Energy audits are becoming more common among homeowners as a way to save money on energy costs as well as check their carbon footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an energy audit is a process to “assess how much energy a home consumes and evaluate measures to make the home more energy efficient." Is an energy audit something your home needs? This checklist will assist you in answering that question! 

 

  • Musty Odors:  When certain rooms, mainly bathrooms, have a musty smell or form mold quickly in between cleanings, there could be a hidden moisture problem that can cause more serious issues if it remains unchecked. 
     

  • Window Problems:  Can you feel cold or hot air seeping in from the outside when near a window? Is there condensation on the glass, no matter the season? These are obvious signs that your windows are interfering with the energy efficiency in your home. 
     

  • Insulation: Attic insulation requirements have changed over the years. When you are in the attic, can you see most of the joists in between the insulation? That is a sure sign there is not enough insulation to keep it heated and cooled efficiently. 
     

  • Comfort Level:  Are some rooms too cold, some too hot, or just the opposite? While everyone feels differently as a matter of personal preference, your home should not have major differences from room to room when it comes to temperature and comfort level. 
     

  • High Energy Bills:  The different components that use electricity in your home can add up if they are not running properly. If your HVAC is short-cycling, or you have outlets and/or electric cords that get too hot, or light bulbs burn out before they should, these are all problems that will add up on your power bill if not checked. 
     

  • There are two different levels of an energy audit for a house. Level one is a basic walk-through assessment, and level two begins with the basics in level one and includes an energy survey and analysis. 

  • - Homeowners can perform their own level one audit, and the U.S. Department of Energy offers a list of what you can check for without paying a professional. 
     

  • - This Old House offers a video that demonstrates a level two energy audit using different pieces of equipment and processes the pros use to assess your home’s energy use.  

 

The age of your home does not matter! Newer homes can be as energy inefficient as older homes! Once you have determined that your home could use some help to become a better consumer of energy, use the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET®) Home Energy Rating member finder for a list of energy audit professionals in your area. Do your homework on each one in your area to find the right one for your needs and budget. 

 

Courtesy of New Castle County DE Realtors Tucker Robbins and Carol Arnott Robbins. 

 

Photo credit: www.greenmountainenergy.com/