Home Energy Audits: A Walkthrough
More than a few homeowners are skeptical about getting a home energy audit. Yet the benefits derived from following the recommendations in the audit can help you save on your energy costs several times over. Kitchen remodeling company RX. Renovation Xperts LLC shares an overview of what happens during a typical home energy audit.
Why You Need a Home Energy Audit
A home energy audit is a thorough inspection conducted by a certified energy auditor. At the end of the audit, you will receive a detailed report on which part of your home is causing energy loss. It doesn’t have to be an electrical appliance; home insulation, the wrong wiring or even a light fixture can affect your utility bills. One key advantage of having a home energy audit done is that you know for sure which project will improve your home’s energy efficiency.
What Happens During a Home Energy Audit
A certified energy auditor can be hired through utility providers, interior renovation companies like us, or independent auditors certified by the BPI (Building Performance Institute, Inc.). The auditor will inspect the following:
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Appliances — All your appliances will be inspected for age, condition and efficiency. This includes the dishwasher, refrigerator and stove, as well as your gaming systems, computers and televisions.
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HVAC System — The heating and cooling system will be inspected for efficiency, proper sizing and duct leaks. Furnaces tend to lose efficiency as they age, and whether or not the homeowner is following proper care and maintenance.
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Blower Door Test — A blower door test helps the auditor find air leaks around your home. Where there is air leakage, there is heat loss, which can increase your HVAC system’s required output and, in turn, increase energy bills. The attic, basement and exterior wall insulation will also be inspected.
What Happens After the Audit
After the audit is completed, the auditor will sit down with you and discuss the findings, as well as recommendations on how they can be addressed. The auditor may recommend replacing old and inefficient appliances with those that bear ENERGY STAR® certification. You may also receive recommendations on which home repair and improvement to prioritize, such as addressing insulation leaks. These improvements may cost a lot if done at the same time, which is why the auditor can also help you come up with a “road map” of what to prioritize in the following years.
RX. Renovation Xperts LLC is a roof repair and installation company that is also a Certified Home Performance Contractor. Give us a call at (202) 315-0744 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in DC and the surrounding areas.
