Do I Need A Home Energy Audit?

You’ve done some research on home energy audits, but you aren’t sure if you actually need one. While it sounds like a helpful tool, you aren’t sure if you can bring yourself to spend the money on a professional walkthrough of your house. Can you make a guess on where to add insulation? Isn’t doing something for your home better than nothing?

South Central Services has insulated hundreds of homes with spray foam insulation. In our experience, homeowners who invest in a home energy audit have a clearer understanding of how their house works and what methods can solve their problems. If you’re considering spray foam insulation, a home energy audit can demonstrate why your home needs the benefits spray foam offers.

By the end of this article, you will understand:

• What a home energy audit involves
• The costs and potential savings associated with an audit
• Which type of audit is best for your situation
• Whether or not you actually need a home energy audit

What Is A Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is an extensive assessment of your home's energy usage. Certified professionals conduct this audit to identify areas where your home is losing energy and recommend solutions to fix these issues. A home energy audit finds the best ways to make your home more energy-efficient and save you money on energy bills.

An audit typically involves a thorough inspection of various aspects of your home, such as:

1. Checking the quality and effectiveness of your home's insulation.
2. Identifying any drafts or air leaks from windows and doors.
3. Assessing the efficiency of your heating and cooling systems.
4. Evaluating the energy efficiency of household appliances.

Types of Home Energy Audits

There are different types of home energy audits, each varying in depth and cost. Depending on your budget, you may choose a walkthrough, blower door test, or an infrared audit. The cost of a home energy audit will vary based on where you live and who conducts the audit.

Walkthrough audits are basic audits that involve a visual inspection of your home. They are generally less expensive but also less thorough.

Blower door tests use specialized equipment to measure air leaks in your home. Due to the use of equipment to measure efficiency, blower door tests are more detailed and more expensive than a walkthrough audit.

Infrared audits use infrared cameras to detect areas of heat loss, providing a comprehensive view of where your home is losing energy.

Which Type of Home Energy Audit Is Best for You?

Choosing the right type of home energy audit can depend on various factors. These factors include the age of your home, its construction, and your specific concerns. Let’s discuss the best energy audits based on the defining characteristics of your home.

For Historic Homes

A walkthrough audit may be the best initial step if you live in a historic home. These homes often have unique architectural features that may not work well with more invasive audit methods. A walkthrough can provide a general idea of where you might be losing energy without the risk of damaging historical elements.

For New Build Houses

For those in newly built homes, a blower door test is often the most effective. These homes are generally well-sealed, but a blower door test can identify even the most minor air leaks, ensuring your new home is as energy-efficient as possible. In our experience, even new construction homes can have areas that were overlooked, such as sufficient attic insulation.

For Homes with Known Issues

An infrared audit could be the most beneficial if you're experiencing specific issues like drafts, temperature inconsistencies, or high energy bills. This type of audit uses infrared cameras to pinpoint exact areas of heat loss, providing a comprehensive view of where your home is losing energy. If infrared testing is out of budget, a blower door test may also show areas with air leakage.

For General Energy Efficiency Concerns

If you're not experiencing specific issues but are concerned about energy efficiency, consider combining a blower door test and an infrared audit. These two tests together can provide a thorough understanding of your home's energy usage. This combination is often offered as a package by auditors and provides the most comprehensive view of potential energy loss.

Are Home Energy Audits Worth the Cost?

Home energy audit prices can range from $150 to $650, depending on the type and depth of the audit. Is it worth spending $500 to have a professional identify where you need to spend additional money in your home?

Let's examine why the sunk cost of a home energy audit may be worth the price.

1. Long-Term Benefits

In the short term, the cost of an audit is an additional expense. However, the long-term benefits often outweigh the investment cost. Over time, the savings from energy-efficiency measures can more than cover the cost of the audit itself.

Implementing the recommendations from an audit can result in significant energy savings, sometimes reducing your energy bills by up to 30%. For example, homeowners in southern Pennsylvania who move from minimal attic insulation to spray foam insulation usually see between 30% to 70% decreases in their energy bills.

2. Value of Professional Insight

A certified auditor can identify issues you may not have been aware of. With their expertise, auditors provide solutions that can improve energy efficiency and the comfort and safety of your home. The insight from a home energy audit can also help you prioritize home improvements that offer the most significant returns on investment for your home.

3. Potential for Rebates and Incentives

Many utility companies offer rebates or discounts for energy-efficient upgrades. Some companies even cover part of the cost of an energy audit. These incentives can further offset the cost, making the audit more worthwhile. If you live in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, or West Virginia, we have compiled many of the rebates offered by energy companies in these states.

Do You Really Need An Audit?

While it may sound backward, the homeowners who can benefit most from a home energy audit are the ones on a budget. Spending money on an audit can seem counterintuitive if you have limited resources. However, having limited resources means you can't afford to make a misstep.

You can assume insulating your attic will lower your energy bills. In many cases, attic insulation makes a significant impact. However, an audit can confirm whether attic insulation is the wisest investment. If home energy improvements need to be spread out over time, you want to choose the best order for your upgrades.

The Bottom Line About When Home Energy Audits Are Helpful

A home energy audit can be a valuable tool for homeowners looking to improve their home's energy efficiency and save on utility bills. Knowing which type of audit is best for your specific situation can help you get the most out of this investment. Whether you live in a historic home, a new build, or are experiencing particular energy issues, there's an audit suited for you.

If you still aren't sold on a home energy audit, we recommend starting by insulating your attic, basement, and crawl space. These areas contribute significantly to the energy efficiency of your home. Without an audit, you can make an educated guess that your high energy bills, draftiness, and poor air quality are related to these areas of your home.

Learn more about insulation for attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

• Benefits of Insulating Your Attic with Spray Foam
• Cost of Basement Spray Foam Insulation in Pennsylvania
• Is Crawl Space Encapsulation Worth It?