A large number of people are having home energy audits performed on their homes. As a result, they are able to enjoy discounts and rebates that many governments are offering. With the rising cost of energy, learning which areas of your home require updating or retrofitting can be money well spent. Here is what you need to know about the energy audit process and how it can help you.

What is a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is a type of home inspection. A qualified auditor examines a home and its energy use in order to make it more energy efficient. The end goal is to produce a comfortable home that is much more affordable to heat and power. The process is not a lengthy one but it can be somewhat involved depending on what is being inspected.

In the course of an energy audit, the building envelope is inspected. This is the structure that retains air (and therefore heat or cool air) within a home. Areas that make up the envelope include:

• Windows

• Doors

• Floors+

• Ceilings

• Skylights

All o f these areas can impact how energy efficient a home is. If there are leaks around windows, doors and skylights, for example, it can take much more energy to heat or cool a home. The way in which homeowners use energy in their home is often examined as well. Appliances may be inspected during the course of the home energy audit in order to determine whether they are energy efficient or not.

Next steps in the Process

Once the home has been inspected and tested, a report is produced. This outlines areas that can be improved. If homeowners take the suggestions that are contained in the audit they may find that their energy bills will drop significantly and their homes will be much more comfortable to live in.

Suggestions may include:

• Increasing the amount of insulation in areas such as attics or dead air spaces

• Replacing older windows that may allow for unwanted air flow

• Replacing of doors or weather stripping to reduce leaks

• Replacing a heating system with a more energy efficient model

Other savings that may be available

Depending on where an individual lives, there may be numerous benefits to performing a home energy audit. Many governments are offering rebates or refunds once an energy audit has been performed. There may be further refunds or rebates if windows are replaced or if energy efficient insulation is added. Because they vary from year to year and area to area, it is best to look into what your government is offering before scheduling your audit.