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Is a Home Energy Audit Worth the Cost?<\/h4>\n
A home energy audit is designed to assess your home\u2019s energy efficiency. The auditor does a thorough examination to determine where your home is losing energy (and thus, money), then makes recommendations for improving your home\u2019s efficiency.<\/p>\n
Professional energy auditors go room by room to assess energy use. They look for air leaks and insulation gaps. They examine the efficiency of equipment such as your furnace and hot water heater, and they analyze your past energy bills. Most audits include a blower door test, which determines a home\u2019s airtightness, and an infrared scan, which uncovers air leaks and insulation gaps invisible to the eye. When the inspection is done, any good inspector will prioritize his or her recommendations in terms of effectiveness and provide you with a written report.<\/p>\n
An energy audit is the first step to lowering your energy bills, but it doesn\u2019t do any good if you fail to implement the auditor\u2019s suggestions. The potential energy savings vary based on the size and condition of your home, but the U.S. Department of Energy says that energy efficient upgrades based on an auditor\u2019s recommendations can shave 5 to 30 percent from your monthly energy bills. <\/p>\n
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<\/div>\nThe Cost of an Energy Audit <\/h4>\n
Home energy audits are relatively inexpensive. They usually cost about $300 to $500.<\/strong> The real expense comes in making the recommended improvements. A new furnace might cost you $5,000,<\/strong> while new windows could cost $20,000.<\/strong> <\/p>\n However, the beauty of a home energy audit is that YOU decide which improvements are worth the expense. If you\u2019re on a limited budget, you can choose to address only the No. 1 cause of wasted energy, or you can focus solely on inexpensive and DIY fixes. And in many cases, an auditor can save you money by telling you where not to invest. Think those 20-year-old windows need to be replaced? An auditor might tell you that sealing the windows will result in a better bang for your buck. <\/p>\n Also, keep in mind that any improvements you make may qualify you for a tax credit. Through the end of 2013, homeowners can deduct 10 percent of their expenses on certain energy improvements up to a total of $500.<\/strong> Eligible improvements include new furnaces, water heaters, boilers, insulation, windows and roofs.<\/p>\n Some simple preparations on your part will streamline the process and make the audit more effective. Gather your monthly energy bills for the last year (you can often find these online if you no longer have paper copies), and make a list of major concerns such as drafty windows. Be prepared to answer questions about the average thermostat settings in the summer and winter, and which hours of the day your family members are home.<\/p>\n
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\n <\/ul>\nPreparing for Your Energy Audit <\/h4>\n
Choosing an Auditor <\/h4>\n
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