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Many utility companies offer free home energy audits so you can learn where your home is poorly insulated or wasting energy (and your money!). There are also home energy technician auditors for hire that can give you a comprehensive audit.
Things that the energy assessment will look at include: outside spaces where energy may be leaking; potential leaks in the attic; assessing the efficiency of the insulation; holes where electrical lines pass through; assessing your furnace and water heater; inspecting duct work to make sure all ducts are sealed tightly; window and door efficiency measured through a blower door test; kinds of light bulbs used; and more.
Once your audit is complete, you’ll know exactly what can be done to make your home more energy efficient. While there are up-front costs to make these improvements, over time that money will go back into your pocket and will eventually help you save money over the long term. In fact, upgrading your home can help you save 5-30% on your energy bill!
It is estimated that the average U.S. home consumes about 10,649 kilowatthours (kWh) annually. It is also estimated that 0.92 pounds of CO2 are emitted per kWh. That means if a household were to cut 5-30% of its emissions, it would save about 490 – 2,939 lbs of CO2 per year or 25-150 gallons of gas per year!
To learn more about the home energy audit process, check out this video.
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