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Home Energy Audit Guide

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Learn how to conduct a comprehensive home energy audit to identify inefficiencies and reduce utility costs. This guide is designed for homeowners who want to optimize their energy consumption using professional diagnostic tools. You will learn how to analyze billing data, inventory energy-using appliances, and inspect heating systems for maximum efficiency.

Safety Warnings

  • Extinguish all pilot lights on stoves and water heaters before performing a blower door or DIY fan test to prevent safety hazards.
  • In homes built before 1978, check for friable asbestos in attics and basements; if found, do not perform a blower test as the suction could make asbestos airborne.

Tools Needed

Box fan — 2,000 CFM capacity
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Infrared camera — Thermal imaging
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Fog-generating tool — Smoke stick or fog generator
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Duct tape — Heavy-duty
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Materials

Blower door kit — Professional grade(1)
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Combustion analyzer — Flue gas measurement(1)
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Steps

1
Begin the audit by reviewing your utility bills to understand your baseline electricity consumption, comparing it against the national average of approximately 1000 kWh/month.
2
Perform a room-by-room inventory of all energy-using items, including lighting and appliances. Check for Energy Star ratings and evaluate the efficiency of lighting, such as replacing incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL options.
3
Inspect the heating and water heating systems. Use a combustion analyzer to measure the temperature and ratio of flue gases in boilers to determine efficiency, and ensure the water heater is not leaking.
4
Prepare the home for an airtightness test by closing all exterior windows and doors (except the one designated for the fan) and closing all fireplace and wood-burning stove flues.
5
Install a blower door or a powerful box fan (2,000 CFM) in a window, sealing gaps with duct tape to depressurize the house and exaggerate leakage points.
Box Fan Window Frame Sealing Gap Apply tape seal airtight Secure fan in window and seal all perimeter gaps with duct tape.
6
Walk through the house using a fog-generating tool or smoke stick to pinpoint drafts at penetrations, such as around pipes, under sinks, wall outlets, switches, and window edges.
7
Utilize an infrared camera to scan exterior walls and ceilings. Look for temperature differences (cold spots) that indicate missing or degraded insulation, particularly in the attic.
8
Examine the attic floorboards to determine the depth and condition of insulation. Compare existing R-values against current construction codes (e.g., R38) to identify the need for additional material.
9
Check the attic for air leaks around the chimney chase, plumbing stacks, and electrical wires. Identify areas requiring fire-rated flashing, caulking, or expanding polyurethane foam.
Chimney chase Plumbing stack Electrical wire Inspect Gap Seal leak Check for air leaks where penetrations meet the attic floor.
10
Compile all findings into a comprehensive report to prioritize energy efficiency upgrades, such as air sealing and insulation, before investing in renewable energy systems.

Pro Tips

  • Professional assessments may include specialized tools like moisture meters and non-toxic smoke pens for a more thorough analysis.
  • If you are unsure about DIY testing, many utility companies offer free or subsidized professional energy audits and remediation work.

When to Call a Professional

For a comprehensive professional energy audit with blower door testing and thermal imaging, contact a certified home energy auditor.

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