What to Look for in a Home Energy Audit – And How to Prepare for One

Are you tired of high energy bills eating you out of house and home? Do you have a room in your home that never seems to be a comfortable temperature? It’s time to get proactive. No matter where you live, a home energy audit can find those issues that are costing you more money.

You shouldn’t have to use a space heater to supplement the heat. A home energy auditor will figure out why the room is too cold and provide solutions that will permanently improve the comfort of your home.

When it comes time to find a home energy audit, there are a number of things to look for. Here are some key things to consider as you schedule your first home energy audit.

[Related Reading: It’s Time for a Home Performance Audit]

Professionalism and Expertise

Whether this is your first home energy audit or a follow-up visit, it is important to seek out a reputable company, one with lots of experience and expertise. Before agreeing to the audit, ask how many years the company has been in business, how long the firm has been conducting audits and what kind of specific expertise they possess.

Ask for references from other area homeowners and follow up on those references. If your neighbors have already had an energy audit conducted, ask which company they used and how happy (or unhappy) they were with the results.

Make a List of Known or Suspected Energy Issues

If you suspect problems with air leakage, energy loss or comfort be sure to detail that information before the auditor arrives. The more information the energy audit firm has to work with, the more precise they can be in making recommendations.

Take a walk around your home, stand in front of the windows and feel around the frames for cold air and energy leakage. Note any drafty areas or cold spots in your home and point the auditor to those potential problems. The steps you take now can improve the reliability of the audit findings later.

Be Prepared to Answer Questions

A good energy auditor will ask a lot of questions, so be prepared with the answers. The more information you can provide, the easier it will be for the energy auditor to do their work.

The auditor will probably ask about your daily behavior and that of your family, including who is at home during the day, where the thermostats are normally set and how many people live in the house. The auditor may also ask if all of your rooms are in use, or if certain spaces are used only for storage and extra space.

The answers to these questions will help the energy auditors do their job, so it is important to provide as much information as you can. Once the audit is complete, the auditor will provide you with a list of findings, along with recommendations you can use to reduce your energy usage and costs going forward.

A home energy audit is the most important first step towards lower energy bills, improved home comfort, better indoor air quality, and a reduced environmental impact.

Learn more about a home energy audit here.

Are you ready to save money on your utility bills? Send us an email at save@homeenergyhero.com and schedule your home energy audit today!