What to Expect From a Home Energy Audit

You may need a more accurate picture of your home’s energy efficiency if you feel like your household is using up too much energy. Our home performance inspectors can provide a better idea of your home’s energy efficiency by conducting an energy audit.

How exactly does a home energy audit work? Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect after calling for an inspection.

How Long Will It Take?

Depending on the size of the house and the information provided, an energy audit can last for as little as one or two hours. You can help speed things up if you can provide a sketch of the building so that our inspector can acquire an overview of your home’s electrical layout and other factors that will affect your home’s energy efficiency such as insulation, windows and doors.

Details about the building’s history can also give inspectors a clearer view of the house to check if there are certain components that might be too old to remain efficient.

What Other Info Do I Need?

Providing as much information as possible during an energy assessment is the key to a more accurate estimate. Have a copy of your recent electric bills on hand to track your recent consumption over the last few months. You should also mention your regular appliance usage, the number of people in the home, average settings of your thermostat at key times of the year and the presence of devices such as motion detectors, cameras and other electronic devices.

What Happens After an Audit?

Depending on the inspector’s findings, you will be given an idea of which parts of your home are negatively affecting its energy efficiency. Depending on the extent of energy loss in your home, you may have to make small lifestyle changes or minor upgrades to your home to save on energy. Severe energy loss may warrant major renovations.

What Are the Most Likely Changes?

While there are plenty of things that can be changed to improve a home’s energy efficiency, the most common changes often involve replacing old or broken appliances or enhancing the home’s electrical components courtesy of motion sensors or timed lighting. On the other hand, common renovations that improve a home’s efficiency include having windows replaced by a window replacement contractor, upgrading or repairing insulation or even changing something bigger such as the siding or roofing.

An energy assessment is a perfect chance to improve your home’s efficiency and we’re ready to help you with that. The California Energy Consultant Service is the leading home improvement company in Rancho Cordova and Sacramento, CA. Call us at (916) 239-7779 or fill out this online contact form to request a free quote.