Home energy assessments, also known as home energy audits, help you see the big picture of your home’s energy use. This includes energy use, energy loss, comfort, and safety. For these reasons, conducting an energy audit is an essential step to take before creating your energy plan and moving forward with your home energy transition.
Can I do it myself?
The most thorough way to understand your home’s energy efficiency is by hiring a professional to conduct an audit. Although it can be costly, there are several rebates available, and you may qualify for a free energy audit. If you decide not to hire a professional or want to get a feel for your home’s energy use and loss yourself first, there are several easy ways to conduct a mini-audit. Also, you can call Efficiency Vermont customer support for technical support and advice or to set up a free virtual home energy visit.
Read this guide on DIY home energy assessments from the Department of Energy.
How do I choose an auditor?
Before moving forward with an energy audit, it is important to ask the auditor some essential questions.
Here are some examples of critical questions to ask, inspired by Rewiring America and Green Homes America:
To receive incentives for your audit, the auditor must be certified by one of several organizations.
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Will you conduct carbon monoxide and explosive gas testing on my water heater, fireplace, and furnace?
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Will you conduct a blower door test?
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Will the audit include additional testing after improvements have been made?
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After the audit, can we discuss your recommended improvements?
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How will you inspect the home’s insulation?
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Will you use thermal imaging to analyze my home’s air leakage?
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Will you review copies of my energy bills?
How do I prepare for the audit?
Before the auditor arrives, make sure that they have access to all of the rooms in your house, including the attic and crawl space. It is also helpful to create a list of questions and priorities so that the auditor can best target your needs.
What does the audit consist of?
During the energy audit, the auditor will assess each room of the house, conducting diagnostic testing using fans and thermal imagers. Two common tests are the blower door test and thermographic inspection. The auditor will also ask you questions about your energy bills and energy use. For example, they will be interested in how many people are at home during the day, what your average thermostat setting is, and if there are any unused rooms. The audit should last 2-3 hours.
What do I get from the audit?
After the audit, you will receive a detailed report of all of the sources of energy loss in your home and the steps you can take to remedy them. Auditors will also provide financing information about those next steps.
How much do energy audits cost?
The average energy audit costs $425. However, you may qualify for a free energy audit if you qualify for CVOEO’s weatherization assistance program. Regardless of income, anyone can get a $150 tax credit for an energy audit.
Sources referenced:
CVOEO Weatherization Eligibility Guidelines: https://www.cvoeo.org/weatherization-eligibility
Department of Energy Recognized Home Energy Auditor Qualified Certification Programs for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/us-department-energy-recognized-home-energy-auditor-qualified-certification-programs
Efficiency Vermont Home Energy Assessments: https://www.efficiencyvermont.com/services/energy-assessments/home-energy-assessments
How to Ensure Your Home Energy Audit Qualifies for a $150 Tax Credit: https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/how-ensure-your-home-energy-audit-qualifies-150-tax-credit
What to look for in a high-quality energy audit: https://homes.rewiringamerica.org/articles/what-to-look-for-in-a-high-quality-energy-audit
10 Questions to ask the Energy Auditor before having an Energy Audit: https://www.greenhomesamerica.com/10-questions-to-ask-before-energy-audit/
