Do You Need a Home Energy Audit? Here’s What to Expect.
Energy costs are on the rise, and there are no signs of them slowing down any time soon. According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), residential electricity prices have increased steadily since 2022 and figure to hit about +18% by 2026. Not to mention, the current average price of electricity per kilowatt hour is $0.188, up from a low of $0.133/kWh in 2020.
Put simply, energy isn’t getting cheaper.
The good news is that homeowners can keep costs down by ensuring their homes are as efficient as possible. A home energy audit is an essential first step. It can help you identify hidden inefficiencies to improve your home’s comfort and reduce your utility bills.
For over 35 years, Brda Electric has helped homeowners like you make smarter electrical upgrades and uncover significant savings. Below, we’ll explain why a home energy audit is a crucial first step and how to conduct one effectively.
What Is a Home Energy Audit?
A home energy audit assesses your home’s energy usage. It takes stock of the electricity and other energy you use and identifies areas that could be more efficient, whether due to wear and tear or other issues.
Home energy audits are an essential practice that all homeowners should conduct at some point. In fact, the US Department of Energy (DOE) provides extensive guidance on home energy audits, covering both do-it-yourself (DIY) and professional options.
With their experience and expertise, professional auditors can effectively evaluate how much energy a home uses and places where energy is being lost or otherwise used ineffectively. In turn, homeowners can ensure they’re getting the most bang for their buck.
Importantly, the DOE recommends performing an energy audit before making any energy-saving upgrades to your home, as it’ll provide a baseline understanding of exactly how much electricity you’ll save. It’ll also help ensure an appropriate scope of work.
Why an Energy Audit Is Worth It
The consensus among experts is that home energy audits are absolutely essential. Aside from keeping costs down, they also help homeowners stay comfortable and safe.
Home energy audits can improve comfort and safety by identifying issues that contribute to poor, unhealthy indoor air quality. Leaks and other inefficiencies often lead to bigger issues that may not have immediate or obvious impacts but can take a toll over time. Sealing leaks, upgrading insulation and addressing inefficient wiring can improve year-round comfort and make fires and other preventable tragedies less likely.
And the cost savings are nothing to sniff at, either. Per the DOE’s Energy Saver 101, average audit savings are 5%–30% depending on the home’s condition and the improvements made.
What to Expect During a Professional Energy Audit
A comprehensive professional audit goes far beyond a simple visual inspection or other kind of assessment that most homeowners can perform on their own. While DIY energy audits can be an effective first step if done well (more on this later), professional audits can do much more.
To get the most out of a pro energy audit, you should know what to expect and what basic preparation to account for.
Common Tools Used
Professional energy auditing is done by qualified technicians who have access to and familiarity with a wide range of tools and techniques.
Some of the top tools and applications in an energy audit for home use cases include:
- Blower door test to detect air leaks
- Infrared cameras to reveal insulation gaps
- Combustion analyzers to sample vent gases
- Gas leak detectors and moisture sensors for safety
- Moisture meters for wood and other materials
Even homeowners who have and know how to use specialist tools should practice caution and consult with professionals to be absolutely sure their readings are correct and actionable.
How to Prepare for the Visit
Hiring a professional makes the energy efficiency audit process easier, but there are still some steps you need to take to ensure you’re getting the most accurate and useful results.
Before your scheduled home energy audit:
- Gather copies of recent utility bills for the assessor
- Make a list of drafty rooms or problem areas throughout the house
- Keep areas the assessor will need to access tidy and easily accessible
- Plan for a duration of 1–3 hours, in which you may need to be present
Certified professionals deliver the most reliable assessments. The best service providers will also work and communicate with you before, during and after the visit to ensure you’re supported.
DIY Home Energy Checks
Professional home energy audits are the best way to make sure you’re getting the most out of your monthly energy spending. However, DIY audits can be useful for homeowners who aren’t yet ready for a full professional assessment—as long as they’re done safely and effectively.
The DOE offers helpful guidance on DIY home energy audits and areas to focus on:
- Inspect for and try to seal air leaks around doors, windows and outlets
- Assess your attic insulation for thickness, vapor barriers and vent blockage
- Check your heating and cooling equipment per the manufacturer's instructions
- Consider replacing incandescent and other inefficient lightbulbs with LEDs
- Create a whole-house plan that looks at energy expenditures holistically
While these steps can help, only a professional audit provides a complete picture. If you conduct a DIY audit, be sure to share your findings with a professional if and when you do bring one in.
Financial Incentives and How to Get Started
Beyond the overall savings and lifestyle upgrades that an energy audit can create, there are also direct financial benefits to getting one. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), there is now a tax credit available for energy efficiency upgrades, including but not limited to energy audits.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) oversees the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which grants tax credits of up to $3200 for efficiency-focused upgrades. This credit covers 30% of qualified expenses, including up to $150 for home energy audits themselves, plus more for upgrades they inspire. For instance, $1200 can go to property costs, and $2000 to heat pumps.
Note: The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit is only available through the end of this year.
Local utility companies also typically offer rebates, discounts and general support to help you take full advantage of these incentives. Seek out professionals vetted by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) for the best support. Or schedule your energy audit with Brda Electric for a fast estimate and expert guidance.
Get Started with Home Energy Auditing Today
A home energy audit helps homeowners save money, boost comfort and ensure efficiency. It’s an essential part of effective long-term maintenance and improvement, and there are many tangible and financial benefits to conducting an energy audit for your home. These benefits are maximized when you work with qualified, certified professionals with years of experience.
Brda Electric has helped countless homeowners better understand and optimize their energy efficiency. We have over 35 years of experience in the industry, and we’re deeply committed to helping you save money on energy while improving your safety, comfort and home value.
Ready to uncover your home’s hidden energy savings? Contact us today for a fast estimate.
Sources:
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Average Price: Electricity per Kilowatt-Hour in U.S. City Average. https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/APU000072610
Internal Revenue Service. Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit. https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit
US Department of Energy. Energy Saver 101 Infographic: Home Energy Audits. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/energy-saver-101-infographic-home-energy-audits
US Department of Energy. Home Energy Assessments. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-assessments
US Energy Information Administration. U.S. electricity prices continue steady increase. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=65284#