My goal is to do more than just help you find your forever home in Northern Virginia or the Metro DC area.  I’m here to also help you protect and optimize your investment. Having a home energy audit can show you where you might be letting money slip through the cracks of your home.

We all know how humid summers can be.  And don’t forget the snowy winters. It’s good to be mindful of how well-insulated and energy-efficient your home is.

Here are a few proactive things you can complete yourself. Then it’s time to consider having a professional home energy audit to help you protect your home and save you money.

What Is A Home Energy Audit?

A professional energy audit pinpoints where in your home you’re wasting energy. The main goal is to find out where if any outside weather is finding its way into your home.  It could be cold or warm weather depending on the season.  This is the key area causing your monthly utility bills to spike.

The average utility cost in our region is about $150 per month.  This depends on the size of your home, the size of your household, and your preferred temperature.  

The audit takes between 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the size of your home. Many companies you hire for the audit can also recommend energy-efficient repairs or upgrades.

Where In My Home Could I Be Wasting Energy?

A professional audit goes beyond telling you which things should be kept turned on or plugged in and which ones are wasting money doing so. It’s more than giving recommendations on energy-efficient appliances too. Instead, your auditor will perform the following:

Exterior Inspection—they will inspect everything from your foundation to your siding, roof, windows, crawlspace, and ductwork.  It’s all about checking for any areas that moisture or air can find their way into your home.

Interior Inspection—inside they will inspect every room, paying close attention to windows, doors, and the attic and basement. Even if your home is already insulated, they will ensure your insulation is sound and sufficient.

Home Appliances—the interior inspection will include combustion testing your furnace, boiler, water heater, and stove. This includes ensuring carbon monoxide is being properly routed out of your home. At the same time, they will inspect that your essential home systems are operating at full efficiency.

Blower Door Test—this test involves placing a fan with a seal and pressurized plates at an exterior door. The fan depressurizes your home while the plates measure to determine if you have air leakage.

Custom Services—every company is unique, so be sure you understand what is included and what’s additional for your energy audit. This might include a more in-depth duct leak assessment, infrared camera inspection, lighting assessment, and other day-to-day ways to minimize energy consumption.

What to do with your Home Energy Report

The results of your audit will be presented to you in a detailed and actionable report so that you can determine what you want to repair or upgrade.  Break things down into what’s most important and where you can save the most amount of money on your home energy bills.

Maybe you can tackle some smaller projects to start with and save for bigger projects that will in the long run recoup the bigger benefits.  It’s all about using the report to help you manage and take care of your home.

Reach out to me today if you would like a reference to a home energy audit inspector in NOVA or the DC area.