If your energy bills are higher than expected or some rooms in your home always feel drafty, a home energy audit might be the solution. A professional home energy audit assesses your home’s energy use and identifies areas where you might be wasting electricity, heating, or cooling. By pinpointing inefficiencies, an energy audit can help you make informed upgrades that lower utility costs and improve overall comfort.

What Happens During a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit typically involves a thorough inspection of your home’s insulation, air leaks, HVAC system, appliances, and lighting. You can expect the auditor to check the following:

Air leaks & drafts – Using tools like thermal imaging cameras and blower door tests, auditors detect areas where warm or cool air is escaping.
Insulation levels – Proper insulation is key to energy efficiency. Auditors check walls, attics, and crawl spaces to ensure they meet recommended standards.
HVAC efficiency – A heating and cooling system that works harder than necessary can drive up energy bills. Auditors assess how well your system is performing.
Lighting & appliances – Older appliances and inefficient lighting can contribute to unnecessary energy consumption. An audit can help identify opportunities for upgrades.

How Does a Home Energy Audit Save You Money?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn how much energy (and money) they lose due to inefficiencies. A home energy audit provides clear recommendations to fix problem areas, which can lead to lower energy bills, better indoor comfort, reduced environmental impact, and increased home value.

By sealing leaks, upgrading insulation, or switching to energy-efficient appliances, homeowners can see noticeable savings on monthly bills. Eliminating drafts and making sure you have proper insulation makes it easier to maintain a consistent indoor temperature. Using less energy saves money and also reduces your home’s carbon footprint. And finally, energy-efficient upgrades can make a home more attractive to buyers and may even qualify you for energy rebates or tax incentives.

DIY vs. Professional Energy Audits

If you’re not ready for a professional audit, you can do a basic energy assessment yourself.

Check for drafts around windows and doors.
Inspect insulation in your attic and basement.
Monitor your energy usage and look for any spikes in your utility bill.
Swap out inefficient lighting for LED bulbs.

However, a professional audit can provide in-depth insights, specialized testing, and expert recommendations that can lead to greater long-term savings.