Energy Audits: A Vital Part Of An Efficient Home

If you are wondering why your utility bills have gone through the roof, it may be time to schedule a home energy audit. A professional energy audit consists of a room-by-room examination of your residence, providing you with a thorough picture of where your home is losing energy, and what actions you can take to stop those losses. Making upgrades after your home energy assessment can help you save up to 5%-30% on your energy bill.

How Do I Prepare For an Assessment?

Before an energy auditor comes to your residence, make a list of any existing problems such as drafty, uncomfortable rooms or condensation issues. Have summaries or copies of your yearly energy bills on hand. (Ask your utility company for copies or summaries). This information is used by auditors to determine what to look for during your audit.

What Does an Energy Auditor Do?

An energy auditor will review your bills, walk through your home, and conduct a thermographic scan and blower door test to find out where your home may be losing energy. They may also use other equipment to detect energy loss sources, such as infrared cameras, surface thermometers and a furnace efficiency meter.

First, the auditor examines the exterior of your residence to establish the size of the building’s features, such as wall area and the number and size of windows. The auditor then will analyze your family’s overall home energy usage patterns:

• What is the average summer and winter thermostat setting?
• Who is in the home during working hours?
• How many people live here?
• Is every room in use?

Your gas or electric utility company may conduct residential energy assessments themselves, or recommend local auditors to you. Some utility companies even offer free or discounted home energy audits.

Contact your utility company to find out if you are eligible for local or state utility incentives to assist with your home energy audit. For more information about how a home energy audit of your Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland or New Jersey home can help you save money, contact the HVAC experts at Sobieski Services.

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