How to Conduct a Home Energy Audit: A Step-by-Step Guide

A home energy audit is a great way to identify areas where your home is losing energy and find opportunities to improve efficiency. Whether you’re trying to lower your utility bills, reduce your carbon footprint, or increase home comfort, a home energy audit can help. Here’s a step-by-step guide to conducting your own home energy audit.

Step 1: Check for Air Leaks

Air leaks are one of the most common causes of energy waste in homes. To identify them:

• Inspect doors and windows: Hold a lit incense stick near the edges of doors and windows. If the smoke wavers, you have a draft.
• Check electrical outlets and baseboards: Cold air seeping in around these areas could indicate poor insulation.
• Test fireplace dampers: If your fireplace damper isn’t sealing properly, it can let warm air escape in winter and hot air enter in summer.
• Inspect attic hatches and vents: These areas often have gaps that allow heated or cooled air to escape.

Fix it: Apply weather stripping around doors and windows, use caulk to seal small gaps, and consider foam gaskets for electrical outlets.

Step 2: Assess Your Home’s Insulation

Proper insulation helps maintain your home’s temperature and reduces heating and cooling costs.

• Check attic insulation: If the insulation is level with or below the floor joists, you may need more.
• Inspect walls: Remove an outlet cover and shine a flashlight into the gap. If you don’t see insulation, your walls may need additional insulation.
• Evaluate basement and crawl space insulation: Poor insulation in these areas can cause significant heat loss.

Fix it: Add insulation where needed, focusing on attics, exterior walls, and basement ceilings.

Step 3: Examine Heating & Cooling Systems

Your HVAC system accounts for a large portion of your energy use. Regular maintenance can improve efficiency.

• Inspect filters: Dirty filters make your HVAC system work harder. Replace them every 1-3 months.
• Check ducts for leaks: Look for disconnected joints or gaps and listen for hissing sounds.
• Evaluate your system’s age: If your furnace or AC unit is more than 15 years old, upgrading to an energy-efficient model can save you money in the long run.

Fix it: Schedule an HVAC tune-up with Boyle Energy to improve efficiency. Call 610-347-5197 for expert maintenance services.

Step 4: Evaluate Lighting Efficiency

Lighting accounts for about 10% of a home’s energy use. Switching to energy-efficient bulbs can make a big difference.

• Replace incandescent bulbs: LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last longer.
• Use motion sensors or timers: These prevent lights from being left on in unoccupied rooms.
• Maximize natural light: Open blinds and curtains during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting.

Fix it: Swap outdated bulbs for ENERGY STAR®-rated LEDs and install dimmer switches where possible.

Step 5: Inspect Appliances & Electronics

Old or inefficient appliances and electronics can drain unnecessary energy.

• Check the age of appliances: Refrigerators, dishwashers, and washing machines over 10 years old may be using more energy than necessary.
• Unplug unused devices: Many electronics draw power even when turned off, known as “phantom load.”
• Use power strips: A smart power strip can turn off multiple devices when not in use.

Fix it: Upgrade to ENERGY STAR®-certified appliances and unplug devices when not in use.

Step 6: Inspect Your Water Heating System

Heating water is another major energy expense. To reduce costs:

• Lower the water heater temperature: Set it to 120°F to save energy and prevent scalding.
• Insulate hot water pipes: This helps retain heat and reduce standby losses.
• Check for leaks: A leaking water heater can waste significant energy and water.

Fix it: Schedule a water heater tune-up with Boyle Energy to ensure efficiency.

Step 7: Consider Renewable Energy Options

If you want to go the extra mile, consider:

• Solar panels to generate electricity.
• Geothermal heating and cooling systems for long-term energy savings.
• Smart home technology to optimize energy usage.

Get Professional Help from Boyle Energy

A DIY energy audit is a great start, but for a comprehensive home energy assessment, call Boyle Energy. Our HVAC maintenance and energy-efficiency services can help you save money and keep your home comfortable year-round.

Call 610-347-5197 today to schedule a professional energy audit or HVAC tune-up!