5 Reasons Why Getting An Energy Audit Is A Good Idea

Given the recent environmental issues, as well as the rising oil price, it’s only natural for more and more people to be concerned regarding the energy consumption levels. It’s important to figure out how you can make your home more energy-efficient and how you can reduce your carbon footprint. An energy audit can be the first step towards that goal, and it can also reduce your energy costs by up to 30%. 

Newly built homes are thought to be bulletproof as far as energy losses are concerned. However, in reality, there is no such thing as a bulletproof building. There are always crevices and cracks in doors, windows, chimneys, walls that create a draft, forcing your cooling and heating system to work overtime to maintain the desired temperature. Of course, these can be fixed, as long as you are aware the issues exist. 

What Is An Energy Audit? 

An energy audit is a professional assessment of your home’s energy usage. A certified energy auditor will do a highly detailed examination of your residence, looking at your past energy bills as well. Some energy audits could include a thermographic scan, others will use the blower door method. In some audits, the PFT air infiltration measurement technique is used, although it is not very common. The bottom line is simple. Through different methods, an auditor will determine where energy is lost in your home. 

As a rule of thumb, it’s good to prepare for the audit. Here is what you could do: 

• Make a list of any existing issues you think would be worth mentioning to the auditor. 
• Have copies of your energy bills nearby. 
• Be prepared to answer different questions regarding your behavior at home. 

Getting an energy audit is always a good idea, as long as this is performed by a professional with the right equipment. Here are five solid reasons why you should find a certified auditor in your area and have an audit performed. 

1. Bolster The Energy Efficiency In Your Home 

If you are looking to improve the energy efficiency in your home, an energy audit will be of great help, because it will help you gain a clear view regarding the improvements you need to make. The expert performing the home energy audit will locate where energy is lost. 

Inspecting the insulation & air leaks

An audit will allow you to identify the air leaks coming through gaps in the ceiling, walls, and even the flooring. Plus, this energy assessment will include a check of the heat lost through poor insulation, which is often found in older homes.  

Inspecting heating and cooling systems & electronics 

During the energy audit, verifications of your electronics, as well as the heating and cooling equipment are included. The thermostat, air-conditioner, and the hot-water system need to be checked to determine if they’re functioning properly. When your home equipment is functioning poorly, it can use up more energy. This is why you need to clean them, change filters, or consider replacing them if your equipment is no longer functioning. 

2. Save More On Your Energy Bills 

Energy efficiency is usually translated into your bills. The more efficient your home is, the lower your energy bills are. This can happen as soon as you make the necessary changes and improvements, but it will also continue long term.

3. Increase The Value Of Your Home

When you have an energy audit performed, you gain awareness on how to improve your home’s energy efficiency. So, you are able to make solid decisions regarding future investments in your home like a solar hot water system or in-room heating. When you are making different energy-efficiency decisions which give you more control over your monthly energy consumption, you are raising the value of your property. 

Even if you are not planning to sell your home in the near future, these are the right investments to make and, in the long run, these investments could eventually pay for themselves. 

4. Enhance The Comfort Of Your Home

When making different improvements in your home, having the ventilation system checked, changing the filters, fixing the insulation, the entire comfort level in your home is improved. You can properly warm the house in the winter or enjoy cool, fresh air during the summer. 

The air quality in your home is significantly improved when upgrading the cooling and heating system. Plus, fixing the roof and the insulation will make your home more tranquil and soundproof, so that certainly helps as far as the comfort level is concerned. 

5. Plan Your Home Improvement Budget 

With the help of an expert auditor, you get a clear idea of what needs to be done in your home to improve both the energy consumption and the level of comfort in your home. Choosing between making basic improvements like replacing appliances or certain pieces of equipment and major ones like installing a solar energy system, can be rather difficult in the absence of an expert who can advise you in this matter. 

With the list of needed improvements and the help of a certified electrician, you can plan and prioritize investments. This is a huge benefit, especially if you’re on a budget. 

Clearly, there are multiple reasons why having an energy audit performed is a good idea. However, before rushing into anything, take the time to find a certified auditor who can provide you with the assistance you seek. It is very important to work with professionals who can provide solid advice so you can make the correct improvements.