Category Archives: Energy Audit

What Is A Home Energy Audit?

1. Check Your Lighting

• LED bulbs last 25 times longer than standard light bulbs.
• These bulbs use 75% less energy overall.
• LED bulbs can save homeowners $225 per year.

2. Inspect Insulation

• Inspect your attic insulation for any signs of aging or deterioration.
• Make sure there is a vapor barrier under the insulation.
• Call the professionals if there is no vapor barrier present.

3. Seal Your Doors And Windows

• Inspect your window and door frames for drafts.
• Use either weatherstrips or window sealant to close gaps.
• Switching to energy-efficient windows can save you up to $600 per year.

4. Check For Air Leaks

• Check all electrical outlets, lighting, pipes, and baseboards.
• Look for any holes, cracks, or drafts.
• Seal problem areas using weatherstripping material or the appropriate caulk.

5. Check Appliances

• Check the age of all your appliances, upgrading when necessary.
• Make sure to unplug appliances that are not used often.
• Check your laundry dryer exhaust for any blockages.
• Clean its ventilation hose once per year.

6. Inspect HVAC Systems

• Inspect your HVAC systems to make sure they are in good, working condition.
• Look for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio to figure out the system’s efficiency.
• Upgrade systems to use Energy Star-certified models, if necessary.

How Much Does A Home Energy Audit Cost?

On average, a home energy audit costs $415. Prices will range between $208 and $675 for this service, according to BobVila.

Home energy audits cost an average of $415 for U.S. homeowners. The total cost, though, can be determined by a number of factors. These factors include the home’s size and age, equipment needed, and any other extra services. It’s crucial for all homeowners to have an understanding of these factors prior to calling the professionals for this service.

Here are the average costs for this service:

• Low Cost: $208.
• Average Cost: $415.
• High Cost: $675.

Home Energy Audit Cost Factors

These audits are undoubtedly a key part of keeping your home at maximum efficiency. Home size, level of audit, and location will all play a role in determining the overall cost for homeowners. Let’s go into detail on all these factors.

Size Of The Home

The total size of the home is one of the biggest factors influencing price. Larger homes, of course, will use more energy overall. Typically, energy audits will cost between $0.08-$0.50 per square foot.

Here are a few average costs by square footage:

• 1,000 sq. ft. home: $290.
• 1,500 sq. ft. home: $440.
• 2,000 sq. ft. home: $580.
• 2,500 sq. ft. home: $730.
• 3,000 sq. ft. home: $870.

ASHRAE Audit Level

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers or ASHRAE, is a global organization promoting heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning advancements. ASHRAE has developed a home energy audit program in order to help homeowners assess and reduce home energy consumption.

Location

Your geographic location can undoubtedly influence the cost for several different reasons. First, different areas and states will feature differing average home sizes. A specific area’s cost of living can also impact the audit cost. Contractors working areas with higher living costs are more likely to charge higher rates for audit services. Cities with the highest energy audit costs today are New York, Miami, and Austin, Texas.

Test Type

Depending on the type of test, the overall cost of the audit can fluctuate. For example, a blower door test, which identifies a home’s airtightness, costs an average of $350. A duct test, searching the home for leaks and blockages, costs only $100. Infrared imaging tests will cost an average of $200.

DIY Vs Professional Home Energy Audit

While DIY audits are becoming more popular, these tasks can be far too difficult for the untrained eye. A professional audit will cost more, of course, but a thorough test will save homeowners lots of money in the future. Investing in professional services is a wise decision for every homeowner. Contact the team at Barrier Insulation to learn more!

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