What Is an Energy Audit? USA

What Is an Energy Audit and How Can It Save You Money?

At Provident Electric, we offer professional, informed advice on how to reduce your carbon footprint and make your home greener and more energy-efficient. The best way to assess your environmental impact is through a home energy audit. Undergoing an energy audit and home energy consumption analysis in Frederick, MD, can help you reduce energy usage, make energy-efficient upgrades to your home, and save money on your energy bills. Learn more about what an energy audit is and how it can save you money.

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is a professional assessment of your home’s energy usage. Your auditor will evaluate at least a year’s worth of energy bills and ask you and your family members about your lifestyle and energy habits. They will also inspect your home’s insulation, windows, doors, heating and cooling systems, and appliances to identify areas of energy waste. The goals of an energy audit are to help you make your home more energy-efficient, reduce energy waste, and lower your energy bills.

Who Performs an Energy Audit?

Energy audits are performed by professionals who have extensive experience in the field of electrical systems, energy usage, and energy efficiency. An energy audit can be performed by:

Certified Home Energy Auditor – A certified home energy auditor has completed a program administered by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Utility Company – A utility company may offer home energy audits to help customers save money on their utility bills and reduce energy usage.
State Energy Office – Your state’s energy office may offer energy audits for homes, businesses, and commercial and industrial facilities.
Certified Electrician – A certified electrician can assess the performance, condition, and energy efficiency of your home’s electrical system and evaluate how it impacts your energy usage and energy bills. They will provide a home energy consumption analysis and make recommendations for more energy-efficient upgrades.

The Different Types of Home Energy Audits

There are three different types of home energy audits. Each one offers progressively more detail:

Level One – This is a general walk-through analysis that focuses on helping you take low-cost and no-cost energy-saving measures. You will receive a report about how to save energy and money by making simple changes to your home and lifestyle.
Level Two – This is a more detailed energy survey and analysis. Your auditor will collect and analyze more detailed energy calculations and energy bills and will propose specific energy-efficient measures. You will receive a report that offers energy conservation recommendations, the amount of energy and money you can save, and what changes you need to make.
Level Three – This is a detailed analysis of your home’s energy usage. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of your home, your energy bills, and your lifestyle and habits. This type of audit is typically reserved for homeowners who are planning on renovating an older home or making major changes to their home.

The Benefits of an Energy Audit

An energy audit can identify areas in your home where energy is being wasted or over-consumed, such as air leaks, poor insulation, or inefficient appliances. The biggest benefits of an energy audit are:

You can save 5-30% on your monthly energy costs.
You can make your home greener and more eco-friendly.
You and your family can reduce overconsumption of energy and be more conscious of your energy usage and habits.
You can lower your greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint and reduce your environmental impact.
You can identify problems that are affecting the comfort, safety, and value of your home and make improvements.
It will be easier to prioritize home upgrades that will offer the greatest impact on your comfort and energy savings.
You may be able to take advantage of government incentives or rebates.

How Can an Energy Audit Save You Money?

You can use the results of your energy audit to make upgrades, repairs, and changes to your home to make it more energy-efficient. You and your family can also make simple adjustments in your lifestyle and energy usage that will save you money on your energy bills.

What to Expect From the Audit Process

Your audit process may differ depending on the type of energy audit you are having. In general, an auditor or team of auditors will give you a run-through of what to expect. An audit can take anywhere from three hours to an entire day. Your auditor may assess lighting fixtures, appliances, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, hot water appliances, kitchen equipment, and more. They may also ask for copies of energy bills and ask you and your family questions about your lifestyle and energy habits.

What Happens After an Energy Audit?

After an energy audit, you will get a detailed report of findings and recommendations from your auditor. You can use these recommendations to make energy-efficient improvements and upgrades to your home, be more aware of how and when you use energy, and make conscious efforts to reduce energy waste. Your report may make recommendations like:

HVAC efficiency improvements
Insulation and sealing recommendations
Renewable energy system suggestions
Appliance energy usage monitoring

You can then hire a contractor, electrician, plumber, or HVAC specialist to make necessary repairs, upgrades, and installations.

Schedule a Home Energy Audit With Provident Electric

At Provident Electric, we recommend home energy audits and home energy consumption analysis to help you save money, reduce your carbon footprint, and make your home more energy-efficient. Making energy-efficient upgrades to your home can also help you qualify for government incentives like tax credits and rebate programs. Our team can help you identify energy-efficient improvements and find tax incentives and utility rebates. Call our residential electrical contractors now or contact us online to learn more. We offer free electrical consultations in Frederick, MD, and throughout Maryland, D.C., and Virginia.