Home Energy Audits:’  Part 1 of 3

This is the first in a three part series about home energy audits, why they are important, who needs them and more. Subscribe to our blog to get the next installment delivered directly to your email box or RSS reader.

Part 1: ‘ What is an Energy Audit?

We’ve all heard of tax audits…scary! ‘ But do you know what a home energy audit is? ‘ Don’t worry, it’s nothing to be nervous or scared of!

A home energy audit is an assessment of your home in order to find root causes of poor energy consumption, ‘ and develop solutions to address cold and hot spots in your home as well as find any indoor air quality issues. ‘ The audit typically involves a certified professional thoroughly inspecting the home, conducting several tests, and then analyzing the data. ‘ A typical audit usually takes between four and five hours.

It is important to choose an auditor carefully. ‘ A good starting point is the Home Performance with Energy Starcontractor list, making sure to look for certification by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). ‘ Other things to check before you hire someone are any complaints to the Better Business Bureau, references from previous clients in your area, and the auditor’s technical qualifications to do items like the blower door test, which determines a home’s air tightness, and a thermographic inspection, which measures surface temperatures with an infrared camera.

Part 1: What is an Energy Audit? |’  Part 2: Who Should Get and Audit?‘  | Part 3: How Much Does an Energy Audit Cost?