Energy Audit FAQ

Many homeowners are plagued by high energy costs and uncomfortable living environments. Energy audits can effectively address these problems and provide homeowners with cost-effective solutions.

 

What Are Energy Audits?

Energy audits are also known as energy assessments, and are detailed examinations of a home to determine:

• Where and how energy is being lost.

• Those systems in the home that are operating inefficiently.

• The types of cost-effective measures that can be put in place to make the home more comfortable, affordable and energy efficient.

During an in-home energy audit, a trained expert assesses how much energy your home uses, and then suggests measures to improve the energy efficiency and safety of your home.

How Many Kinds of Energy Audits Are There?

There are two types of energy audits:

1. Home Energy Survey

A home energy survey is a visual inspection that doesn’t include the use of diagnostic testing equipment. Its purpose is to assess the general energy performance of an existing home including:

• Building envelope features (windows, doors, insulation, ducts) and ages.

• Heating, cooling and ventilation equipment types, characteristics and ages.

• Appliance and lighting characteristics.

• Comfort complaints.

• Visible moisture issues.

• Visible health and safety issues.

A Home Energy Survey Professional (HESP) will request a review of utility use and billing history to better understand potential opportunities for savings. A report of the complete assessment is provided, including basic recommendations for improving the home’s energy efficiency, as well as low-cost, do-it-yourself tasks. Also included is information on relevant utility-based programs to encourage the homeowner to take action. A home energy survey takes approximately one hour to complete.

2. General Energy Audit

A general energy audit is also known as an energy assessment, standard energy audit or detailed energy audit. It expands on the home energy survey by collecting more detailed information regarding the home’s energy usage, as well as a more thorough financial analysis of its energy costs.

The general energy audit also includes diagnostic testing using specialized equipment such as a blower door test, duct leakage tester, combustion analyzer and infrared camera. These tests are done to determine:

• The location and number of air leaks in the building envelope.

• How much leakage is occurring from HVAC distribution ducts.

• How effective is the insulation inside walls and ceilings.

• Any existing or potential combustion safety issues.

A home energy auditor such as a certified Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Rater will conduct a whole-house evaluation including a computer software analysis to identify and prioritize proposed treatments for improvement. This is followed by a detailed report providing suitable retrofit recommendations and specifications. The Home Energy Auditor can recommend suitable Qualified Energy Smart Contractors to the homeowner that can perform the work. A general energy audit takes 3-4 hours depending on the size of your home.

 

How Much Does an Energy Audit Cost?

Depending on the type of energy audit you get, prices can range from Rs. 5000 to Rs.10000.

 

What Are the Benefits of Doing an Energy Audit?

An energy expert reviews your attic, insulation, doors, windows, furnace or boiler, and appliances and then identifies energy wasters, such as insufficient insulation or inefficient appliances. Your auditor will also diagnose health and safety issues, and will offer solutions for humidity and ventilation problems. The major benefits of doing an energy audit are:

• Lower energy bills.

• Improved home comfort.

• Increased home resale value.

• Lower environmental impact.

• Revealing hidden problems in the home.

How long does a Home Energy Audit take?

A Home Energy Survey should take 2-3 hours.  A Diagnostic Home Energy Survey or Comprehensive Home Energy Audit should take 3-4 hours.  However, the audits may take more time depending on the size and complexity of your home. When you call to schedule your appointment, we will ask you some questions that will allow a better estimate of the amount of time that will be needed.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my Home Energy Audit?

There are a number of steps to properly prepare for your Home Energy Audit.   The most important of these is acquiring your utility usage records which we will need to review in our analysis.  Be prepared to point out specific areas of your home where you may have concerns, and feel free to ask questions. Please have access available to your attic to assess insulation levels.

Do I need to be at home for the inspection?

Yes. our Analyst will need to be able to talk with you about the performance and operation of your home . During the Home Energy Audit inspection, the Analyst will conduct a brief interview with you, explaining the inspection process and collecting data.  He will then proceed to conduct the testing.  During testing you may be asked to provide access or assistance.  Upon completion of testing, our Analyst will discuss any particularly significant or urgent findings.

 
When and how will I receive my Home Energy Audit final report?

 Analysis of data collected and preparation of your report takes about one week.  You will receive your Home Energy Audit report within 10 business days after the inspection. You can receive your report by email as a color Adobe Acrobat (PDF) file, as a color printed hard copy, or both.

I didn’t get my Home Energy Audit report?

Audit Reports are sent by mail or email. If you have not received your report within one week of your audit, first check your email application’s junk mailbox or spam folder. Customers without an email will be mailed their report within one week of their audit.

Will a Home Energy Audit save me money? Energy? 

A Home Energy Audit will show you what actions you can take to ensure you are maximizing your opportunities to increase comfort, save energy and save money.   These recommendations will range from simple things you can do yourself, to strategically installing or replacing equipment, to more extensive home improvements that address major home performance issues.  Most of the actions we recommend will result in real savings, many will improve the comfort, safety and durability of your home.  But remember, without taking action a Home Energy Audit is just information!

 
What if I’m more interested in alternative energy?

A Home Energy Audit report will discuss many “alternative”, “renewable” or “green energy” options.  Clean energy is imperative for the future of our nation and our planet.  But when it comes to your home, the first priority should be the conservation and efficiency improvements you can make without sacrificing comfort or convenience.   Why?  Let’s say you and your home are currently wasting 30% of the energy you use every day.  If you pay for installing a renewable energy system or buy renewable energy through the grid at a premium price, 30% of that wonderful (and expensive) energy is simply going to waste.  In fact, you’ll be wasting money twice, because you will also be paying for a system that is larger than it needs to be.  A comprehensive home energy audit is a small but essential first step in making a plan for a greener home.

 
Can I pick and choose the changes that will be made? 

A Home Energy Audit will identify actions you can take to make your home more energy efficient and comfortable.  You may be able to make some of these changes yourself.  Others may require the assistance of a professional contractor.  It is up to you do determine which improvements you implement, but it’s important to remember that you will only approach the total energy savings predicted by your Home Energy Audit report if improvements made are part of a “whole house” strategy.