Live “Greener” at Home with a Home Energy Audit

Living “greener” at home means saving money each month on utility costs while at the same time saving the environment and a good place to start is with a home energy audit. 

An audit can help you assess how much energy your home uses and evaluate how you can enhance your home’s energy efficiency.

You can conduct a simple “do-it-yourself” energy audit and uncover many problems in your home or you can or have a professional energy auditor perform a more thorough audit. 

“DIY” Home Energy Audit - Energy Star’s “Home Energy Yardstick” is an online questionnaire that can guide you in completing a basic assessment of your home’s energy-efficiency. 

To get started, you will need records of energy costs (natural gas, electricity, fuel oil, propane and/or kerosene) over the last 12 months along with the square footage of your home.

Professional Home Energy Audit – Typically, a professional home energy audit can provide a much more detailed look at the energy leaks in our home compared to a basic  ”DIY” assessment.  Many professional energy assessments  include a blower door test and a thermographic scan which can detect air leaking in and out of your home as well as an inspection of your energy appliances. 

Typically, the cost of a professional home energy audit is around $200.

Benefits of a Home Energy Audit

There are many benefits to getting a professional energy audit or preforming a “DIY” energy assessment on your home, including:

Uncovering Hidden Problems – A home energy audit can uncover hidden structural and safety problems before they actually cause major damage such as improper ventilation (causing mold or mildew) growth and gaps in insulation, leaks in ducts, gas leaks and poorly sealed doors and windows (causing energy wastage). 

Saving Money on Monthly Utility Bills -  Homes that leak air and have appliances that are not energy-efficient spend more on energy costs each month.  An average household can save more than $500 a year in energy costs if  energy recommendations are followed.

Helping the Environment  -  You will be doing your part for the environment by reducing the amount of pollution, greenhouse gasses and other toxic emissions in the production of electricity and other fuels.  

Increasing  Your Home’s Comfort Level - Increased energy efficiency equals  increased productivity and a better comfort level at lower costs.  Adding insulation, sealing leaky air handler ducts and/or replacing an older air conditioner or furnace will make your home a more comfortable place to be.

Increasing Your Home’s Resale Value and Marketability -  In today’s economy, buyers want homes with energy-efficient “green” features that will save them money on energy costs each month.  You will also probably sell your home quicker and for a higher price with energy-efficient home upgrades.

Ability to “Cash in” on Government Incentives – If you upgrade to an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit.  For more information about energy-saving home upgrades and tax incentives, you can visit Energy Star’s™ website. 

Charlotte NC Real Estate - EcoBroker Certified® Professional

Leigh Brown is a North Carolina Realtor®, EcoBroker Certified® Professional and leader in the Charlotte market.  Over the years, Leigh has helped many clients buy homes in Charlotte, NC that are energy-efficient and environmentally sensitive in design. 

Leigh can also help market your existing Charlotte, NC home for sale with energy-efficient, “green” features.  You can reach Leigh by filling out the online contact form or give her a call at (704) 688-5005, or toll free (866) 440-7136.

Leigh knows Charlotte.  Let her do the work for you! 

Article Source(s):
U.S. Department of Energy
ENERGY STAR