A home energy audit can help optimize the performance of your HVAC system during the coldest months of the year. Also known as a home energy assessment, this audit provides a current snapshot of your home’s energy usage as well comfort and safety levels. For example, the evaluation can measure your HVAC system’s power consumption, pinpoint sources of insufficiency, and identify problem areas or repairs necessary to save energy and improve livability of your household.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this audit is the necessary first step before making any energy-saving home improvements, and scheduling the evaluation can help protect your home during harsh weather seasons. A look at the importance of winter audits can provide guidance for keeping your HVAC in excellent condition and improving the overall energy efficiency of your home.
What Occurs During a Home Energy Audit?
Scheduling a home energy audit means that you will receive a room-by-room examination and written report on the current energy status of your home. During the inspection, a qualified auditor checks your energy consumption as well as the condition of your heating and cooling equipment. All energy audits include a baseline walkthrough of your house.
According to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), advanced audits may also include a detailed survey of your house’s power usage as well as recommendations for updated or energy-efficient technology. Following the audit, your inspector will provide a written report for your records. This report is important for obtaining benefits like tax credits and can serve as helpful documentation for warranties or proof of upkeep if you plan to sell your property.
A complete audit report doubles as a checklist of all the areas inspected in your home. For example, it may include the results of a blower door test used to locate air leakage to prevent energy waste. It can detail the results of a thermographic scan used to detect sources of energy loss based on temperature. The auditor may also record from an exam of the insulation of your crawlspaces, basements, or attics as well as any door insulation seals. Finally, most inspectors check lighting for excess energy use as well as the status of thermostat and appliance ratings.
What Are the Benefits of a Home Energy Audit?
There are numerous benefits in scheduling a home energy audit just in time to tackle the coldest weather of the year. These are as follows.
Lower Utility Bills
Home energy assessments help you save money over time. By identifying inefficiencies in areas ranging from HVAC units to ductwork, the audit provides a clear blueprint for correcting waste that would otherwise drive up your utility bills. According to the Department of Energy, homeowners can save anywhere from 5.0% to 30% on their energy bills by making efficiency upgrades identified in home audits.
Safer Home Environment
Energy audits can identify defective or malfunctioning appliances like furnaces, water heaters, or boilers. Without an inspection, compromised heating equipment can break down and necessitate emergency repair. This is the last issue you want during the freezing cold. Defective heating equipment can also increase the risk of lethal carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning or electric fires. According to the U.S. Consumer Protect Safety Commission (CPSC), most CO leaks and house fires occur in the winter due to extensive equipment usage and increased time spent indoors. Take preventative steps of evaluating your equipment for any problems beforehand.
Increased Home Value
If you plan to sell your home, it is important to show that you are current with all inspections and upgrades. This gives your house an competitive edge on the real estate market and reassures buyers that you are compliant with the most recent local laws or building codes.
Reduced Carbon Footprint
An energy audit provides the information needed to help reduce the amount of power drawn from the local grid. From installing smart thermostats to correcting duct leaks, the information provides guidelines for using fewer local resources. You can shrink your carbon footprint and do your part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Government Incentives and Tax Credits
Professional home energy audits may qualify for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit (25C). This credit received authorization through the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, and it remains in effect until 2033. The rule allows homeowners to take a tax credit 30% of the cost of a home energy audit. Check with your HVAC technician to ensure that you meet the requirement in time for tax season.
Contact Us Today
Home energy audits offer the opportunity to maximize the winter performance of your HVAC system while reducing utility costs. Experienced technicians can help you get the most out of your assessment, so do not hesitate to reach out to the experts at Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning for help in Spokane, WA and surrounding areas.
Our technicians can inspect and repair repair furnaces, boilers, mini-splits, and heat pumps. We can also service your traditional water heater or help you upgrade to a tankless unit. Sign up for our VIP maintenance agreement, or ask about rebates for the top HVAC installations. No matter the question, we are here to help. Contact Sturm Heating & Air Conditioning today for all of your HVAC or home energy needs.
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