Start Smart: Affordable Home Energy Audit Guide

Get ready to go electric with a whole-home energy audit

Blower door test for a home energy audit.

If you’re interested in energy efficiency or starting to think about going electric, a home energy audit is a wise, inexpensive way to get started.

Why do it?

A home energy audit can identify wasted energy and safety issues, unlock rebates, and suggest solutions.

When?

When you purchase a new home, are preparing for electric upgrades, or have unusually high energy bills.

Who is this for?

Homeowners. Renters can ask their landlord for one.

Costs and benefits

upfront cost

$0-$900

Time Required

2-3 hours

Areas Covered

Energy and water efficiency, health and safety, comfort

Difficulty

Easy, but requires some scheduling logistics

Our Takeaway

For many households, a comprehensive home energy audit is a great first step in going electric. You’ll identify health, safety, and comfort issues and receive detailed information to help you prioritize home improvement projects.

Rebates and Credits

Project guide

1. Find an auditor in your area

The first step in getting an energy audit is finding a qualified, local professional. You may have to research a bit because there isn’t one single network of energy auditors. Start by researching whether your local utility has a list of approved contractors. You can also check with your city, county, or weatherization assistance agency. The Building Performance Institute’s (BPI) contractor network can be helpful, as well. (“GoldStar” and “Certified” contractors are recommended.)

2. Make an appointment and get ready

Be prepared for your audit to take 2 to 3 hours. The auditor may not visit every room in your home, but assume that they will. The auditor will likely also turn off your air conditioning or heating system and blow outside air through your home, so keep this in mind when scheduling. A high-quality home energy audit will include a walkthrough at the end of the visit during which the auditor will share the most important things they learned and any safety concerns.

3. Review your audit report

A written audit report will be sent to you after the audit. It should highlight opportunities to save money and improve your comfort. The report will likely be long and some information may be difficult to understand, but it should help you prioritize home upgrades.

There are some key numbers to look for in this report when thinking about future work in your home. For example: the ACH (air changes per hour) or CFM (cubic feet per minute) numbers, which measure how tightly sealed your home is. If you replace your heating and cooling system or do weatherization work, your contractor will likely want to know these metrics. They might also help you qualify for the Home Efficiency Rebates.

Make sure you save a copy of the report so you can find it later. Consider taking pictures of the report, just to be safe.

FAQs

What is a combustion safety test and why is it important?

If you have fossil fuel appliances in the home, they produce toxins that can pollute your home unless they are vented to the outside. A good audit will measure the safety of your fossil fuel-burning appliances and determine if you need better ventilation or other changes to make your home safe. Getting rid of oil- and gas-burning appliances for good is the best way to keep your indoor air healthy.

What is a blower door test and why is it important?

A blower door test uses a door-sized piece of canvas and a large fan to measure how tightly your home is sealed. The test determines your "blower door number," or the air leakage in your home, by measuring ACH (air changes per hour) or CFM (cubic feet per meter). The ACH or CFM helps determine whether air sealing would be a good investment, whether ventilation work might be necessary, and how large a heat pump you would need to heat and cool your home. Some rebate or incentive programs (such as the forthcoming Home Efficiency Rebates) might require a blower door test before or after the work to ensure it meets performance requirements.

Why should I do an energy audit first?

An energy audit is relatively inexpensive and the results can help you prioritize upgrades to your home. It can also help you identify any urgent health and safety concerns, identify sources of drafts and uncomfortable temperatures, and determine whether you have an opportunity to save money on your energy bills. Some utilities also run energy efficiency programs that provide additional rebates based on your audit results (sometimes up to thousands of dollars)!

Can I have my HVAC or weatherization contractor do my audit?

Yes, an HVAC or weatherization contractor can certainly do an audit if they’re certified — just ask for their certification. If an HVAC or weatherization contractor is also a certified auditor, it’s usually a sign that they’re a high-quality contractor.

Other Projects