flooring and along baseboards and electrical outlets. Outside, you can inspect for air leaks along the home’s foundation, siding and mortar. Plug, caulk or seal any air leaks to save money.
  • Inspect insulation. If your home is older, it could mean your insulation is too. If you can see the joists, you likely need more insulation.
  • Check the ventilation. Check that all of your kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly, and look for evidence of rot or moisture.

Contact GLR Mechanical for a Professional Energy Audit

If you would like professional help figuring out how energy efficient your heating and cooling equipment is, call the HVAC pros at GLR Mechanical today. We’ve proudly served the residents of Wilkes Barre and Scranton with quality home services for many years. Contact us today to set up an appointment.