How to Perform a Home Energy Audit for Free (or Nearly So)

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If you’re interested in saving money through energy conservation techniques but aren’t sure where to start, a home energy audit could be your perfect opportunity. While home energy audits are sometimes offered as paid professional services, it is possible to perform your own home energy audit for free—or nearly so.

A home energy audit is an inspection of your home or business, designed to identify key areas of high energy consumption and potential areas for improvement to save electricity. You may not be able to perform this home energy audit as thoroughly as a professional inspector, but there is much you can learn about your home and your energy consumption habits by performing the home energy audit yourself:

  1. Check your insulation. Heat loss is a major culprit in excess energy consumption. Inspect your attic to determine what type of insulation was used in your home, and how much was used. Make sure your insulation is not blocking any vents, and ensure there are no gaps where heat can escape.
  2. Inspect your heating and cooling units. Heating and cooling equipment needs regular upkeep to maintain efficient working order. Keep all vents clean and open, and replace your filters at least every month or two.
  3. Find air leaks throughout your home. Air leaks are common along doors and windows. Check for air leaks by using a blow dryer to force air around the suspected leak area—if you can feel the air on the other side, it’s an indication of a leak. Seal any air leaks with caulk or weatherstripping.
  4. Identify appliances and lighting fixtures that can be improved. Finally, check your home for any old model light bulbs or appliances. Upgrading your lights and appliances might cost a bit of money up front, but it will save you money in the long term.

After running your own home energy audit, come up with a list of action items and new energy conservation techniques you can implement regularly to save money on electricity. If you’re interested in more advice on how to save money on electricity, make sure to check out our new ECAP program, designed to help homeowners take control of their energy consumption habits.