Energy Audit: What it is and Why You Need It

Whether you rent or own a house, an energy audit can save you money. There are advantages for both owners and landlords. These include:

• · Good tenants will stay longer in a house with lower utility bills.
• · Indoor air quality and comfort will improve; fewer illnesses will result.
• · Many energy-saving products qualify for tax rebates and incentives for homeowners.
• · Rental property owners can claim the cost of energy-saving products as a business expense. They and their tenants both benefit.

Renters can work with the owner to have one performed. Many companies work with local power providers to perform energy audits free of charge to qualifying customers. It is best to check with your local power provider to obtain a list of these businesses.

In some areas, an energy audit performed by an approved company will qualify the homeowner to receive grants for purchasing energy-saving products such as insulation, roofing, windows, doors and other items. These items may also qualify the homeowner for further tax rebates and incentives at the local, state and federal levels.

If any cost for the service exists, it is minimal compared to the amount of money that can be saved.

Explanation Of An Energy Audit

A technician will arrive at the home and explain to the resident exactly what will take place. The auditor will bring sophisticated equipment with him or her and explain the function of each device. He or she will ask questions about the energy used in the home, existing appliances and more. Being honest during this assessment will help save you money in the end. The auditor is not there to judge you. Items that will be assessed are:

• · The amount and type of insulation in the attic and walls.
• · The windows and any drafts.
• · Air infiltration points at the soffits, windows, doors and places where the walls meet the attic space.
• · The existing appliances in the house. This includes the ceiling fans, HVAC unit, washer, dryer and so forth.
• · The house’s foundation and framing.
• · Water heater and plumbing
• · Roofing

The assessment should take around three to four hours. It will be very comprehensive. After writing up the report, the auditor will sit down with the resident. He or she will discuss ways to make the home more efficient, such as sealing all air leaks and purchasing/installing energy efficient products. No specific brands will be pushed; the auditor is not a salesperson.

The auditor will explain that each item will help save on energy costs. No one needs to change everything all at once. As each item is purchased or installed, the homeowner can apply the savings to the next item. With tax rebates/incentives as well, costs for additional items will be less. Over time, the items will pay for themselves.

The auditor will also discuss the best types of insulation, HVAC system and other items for your climate and home.

Why Do You Need One This Year?

Whether you just want to save money, are concerned about the environment or are struggling financially in the current economy, having an audit done will help you save money.

If your home is energy efficient, you can show the results of an audit to potential buyers. Energy efficient homes are worth more than inefficient ones. To make your home efficient, you may not have to invest as much as you think. Too often, homeowners labor under the misconception that bringing a home up to efficient standards is an overly expensive venture. Sealing air leaks and adding insulation to an attic will result in immediate and significant savings.

To learn if you qualify for energy efficiency grants, especially if you own an older, vintage or heritage home, you will need to show the results of an energy audit from an approved company.

You may be able to obtain an energy audit for your RV if it is your full-time abode. You can increase the energy efficiency of your RV by using items already available for most homes. These items include:

• · Double-paned Energy Star rated windows.
• · Insulation with higher R-values
• · Better sealants to prevent air/moisture infiltration
• · Appliances with greater energy efficiency
• · Solar panels, solar-powered air conditioners and more.
• · Energy efficient water heater

If you have a vacation cabin, you can apply the techniques you see the auditor using to your home-away-from-home. You don’t need all the fancy equipment; installing energy efficient items in your cabin will help save on electricity/power costs. If your cabin runs off a generator, you will use less fuel.

No matter where you live or what you live in, an energy audit will help you save money. Your first month’s savings will often be more than the cost of the audit.

Source: Staff Article, “What Is An Energy Audit?” Energy Audit Website, no date given

Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects, RV’ing and more.