A home energy audit is one of the best ways to identify your home’s current energy-saving opportunities. Here are 5 reasons why you should have an energy audit done for your home:
1. Save money on your utility bill: In these tough economical times, why not see if there is a quick way to save money or at least find ways to cut back on costs? It’s always nice to get the biggest bang for your buck. A home energy audit may help you pinpoint opportunities to make significant savings over time and possibly even day to day.
“A properly performed energy audit is one of the best investments available when it comes to improving your house’s comfort, efficiency and safety,” says Matthew Tinsley, principal with GreenBuilt Consultants Inc., in Raleigh, N.C., which performs audits as part of its weatherization services. “It can often identify simple changes that result in big savings.”
2. A home energy audit is not just for the green crowd. The “green” movement has exploded in recent decades, it’s become increasingly acceptable to be more environmentally conscious and be “aware” of your impact on the planet. Sure, people who are particularly enthusiastic about conservation (i.e., environmentalists) or those that subscribe to a certain lifestyle (i.e., hippies) may get an energy audit because they want to do the right thing for the earth but most people are looking at a home energy audit as a way to save money and reduce their utility bill. Homeowners should save up to 30 percent on their heating bills this winter by performing simple upgrades around their homes that increase insulation and lower air infiltration according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). If any question persists, you can contact Electricians in Boca Raton
3. A home energy audit gives you a baseline of your energy usage. Energy audits can be done at any time during the year but it is important to do one in a relatively cold season so you can get an accurate reading on how well your system and home performs when needed the most. An audit is usually performed by a trained technician that will look for areas that may pose safety hazards, overall quality and efficiency of the operation of your system as well as looking for ways to reduce your utility cost by using less power overall. An energy auditor can also check the ductwork, insulation, windows, and appliances for problems. The report produced should be easy to read with pictures or diagrams explaining what needs fixing.
4. An energy audit is simple and relatively inexpensive. A home energy audit can range anywhere from $300 to $1,000 depending on the size of your house but some utility companies offer them for free which allows you to compare their findings with another company’s report later on down the road if you have questions. The cost of a home energy audit should also be comparable to installing upgrades or repairs needed to bring it up to code or within an acceptable level that will ultimately save you money in the long run. You should expect to spend around $5 per square foot when upgrading your insulation according to the DOE. But remember, most audits look at ways you can reduce your consumption rather than increase efficiency by adding something new. If contractors are involved they should be licensed and certified through the state.
5. A home energy audit is typically a one-time cost but can save you big in the long run. The savings that come from a home energy audit may not seem significant compared to your utility bill today, it’s always nice to know that you could save over 15 percent per year on your utility bill by improving the efficiency of your system alone according to DOE statistics. That’s like getting an extra month for free every year! Plus, if you have taken advantage of tax credits or rebates then all the better! Though these numbers are unlikely to apply directly to everyone; installing just 5 insulation measures can cut heating bills by 20 percent or more according to Energy Star. On average, U.S. homeowners spend $2,000-$3,000 per year on home energy costs or about 14-18 percent of their total utility bill according to the DOE which means that saving even a little bit can really add up over time and these numbers are for heating bills only; they don’t include coolant or electricity!
Summary:
Home Energy Audits can be a one-time cost and save you big in the long run. A home energy audit gives you a baseline of your energy usage. An energy audit is simple and relatively inexpensive. A home energy audit can range anywhere from $300 to $1,000 depending on the size of your house.
