Home Energy Audit: Who needs one?

Making the decision to have a home energy audit performed will help in providing you with the information necessary to make improvements to your home which can help in saving energy, resulting in lower monthly bills and improving the environment. The goal of the audit is to help home owners find new ways in which to aid their home in operating more efficiently and eco-friendly. But how does one know if or when one is needed? In this article, we will provide a few tips to help you assess your situation.

Step 1 – Take a look through your monthly utility bills. If you find that your costs tend to run higher than they ought to, this may be an indication that your home has air leaks or low amounts in insulation. High energy bills are always the first clue that there are changes to be made.

Step 2 – If you happen to notice that some areas of your home are draftier than others, this may be a sign that you might benefit from a home energy audit. Drafts indicate air loss.

Step 3 – Homes which have rooms that tend to become overheated or are colder than others, may be due for an inspection. Ideally, each room should be able to retain the same temperature as the others.

Step 4 – Signs of water damage, such as dark stripes or spots around the floors, walls, and ceilings can also be a dead give away. Water damage can cause huge issues for any home, and should be dealt with immediately.

Step 5 – The presence of mildew and mold is always an indication that something is wrong. All homes should be mold free and clear of mildew at all times.

Step 6 – Indoor condensation on window glass screams problem. If you notice this problem in your home, you may benefit greatly from an inspection.

Step 7 – If your home has a basement or attic, you should take the time to check for damp or moist areas. These are both issues which must be addressed, and solved by through the inspection process.

Step 8 – If you have trouble breathing, or simply notice that the quality of air within the house is poor, a home energy audit may be in your future.