Utah Home Energy Audits
What is a Home Energy Audit
A home energy audit assesses energy consumption and diagnoses areas of energy loss for you to address at your discretion. Issues found in energy audits range from energy waste, leakage and insulation issues to more serious matters like combustion byproducts, excess moisture that can lead to mold, and proper ventilation. It is important for homeowners to have this done every 2 to 3 years to maximize energy efficiency and ensure residents’ well being. Depending on the size of your home this can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Benefits of a Home Energy Audit
Identifying energy loss in your home maximizes energy productivity, and can lower your monthly energy bills by 5-30% according to energy.gov. It can also improve your quality of life, meaning warmer winters, cooler summers and a little more cash in your pocket. An audit can help you prioritize improvements based on health and safety concerns or energy efficiency upgrades, which save money month to month and lower the risk of costly fixes down the road. It also has the potential to increase your home resale value. According to a 2019 REALTORS® & Sustainability Report, 69% of realtors said promoting a home’s energy efficiency added value to listings. Not to mention it’s also beneficial for the environment.
What Does a Home Energy Audit Cost?
A typical home audit will cost you anywhere between $100-$1,650 with an average cost of about $400. The price is determined by the square footage of your home. Some states offer incentives to potentially cover the cost of home energy work. Check out what you qualify for here: http://dsireusa.org/
How to Prepare for a Home Energy Audit
- Facilitate access to the attic (clear crawlspace, entrance, furnace, etc.)
- Have recent energy bills available to review
- Create list of existing problems or issues (drafty rooms or condensation around windows)
- Be ready to answer questions like these:
- What is the approximate age and square footage of your home?
- How many people live in the home? Is anyone home during the daytime?
- What is the average thermostat setting throughout the year?
- Which rooms are not in use/ which rooms are used the most?
How to Choose a Home Energy Auditor
As with any contractor you bring into your home, ask for references to lead you in the right direction. Also, be sure ahead of time that the auditor will provide you with a detailed report with no strings attached. They should go through the report with you and answer any questions you may have. Most importantly, they should be certified, doesn’t matter whether it is a BPI (the Building Performance Institute) Building Analyst or a RESNET certified HERS Rater. This ensures that you are getting someone who is trained and knows what they are doing.
Schedule a FREE Energy Audit with Eco Elements
Save money and get the information you need by scheduling a FREE Energy Audit with one of our certified energy consultants. This is a win-win situation that allows you to decide for yourself what your next move should be. Our team is friendly and knowledgeable. We are determined to keep Utah green and our families safe and healthy.