(basic audit)
(extensive audit, blower door test, PFT and infrared imaging)
Cost to do an energy audit varies greatly by region (and even by zip code).
Get free estimates from energy efficiency consultants in your city.
The average cost of an energy audit is $150.
An energy audit is an examination designed to identify any ways your house may be losing energy, and the corresponding solutions. It's also sometimes referred to as an "energy assessment" or "energy study". By having an energy audit done, you can get a full picture of your home's energy efficiency problems and learn about problem areas you never even suspected. You'll receive professional advice on how to best improve your home's energy efficiency. Making suggested changes after an energy audit can save you as much as 5%-30% annually.
This cost guide breaks down the basic facts of home energy audits, as well as their average cost. There are a variety of factors that influence the total cost of audits, including audit extent, service add-ons, and government incentives and rebates. For a one-story 1200 sq.ft. home, the average energy audit costs about $150.
Average home audit prices range from $0.08 to $0.12 per sq.ft. Audit packages vary among providers, but the majority include the following:
Some audits will also include photos of problem areas identified by your auditor, total cost estimates of suggested improvements, and total energy savings estimates. The general rule is that the more extensive your audit is, the more expensive it will be. Moderate to extensive audits cost between $0.12 and $0.50 per sq.ft. ($144-$600 for a one-story 1200 sq.ft. home).
Industry experts recommend that whatever the extent of your energy audit, it shouldn't be any higher than 10% of your annual energy bill.
Most professional auditors will follow a basic sequence of steps when conducting your home audit:
About 7-10 business days after your audit, you should receive a detailed report summarizing what methods the auditor used to evaluate your home's efficiency, and their findings. Identified problems will be listed, such as leakage points, as well as corresponding solutions. Your auditor's report should specify what should be fixed in what order, and it should specify your estimated energy and cost savings.
Auditors, also known as "home performance contractors", are the professionals who will be conducting your home energy audit. Since their time and labor is almost always included in the price of the audit itself, you won't have to pay additional or separate labor fees.
Home energy audits usually last 2-3 hours. More extensive audits can take 3-4 hours. When you first contact your chosen auditor, expect there to be 1-2 weeks before they can come to your home to perform the audit.
Most energy audits will result in the discovery of at least a few energy efficiency issues. Typical problems checked for and uncovered during home energy audits are listed below.
Air leaks: it's estimated that the average homeowner wastes as much as $350 in utility costs due to air leaks.
Inadequate insulation: most homes lack enough insulation to keep them energy efficient. It's not uncommon for an auditor to discover that a home is completely missing insulation in certain sections.
Wasteful lighting: having old bulbs, light fixtures, and wiring can be a major source of energy consumption in a home.
Inefficient appliances and heating or cooling equipment: equipment that's old, has a low energy rating, or just isn't right for your home type and climate can consume far more energy than necessary.
At the end of your energy audit, be sure to thoroughly discuss all of the suggestions made by your auditor. Don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for an explanation if you don't understand something. Understanding the problems and solutions is absolutely necessary in order to successfully manage the steps that come after an audit.
Establish what the priorities are. It's best to start with the quick fixes. You should immediately make any possible adjustments to your home’s equipment and appliances (install thermostat controls, lower settings, add timers, etc.). This will lower your bills right away.
Hiring a handyman to perform basic air-tightening tasks like caulking 1 3 and weatherstripping can save you as much as $150 per year, and only costs around $100. Do this as soon as possible, since it's a fast, easy job with a quick payoff.
Larger installations, like window replacement (average $580 per window), can typically wait a few weeks or a couple of months, unless there are major breaks and leaks.
The PFT is a long-term test designed to measure the air-tightness of your home, and is often recommended as a supplementary upgrade to the blower door test. Your auditor will install an emitter and receiver inside your house. This equipment will emit a trace of 100% safe, non-toxic gas, then later absorb it to measure how much of the gas leaked out of your home over time. This test can give a more advanced assessment of your home's air-tightness, as well as your home's air pollutants.
PFTs are typically only included in extensive audit packages, which cost over 315% more than average audits.
A home energy audit is an examination of your home to determine where it may be losing energy. It may also be called an energy assessment or an energy study.
An energy survey reviews how energy is being used in a building. This can be simple or detailed, and may be available in three types: investment, detailed, or walk-through.
A typical energy audit costs around $150 for a 1200 sq.ft. home, although some companies may conduct an audit for free if you purchase their services.
An electrical energy audit is an examination of your home to find out why you may be losing energy.
Air sealing closes the gaps around your windows, doors, and other air leaks to help prevent energy loss and help you save money.
Energy management refers to the process of using the least amount of energy necessary for your home.
Cost to do an energy audit varies greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.