Are you wondering if a home energy audit is worth it? The answer is – most of the time, it definitely is worth the investment. Here’s why.
A home energy audit will help you make data-based decisions on efficiency improvements to your home. For example, the window industry loves to make you think that your home is drafty because of the windows. Oftentimes, it’s actually the trim or the molding that could use some fixing or sealing. This is something that can be easily diagnosed during a home energy audit.
The Maryland Energy Association stresses the importance of a home energy audit because the largest amount of energy is used for heating and cooling houses. In this post, we’ll talk about the benefits of hiring a professional home energy auditor like Home Energy Hero.
What is a Home Energy Audit?
A home energy audit, also known as a professional energy assessment, is a process where your entire home is examined by an energy auditor. These trained professionals go from room to room to figure out where your home is not as energy-efficient as it could be. They will also take a look at your past utility bills to consider trends in your energy usage. In the end, they offer you a list of things that you can do in order to improve your home and save money.
Related Reading: What to Look for in a Home Energy Audit – And How to Prepare for One
An energy auditor will use several tools to make their assessment. They will use an infrared camera to see where heat is escaping your home, and a blower door test to find out how well-sealed your home is. [Note: Please ask if they use an infrared camera; this is a critical tool for the job but there are still contractors out there who do not use it.] Depending on the auditor, they might also use an air infiltration test to figure out how air is entering or leaving your home.
How to Get Ready for a Home Energy Audit
To prepare for an energy assessment, take the time to make a list of the coldest or warmest areas in the house. Look for things like condensation on the windows or unexplained drafts. Pull together your most recent home energy bills, contact your utility provider if necessary. We will take a look at those bills in order to estimate how much savings could be expected.
A thorough energy auditor will also make an effort to evaluate your family’s behavior as well. He or she will want to know who is in the house during normal working hours, how the rooms are used, and how people enter and exit the house itself. After the assessment, you will be given a list of things that you can do to make your home more energy-efficient and to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of what is required. Some of the suggested changes might be very easy to implement, while others might be very pricey and very time-consuming. You can also ask your energy auditor for a prioritized list, which allows you to discover which repairs or changes should be made first.
Related Reading: How to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient]
Conclusion
When you want to make sure that your home is as energy-efficient as it is possible to be, consider a professional energy assessment. It is a one-time service that can end up saving hundreds, perhaps even thousands of dollars, and it can teach you so much more about your home. We help you prioritize the improvements on your home based on what will give you the most bang for your buck. [Hint: It might not be drafty windows.]
Give us a call at 888-490-HERO (4376) to book your home performance audit and enjoy a more comfortable home.