Making Homes Energy Efficient: A Guide to DIY Home Energy Audits

One of the best ways homeowners can reduce energy waste is by conducting a thorough home energy audit. This comprehensive inspection identifies areas of energy loss and provides a blueprint for implementing savings measures. Homeowners have the option of hiring professional auditors, but with some basic guidance, even novice DIYers can perform their own assessments. This article explains the fundamentals of home energy audits and equips readers to conduct thorough do-it-yourself audits.

Why Home Energy Audits Matter

Residential and commercial buildings account for roughly 40% of U.S. energy consumption and over 30% of the nation’s carbon emissions. With such a substantial environmental footprint, increasing building efficiency represents a prime opportunity to combat climate change. Home energy audits are the first step toward realizing these savings.

Audits pinpoint problems areas, like air leaks, insulation gaps, and outdated appliances. By tailoring upgrades to these inefficiencies, homeowners can save 20-30% on energy bills. Over time, the savings really add up. Sealing air leaks alone can save homeowners 10-20% on bills. Beyond financial incentives, efficiency upgrades make homes healthier and more comfortable.

Homeowners concerned about their environmental impact have added motivation to optimize energy performance. Energy audits ensures upgrades target the areas that will maximize savings and reduce a home’s carbon footprint.

The Nuts and Bolts of Home Energy Audits

Overview of the Audit Process

Home energy audits aim to provide a complete assessment of a home’s efficiency profile. Auditors take a whole-house approach, evaluating the building envelope, HVAC systems, appliances, lighting, and other energy uses. The audit process involves detailed inspection, diagnostic testing, analysis of energy bills, and modeling of potential savings.

After gathering this data, auditors summarize audit findings and recommend a series of efficiency upgrades. Implementing these measures can lead to substantial, long-term reductions in energy waste and costs. Professional audits also provide calculations of energy savings and financial returns on investments for upgrades.

Auditor Certification and Training

Due to the technical knowledge required, most homeowners rely on professional auditors. These auditors undergo certification by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET). Certification requires extensive training, testing, and continuing education. Still, with some background research and commitment to doing a thorough inspection, motivated DIYers can conduct their own audits.

Types of Energy Audits

Home energy audits come in several variations, described below from least to most comprehensive.

Basic walk-through audit: A simple walk-through and checklist identifies areas for further investigation.
Computer modeling audit: Energy use is modeled based on inputs like utility bills, home specs, and family size.
Comprehensive audit: Detailed on-site inspection of home systems and use of diagnostic tools. Provides customized recommendations.
Multi-day intensive audit: A rigorous multi-day audit includes extensive diagnostic testing and modeling. A full written report is provided.

For a consumer-level inspection, the comprehensive audit offers adequate detail without going overboard. The steps below guide DIYers through this type of thorough process.

Conducting Your Own Home Energy Audit

While professional audits are advised for a fully detailed analysis, homeowners can produce meaningful results on their own. Follow these guidelines for the major phases of a DIY home energy audit.

Gather Background Information

Begin by collecting basic details about your home:

Home type (e.g. detached, apartment) and age
Dimensions and number of floors
Construction materials
Number of occupants
Major equipment like HVAC systems

Utility bills provide important clues about your home’s energy performance. Gather data on your gas and electricity usage over a full year, if possible. You can request billing data from your utility or access it online through your account. Compare seasonal fluctuations and changes from past years.

High utility bills point to efficiency issues, especially if energy use seems disproportionate to your home’s size and occupancy. But bear in mind that lifestyles, weather, and billing cycles also influence energy use. The full audit will reveal more.

Inspect the Interior Space

With background data gathered, now dive into the detailed inspection, starting inside your home. Follow these tips as you assess interior spaces:

Check insulation: Inspect exposed insulation in attics, basements and crawlspaces. Look for gaps, compression, and damage. R-value indicates insulation effectiveness — aim for R-30 in attics and R-13 in walls.
Inspect windows and doors: Feel for drafts at edge seams and glass panes. Inspect storm windows and weatherstripping. Ensure windows close tightly and seal fully when latched.
Check fireplace dampers: Close the flue when not in use to prevent conditioned air from escaping.
Test appliances: Note efficiency ratings and signs of wear. Replace outdated appliances.
Look for leaks: Scan walls, floors and ceilings for moisture, stains, or mold indicating plumbing leaks.
Evaluate lighting: Look for inefficient incandescent bulbs and assess lighting needs room-by-room.

Inspect the Building Envelope Exterior

Proper sealing, ventilation, insulation, and shading in the building envelope prevent costly energy loss. Conduct the following checks of the exterior:

Scan for leaks: Inspect seams, cracks, and openings throughout the exterior walls, roof, foundations, and penetrations. Look for daylight or debris entering.
Assess landscaping: Proper placement of trees and shrubs protects against weather and provides shade.
Check ventilation: Make sure bathroom, dryer and range vents are operating properly. Prevent conditioned air from escaping through vents.
Inspect exterior walls: Look for gaps, cracks, wear, and damage. Insulation wall depth should be at least 3.5 inches.
Evaluate windows: Caulk and add weatherstripping as needed. Close storm windows in winter. Ensure screens fit tightly into frames.
Check attic insulation: Use a ruler to measure depth in several areas.
Examine siding: Look for gaps or cracks allowing air infiltration. Check for damaged, loose, or missing pieces.
Inspect exterior doors: Make sure doors seal tightly when closed. Add weatherstripping around door frames as needed.

Investigate the Basement and Attic

Inspecting the basement and attic offers further insight into insulation needs and air leakage issues. Follow these best practices:

Test for air leaks: Close all exterior doors/windows. Check interior doors or hold a lit incense stick to detect airflow between basement and attic.
Check insulation: Measure insulation depth and look for areas with little or no coverage. Add insulation if needed to meet R-value recommendations.
Inspect ventilation: Make sure vents are open and cleared. Install additional vents if moisture is present.
Identify sources of water damage or pests: Repair roof leaks, drain backups, and pest access points.
Examine ductwork (attic): Ensure ducts are sealed and insulated properly. Repair damaged ducts.

Inspect the HVAC System

Heating and cooling represent a major share of home energy bills. Give HVAC systems a thorough once-over:

Clean or replace filters: Dirty filters cause inefficient airflow. Inspect filters monthly and clean or replace per manufacturer instructions.
Clear vents: Remove dust, furniture and other obstructions limiting airflow at vents.
Inspect ductwork: Check for leaks throughout ducts. Seal with mastic paste or metal tape. Insulate exposed ducts.
Check thermostat settings: Program thermostats for proper temperature settings based on occupancy patterns. Turn off when away.
Test system components: Have a professional test furnace, heat pumps, and other components. Repair or replace outdated or damaged equipment.
Verify system sizing: Make sure HVAC system is properly sized for your home’s area and insulation level. Oversized systems operate inefficiently.
Look for balancing issues: Listen for noisy or rattling ducts that may point to airflow problems.

Analyze Energy Bills and Usage Patterns

You’ve now completed the physical inspection. Next conduct an analytical review of your family’s energy usage:

Profile usage over time: Compare usage year-over-year, season-to-season, and month-to-month. Consider changes in occupancy and behavior.
Calculate energy use per square foot: Divide usage by home square footage for a sense of efficiency. Compare to benchmarks. High usage may indicate waste.
Identify usage hogs: Use tools like timed meters to determine how much energy devices like the fridge actually use.
Dig into utility charges: Review charges line-by-line for added fees or rate jumps. Call your utility with questions.
Talk to family members: Get input from family on energy-saving ideas based on their habits and needs.

Document Audit Findings

After collecting all this crucial data through inspection and analysis, thoroughly document your audit findings. Organize notes under sections like insulation, air sealing, lighting, appliances, and HVAC. List areas in need of improvement and recommended actions, referencing your evidence. This documentation provides a roadmap as you implement changes for enhanced efficiency.

Interpreting Audit Results and Planning Upgrades

You’ve done your due diligence inspecting every nook and cranny, so pat yourself on the back. Now comes the fun part — putting your audit findings into action!

Start by reviewing results for common themes:

Air leaks: A constant culprit, air leaks waste conditioned air. Seal leaks with caulk, weatherstripping, and expanding foam.
Insulation gaps: Bad insulation defeats itself. Fill gaps and boost insulation levels.
Outdated equipment: Swap inefficient appliances and HVAC systems for ENERGY STAR-rated models.
Thermostat issues: Programmable thermostats optimize heating and cooling usage.
Lighting: Switch to LEDs and add motion sensors, dimmers, and timers.

With areas needing improvement identified, develop a plan of attack. Group fixes into sensible phases:

Phase 1: Simple DIY Solutions

Many issues can be remedied right away with basic materials and some DIY elbow grease. For example:

Sealing air leaks with caulk
Adding weatherstripping
Installing programmable thermostat
Replacing furnace filter
Switching out lightbulbs

Phase 2: Skill-Intensive DIY Jobs

Some tasks like adding insulation or duct sealing require more skill. With proper guidance, handy homeowners can tackle them as DIY projects.

Phase 3: Professional Upgrades

Major upgrades like replacing HVAC systems, water heaters, and appliances call for contractor expertise. Shop around for quality professionals and financing options like rebates.

Prioritize fixes delivering maximum bang for your buck. Implementing even just the simple, high-impact measures from a DIY audit can lead to substantial efficiency gains and cost savings.

Knowing When It’s Time to Call the Pros

DIY audits provide a solid foundation, but professionals can offer added value through specialized tools, comprehensive analysis, and expert recommendations. Shelving out for a professional audit makes sense in these situations:

Your home has unusually high energy bills despite efforts to reduce usage. A professional audit will dig deeper.
You are planning major renovations and want detailed guidance on efficiency upgrades to incorporate.
You want rigorous pre- and post-retrofit testing to verify savings from upgrades.
You need qualified professionals to test components like furnaces that require technical expertise.
You want maximum possible cost savings, and are willing to invest more for the highest return on investment.
Your audit findings are very complex, and you want auditor help classifying and prioritizing repairs.

Even if elements of your DIY audit remain a bit fuzzy, making the upfront effort sets you on a path to enhanced efficiency. Simply incorporating low-cost fixes will start to slim your energy bills. You always have the option to enlist pro help at a later time to build upon your DIY assessment.

Realizing the Benefits of Home Energy Audits

Homeowners who seize control of their energy use through comprehensive audits and strategic upgrades can expect to realize significant benefits, both short-term and long-lasting:

Energy Savings: Efficiency measures can reduce wasted energy by 20% or more. Savings of $200 to $400 per year are realistic for average households. Larger homes and upgrades can result in even bigger savings.
Cost Savings: Reduced energy use directly translates into lower utility bills. Proper maintenance also prevents costly emergency repairs. Upgrades typically pay for themselves within just a few years.
Enhanced Comfort and Indoor Air Quality: Sealing leaks and adding insulation creates a more stable indoor environment. HVAC systems run more effectively. Improved air quality benefits health.
Increased Home Durability: Measures like sealing air leaks protect against moisture intrusion, mold growth, and pests. Envelope upgrades enhance durability.
Higher Home Value: Efficiency features certified through an audit appeal to buyers. Home improvements also directly increase assessed home value.
Reduced Environmental Impact: Efficiency upgrades shrink your home’s carbon footprint. Eco-conscious homeowners can take pride in lightening their environmental impact.
Future Energy Savings: The benefits endure for years in the form of lower utility costs. Upgraded equipment operates more economically over its lifespan.

Home energy audits provide a foundation for savings that ultimately pay for themselves. Turn wasted energy into long-term, sustainable value for your home and household budget.

Now Is the Time for Energy Action

Rising energy concerns, climate worries, and economic unease leave no better time than now for homeowners to pursue energy efficiency. Conducting your own home energy audit is the critical first step in this process — equipping you with the insights needed to trim energy waste.

Even better, you may discover that many fixes are simple, quick, and affordable. By following audit guidelines and tackling action items room-by-room, you can steadily transform your home into an energy miser. With some persistence and commitment to the cause, homeowners can reduce energy usage by up to 30 percent without major sacrifices.

Every household living more energy wisely contributes to a cleaner, healthier, more resilient community and environment. Lower monthly bills offer one obvious incentive. But the collective impact provides even greater motivation. It’s time to do your part — your home energy audit starts right here and now.