Efficiency Revolution

A Home Energy Audit is a professional assessment of your home’s energy usage, inefficiencies, and areas for potential improvement. During the audit, an expert typically evaluates your insulation, windows, HVAC systems, and appliances to identify factors contributing to high energy bills.

Investing in an audit is beneficial because:

• It helps lower your energy costs.
• Improves home comfort by addressing drafts and uneven heating or cooling.
• Reduces environmental impact by conserving energy.

Understanding your energy usage can also increase property value if upgrades are performed based on the audit recommendations.

The cost of a Home Energy Audit varies based on factors such as home size, complexity, and location. Nationwide, prices typically range between $150 and $500. More extensive audits with advanced testing techniques, like thermographic imaging or blower door tests, may cost between $500 and $1,000. Some utility companies offer discounted or even free audits, so check with your local energy provider. Investing in an audit can lead to substantial savings in energy bills over time.

To find a qualified Home Energy Auditor in Golden, consider the following steps:

1. Use certifications from reputable organizations like the Building Performance Institute (BPI) or the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) as a criteria.
2. Ask for referrals from friends, family, or neighbors in Golden.
3. Check online reviews and testimonials for professionals operating in your area.
4. Verify their licensing and insurance.
5. Contact your local utility company or government programs in Golden, as they often maintain a list of trusted providers.

Hiring a certified auditor ensures you receive reliable recommendations tailored to your home’s needs.

A professional Home Energy Audit typically includes the following steps:

1. Initial Consultation: Discuss energy usage, concerns, and goals.
2. Exterior and Interior Inspection: Assess insulation, windows, doors, and construction.
3. Appliance and HVAC Analysis: Check efficiency of heating, cooling, and major appliances.
4. Blower Door Test: Identify air leaks by pressurizing the home.
5. Thermal Imaging: Locate areas with heat loss using infrared cameras.
6. Recommendations: Provide solutions for energy efficiency improvements.

The entire process usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on home size and audit complexity.

When hiring a Home Energy Auditor, be cautious of the following red flags:

• No certifications: Professionals without credentials from organizations like BPI or RESNET.
• Non-transparent pricing: Auditors who can’t provide upfront pricing or estimates.
• Pushy sales tactics: Those focusing more on selling upgrades than objectively assessing your energy needs.
• Lack of references: Inability to provide client reviews or past project examples.
• No written report: Auditors who don’t provide detailed findings or recommendations.

Choosing the right auditor is key to ensuring you get accurate and actionable results.

To prepare for a Home Energy Audit, follow these steps:

• Collect energy bills for the past year. Auditors may want to analyze trends in your usage.
• Ensure easy access to areas like the attic, crawl spaces, furnace, and water heater.
• List concerns you’ve noticed (e.g., drafts, uneven heating/cooling).
• Close windows and doors during the audit for accurate testing results.

Preparing in advance allows the auditor to complete a thorough assessment efficiently.

A Home Energy Audit can suggest a range of upgrades, including:

• Insulation Improvement: Adding or upgrading insulation in walls, attic, or basements.
• HVAC Optimization: Repairing or replacing heating and cooling systems for efficiency.
• Window and Door Sealing: Addressing air leaks through caulking or weatherstripping.
• Appliance Replacement: Replacing older devices with ENERGY STAR-certified models.
• Lighting Updates: Switching to LED bulbs to reduce energy consumption.

Implementing these changes can lead to long-term savings and increased home comfort.

Yes, Home Energy Audits are particularly valuable for older homes. Older properties often have outdated insulation, inefficient HVAC systems, and drafty doors or windows. An audit can:

• Pinpoint areas of energy loss specific to older construction.
• Recommend targeted upgrades that respect the home’s architectural style.
• Provide solutions like improved insulation or modern heating systems while maintaining historical elements.

Addressing these inefficiencies can drastically improve comfort in older homes and reduce energy costs.

The timeline for seeing savings after implementing energy-efficient upgrades depends on the nature of the improvements:

• Quick fixes like sealing air leaks or upgrading to LED lighting can yield noticeable savings within 1 to 3 months.
• Major projects like replacing HVAC systems or installing insulation typically take 6 to 12 months to offset costs.

Audit reports often include estimated payback periods for recommended upgrades, helping homeowners prioritize high-impact changes.

To ensure your Home Energy Auditor meets professional standards, consult trusted organizations like:

• The Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) https://www.resnet.us/
• The Building Performance Institute (BPI) https://www.bpi.org/

These organizations provide certifications and training programs, ensuring that auditors are fully equipped to deliver expert assessments. You can also verify credentials or find lists of certified auditors through these websites.