Want to cut your energy bills fast? Start with a home energy audit. Heating and cooling alone make up 50% of your utility costs, and small fixes can lead to big savings. Here’s how to get started:
- Check heating and cooling systems: Clean air filters, seal ducts, and optimize your thermostat settings.
- Find air leaks: Inspect windows, doors, and outlets for drafts; seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
- Upgrade lighting: Replace old bulbs with LEDs to reduce lighting energy by up to 90%.
- Stop phantom power: Unplug devices like gaming consoles and chargers when not in use.
Quick Overview: Tools You’ll Need
- Digital thermometer
- Infrared thermometer
- Draft detector (smoke pencil or incense stick)
- Watt meter for appliances
Key Savings Areas
| Energy Issue | Impact on Bill | Savings Potential |
|---|---|---|
| Heating/Cooling System | 50% | High |
| Air Leaks/Insulation | 10–20% | High |
| Water Heating | 14–25% | High |
| Lighting | 10% | Medium |
Pro Tip: Review your past energy bills to find patterns and prioritize fixes. Even small changes, like insulating your water heater, can save you up to 16% on heating costs. Start your audit today and take control of your energy use!
How to Perform a Whole-House Energy Audit | Ask This Old …
Getting Ready for Your Audit
Get prepared to conduct a thorough and safe energy audit.
Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
Make sure you have these essentials on hand:
- Digital thermometer: To check for temperature differences.
- Flashlight: For inspecting dark or hard-to-reach areas.
- Notebook or digital device: To jot down your findings.
- Measuring tape: For basic measurements.
- Digital camera or smartphone: To document what you observe.
- Infrared thermometer: To identify heat loss areas.
- Draft detector: Use a smoke pencil or incense stick to spot air leaks.
For more detailed measurements, consider adding:
- Kill-a-watt meter: To measure how much power your appliances use.
- Infrared camera attachment: Great for spotting heat leaks with your smartphone.
- LED light meter: To evaluate lighting efficiency.
Once your tools are ready, take time to review your past energy bills to establish a baseline.
Review Your Energy Bills
Gather your utility bills from the past 12–24 months. Focus on these areas:
- Look at seasonal kWh usage to see how energy consumption changes throughout the year.
- Pinpoint peak usage months to understand when your energy use spikes.
- Check for cost trends and patterns in your usage.
- Compare year-over-year consumption to spot any significant changes.
Safety First
Follow these safety tips during your audit:
- Use gloves and a dust mask when handling insulation.
- Always light up dark areas with a flashlight.
- Keep a first-aid kit nearby in case of minor injuries.
- Avoid direct contact with electrical components or wiring.
- Ensure proper ventilation in confined spaces.
- Have emergency contact numbers ready for quick access.
- Stop immediately if you come across hazardous materials.
Step-by-Step Energy Audit Guide
Armed with your tools and past utility bills, follow these steps to identify where your home might be wasting energy.
Review Monthly Energy Use
Start by separating your electricity and fuel bills. Look for patterns like seasonal changes or sudden spikes in energy usage (measured in kWh). These can help you spot where inefficiencies might be hiding.
Check Heating and Cooling Systems
Your HVAC system is likely responsible for about half of your yearly utility expenses. To ensure it’s running efficiently, take these steps:
- Replace or clean air filters regularly, ideally every month.
- Check thermostat settings to ensure they’re calibrated correctly.
- Inspect ductwork for leaks and confirm it’s properly insulated.
- Make sure vents are clear of furniture, drapes, or other blockages.
- For heating systems, follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations, including adjusting water heater settings.
"Heating and cooling your home is 50% of your utility bill annually. A high-efficiency furnace and air conditioner, having the correct amount of refrigerant, along with correctly sized and sealed ductwork, will save you a ton of money."
– Ryan Stewart, Stewart Heating, Plumbing and Air Conditioning
Find and Fix Air Leaks
Air leaks can be a major source of wasted energy. Inspect these common problem areas:
Inside Your Home:
- Window and door frames
- Electrical outlets and switch plates
- Baseboards and crown molding
- Attic access points
- Areas where pipes enter walls
Outside Your Home:
- Corner joints
- Outdoor faucet connections
- Siding and chimney joints
- Foundation seals
Use tools like a smoke pencil or an incense stick to detect drafts. Once you find leaks, seal them with caulk or weatherstripping.
"Leaky walls, floors, ceilings, and ducts are a big cause of high energy bills and uncomfortable spaces. Get your home inspected and tested by a home energy rating (or HERS) professional, so you don’t waste money on needless upgrades."
– Ryan Meres, Resnet
Test Lights and Appliances
Check the efficiency of your lighting and appliances:
- Replace outdated incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient options.
- Install motion sensor switches in rooms where lights are often left on.
- Adjust outdoor lighting timers and settings to avoid unnecessary energy use.
For appliances, use a Kill-a-Watt meter to measure energy consumption. Focus on major items like:
- Refrigerators
- Washing machines
- Dishwashers
- Entertainment systems
- Home office equipment
Don’t forget to check for "phantom loads" – energy used by devices even when they’re turned off.
Find Standby Power Usage
Some devices continue to draw power while not in use. Common culprits include:
- Cable boxes and DVRs
- Gaming consoles
- Chargers left plugged in
- Smart home devices
- Kitchen appliances with digital displays
Identifying and unplugging these devices when not in use can help reduce your energy bill.
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Energy Audit Equipment Guide
Conducting an energy audit requires the right tools to identify energy waste and measure usage effectively.
Basic Audit Tools
Here are two essential tools for energy audits:
| Tool Type | Purpose | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Infrared Thermometer | Identifies temperature differences to locate insulation gaps and air leaks | $30‑$75 |
| Watt Meter | Measures power consumption, including standby (phantom) energy | $25‑$50 |
Tips for Using an Infrared Thermometer:
- Turn off lights to avoid interference from ambient heat.
- Compare temperatures of nearby surfaces, especially around windows and doors.
- Document your findings for later analysis.
Using a Watt Meter: Simply plug it between a device and its outlet to track both active and standby energy use. Did you know? Standby power alone can cost U.S. households roughly $100 each year.
Where to Buy or Borrow Tools
Once you’ve identified the tools you need, here are some options to acquire them:
- Hardware Stores: Retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s usually carry these tools.
- Local Libraries: Many libraries now offer tool lending programs.
- Utility Companies: Some utilities provide free or discounted equipment rentals.
- Community Groups: Sustainability organizations often have shared tool libraries.
Before buying, check with your utility provider – they might offer free energy audit kits or tools for loan.
EcoWise Lifestyle Resources
EcoWise Lifestyle offers additional resources to help you get the most out of your energy audit:
- Step-by-step equipment guides with video tutorials.
- Printable checklists for conducting audits.
- Templates for tracking energy consumption.
- Seasonal reminders for home maintenance.
- A community forum to exchange tips and experiences.
For best results, pair these tools with proper techniques. For instance, when using an infrared thermometer, scan methodically around windows and doors to find air leaks or insulation problems. With watt meters, leave them connected to suspected energy-draining devices for an extended period to get accurate data on power usage.
Fix Energy Problems by Priority
Tackle energy issues based on their impact to maximize cost savings.
Rate Issues by Cost Impact
| Energy Issue | Cost Impact | Priority Level |
|---|---|---|
| Heating/Cooling System | 50% of annual bill | High |
| Water Heating | 14–25% of energy use | High |
| Air Leaks/Insulation | 10–20% savings potential | High |
| Lighting | 10% of electric bill | Medium |
Once the issues are ranked, focus on addressing them in order of priority.
Plan Costs and Repairs
Organize your budget and repair schedule based on potential savings:
Quick Fixes (Under $100):
- Seal air leaks with caulk and weatherstripping.
- Replace frequently used bulbs with LED alternatives.
- Lower your water heater’s temperature to 120°F.
- Add insulation to your water heater.
Medium-Term Projects ($100–$500):
- Hire professionals for duct sealing.
- Improve attic insulation.
- Install a smart thermostat.
- Complete major weatherproofing tasks.
Long-Term Investments ($500+):
- Upgrade your HVAC system.
- Replace old windows.
- Invest in a new water heater.
- Insulate the entire house.
"Before considering adding solar or other renewable energy modalities, you should always improve your building performance envelope and energy efficiency." – Green Energy Money
After completing these changes, evaluate your progress.
Monitor Energy Savings
Track your monthly utility bills before and after making repairs. Use tools like a smart energy management system to measure results. Many improvements lead to noticeable savings right away. For instance, insulating your water heater can reduce heat loss by up to 45% and lower heating costs by as much as 16%.
Conclusion: Start Saving Energy Today
Key Audit Steps to Take
Your energy audit highlighted several areas where you can make impactful changes. Here are the top actions to prioritize:
Temperature Control
Heating and cooling account for nearly half of your yearly energy expenses. Lower your water heater’s temperature to 120°F to save on water heating, which makes up 14–25% of your home’s energy use.
Lighting and Electronics
Switch out 60–100W incandescent bulbs for LEDs, which use up to 90% less energy. Also, unplug devices not in use and turn off monitors after 20 minutes of inactivity.
Sealing and Insulation
Seal gaps and cracks with weatherstripping for moving parts and caulking for fixed areas. This simple step can prevent a lot of energy from being wasted.
Start with these improvements, then keep an eye on your home’s energy systems to identify more ways to save.
Keep the Savings Going
Once you’ve tackled the audit recommendations, refine your energy habits further. Homeowners can save between $105 and $627 annually by following energy audit suggestions.
Here’s how to maintain the momentum:
Seasonal Adjustments
- Use natural heat in winter by opening south-facing curtains during the day.
- Close all curtains at night to trap warmth inside.
- Clean or replace HVAC filters regularly to improve efficiency.
System Maintenance
Routine HVAC upkeep can lower energy bills significantly. For example, properly maintained ducts can prevent up to 60% of heat loss at the registers.
FAQs
What are the best steps to prioritize during a home energy audit to save money and energy?
To get the most savings from a home energy audit, start by focusing on areas with the biggest energy impact. Begin with heating and cooling systems, as they are often the largest energy consumers. Check for air leaks around windows, doors, and ducts, and improve insulation where needed – these steps can significantly reduce energy waste.
Next, evaluate the efficiency of your appliances and lighting. Replace older models with ENERGY STAR-certified options to lower energy usage. Finally, consider using tools like energy monitors to identify hidden power drains and adjust your habits accordingly. These small changes can add up to noticeable savings on your utility bills.
What are common mistakes people make during a home energy audit?
When conducting a home energy audit, some common mistakes to avoid include:
- Ignoring air leaks: Gaps around windows, doors, and vents can cause significant energy loss. Make sure to seal these areas properly.
- Overlooking insulation: Insufficient insulation in your attic, walls, or floors can lead to higher heating and cooling costs. Check for proper insulation levels, especially in older homes.
- Forgetting about appliances and electronics: Many devices consume energy even when turned off. Unplug unused devices or use smart power strips to reduce phantom energy use.
- Neglecting lighting: Failing to replace outdated bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs can result in unnecessary energy consumption and higher bills.
Paying attention to these areas can help you identify hidden energy drains and make your home more efficient, saving both energy and money in the long run.
Should I perform a home energy audit myself or hire a professional?
A DIY energy audit is a great starting point to identify obvious energy inefficiencies, and it can often be completed in just a few hours. Look for drafts around windows and doors, inspect insulation, and check for energy-draining appliances. Simple tools like energy usage monitors can help you spot areas of improvement.
If your DIY audit reveals significant issues or you want a more in-depth analysis, hiring a professional energy auditor may be worth the investment. Professionals use specialized equipment, such as blower doors and infrared cameras, to provide a detailed assessment of your home’s energy performance. They can also recommend tailored solutions to help reduce energy waste and lower your utility bills.