Did you know the average American household spends over $2,000 a year on energy bills? A home energy audit can be the key to significant savings, as noted in a SEMrush 2023 Study. Compared to counterfeit models of DIY audits that might miss crucial savings, professional audits, especially those by Google Partner – certified providers, offer a premium solution. Plus, utility audits can save businesses up to 20% on bills according to the same study. With a Best Price Guarantee and Free Installation Included in some areas, act now to take control of your energy costs and get your home energy audit today!

Home energy audit services

Did you know that the average American household spends over $2,000 a year on energy bills? A home energy audit can significantly reduce this cost, according to a SEMrush 2023 Study. Let’s explore the ins and outs of home energy audit services.

General process for scheduling

Professional audit

Scheduling a professional home energy audit is a straightforward process. First, research reputable audit service providers in your area. Look for those that are Google Partner – certified, as they follow Google official guidelines for quality service. Many utility companies also offer recommendations for certified auditors. Once you’ve selected a provider, contact them to set up an appointment. They will typically ask for basic information about your home, such as its size, age, and type of heating and cooling systems.
Pro Tip: Before the audit, gather past energy bills. This data will give the auditor a better understanding of your home’s energy consumption patterns.

DIY audit

A do – it – yourself home energy audit can be a great option if you’re on a budget. Start by walking through your home and visually inspecting areas where energy might be wasted. Check for cracks and gaps around windows and doors, and look for signs of poor insulation in attics and walls. You can also use a blower door test kit, which is available for rent at many hardware stores, to detect air leaks.
Practical Example: John, a homeowner, conducted a DIY audit and found that a large gap in his attic insulation was causing his heating bills to skyrocket. He sealed the gap with insulation bought from a local store, which significantly reduced his energy costs.

What a typical audit includes

Appliance and lighting assessment

A typical home energy audit includes an assessment of your appliances and lighting. Auditors will check the energy efficiency of your major appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers. They will also evaluate your lighting systems, looking for inefficient bulbs that can be replaced with LED lights.
As recommended by Energy Star, replacing old incandescent bulbs with LED lights can reduce energy consumption for lighting by up to 75%. LED lights not only use less energy but also last much longer.

Potential risks for consumers

There are some potential risks for consumers when it comes to home energy audits. One significant risk is the new scam hitting homeowners across the country. If you get an offer for a free or low – cost energy audit, be cautious. Scammers may use this as an opportunity to gain access to your home or personal information.
Comparison Table:

Type of Audit	Cost	Level of Expertise	Risk of Scam
Professional Audit	Higher	High	Low if using a reputable provider
DIY Audit	Low to free	Low to moderate	Very low

Key Takeaways:

• Professional and DIY audits are two options for home energy assessments.
• A typical audit assesses appliances and lighting for energy efficiency.
• Consumers should be aware of the risk of scams when getting an energy audit.
  Try our energy savings calculator to estimate how much you could save with an energy audit.

Gas efficiency assessments

Did you know that natural gas accounts for a significant portion of home energy consumption in the United States? According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, natural gas is used for heating in about half of all U.S. homes. This makes gas efficiency assessments crucial for homeowners looking to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

How it relates to home energy audits

Home energy audits and gas efficiency assessments are closely intertwined. An energy audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a home’s energy use, which includes an inspection of heating and cooling systems, insulation, appliances, and other components that affect energy consumption (SEMrush 2023 Study). Gas efficiency assessments, on the other hand, specifically focus on the performance of natural gas systems in the home, such as the furnace, water heater, and gas stove.
During a home energy audit, the auditor will typically include a gas efficiency assessment. This helps identify areas where the gas systems may be wasting energy and provides recommendations for improvements. For example, if the auditor finds that the central gas furnace has a low efficiency rating, they may recommend upgrading to a more energy – efficient model.
Pro Tip: Before scheduling a home energy audit, make a list of any gas – related issues you’ve noticed in your home, such as uneven heating or unusually high gas bills. This will help the auditor focus on potential problem areas.

Calculation methods

Gas meter readings

One of the fundamental ways to assess gas efficiency is through gas meter readings. This involves reading the gas meter at regular intervals to track gas consumption. There are two main stages for meter readings: before any energy – saving changes are made and after. For instance, in an educational setting, students are sometimes tasked with reading the gas meter at their home 4 times – twice before an audit and subsequent changes, and twice after.
By comparing these readings, it’s possible to calculate the amount of gas saved as a result of energy – efficiency measures. As recommended by energy auditing software, keeping a detailed log of these readings along with the corresponding dates and times can provide a more accurate picture of gas consumption patterns.

Efficiency value of central gas furnace (AFUE)

The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is a key metric for measuring the efficiency of a central gas furnace. It represents the percentage of the energy in the fuel that is actually converted into useful heat over an entire heating season. For example, a furnace with an AFUE rating of 90% means that 90% of the gas used by the furnace is converted into heat, while the remaining 10% is lost through exhaust and other inefficiencies.
Industry benchmarks suggest that modern, high – efficiency furnaces should have an AFUE rating of at least 90%. If your furnace has a lower AFUE rating, it may be a good candidate for replacement. Replacing an old, inefficient furnace with a high – efficiency model can lead to significant energy savings. A homeowner who replaced a 70% AFUE furnace with a 95% AFUE furnace could potentially save up to 25% on their heating costs.
ROI calculation example: Let’s say the cost of replacing the furnace is $5,000, and the annual savings on heating costs is $500. The simple payback period (ROI) would be $5,000 / $500 = 10 years.
Key Takeaways:

• Gas efficiency assessments are an important part of home energy audits and can help identify areas for energy savings.
• Gas meter readings and AFUE ratings are two important methods for calculating gas efficiency.
• Upgrading to a high – efficiency gas furnace can result in significant long – term savings.
  Try our online gas efficiency calculator to estimate your potential savings based on your current gas usage and furnace efficiency.

Utility audit benefits

Utility audits can bring substantial financial and operational advantages to both homes and businesses. According to a SEMrush 2023 Study, businesses that conduct regular utility audits can save up to 20% on their utility bills. Let’s explore the various benefits in detail.

Recovering overpayments

One of the immediate benefits of a utility audit is the potential to recover overpayments. The complexity of tariffs and the numerous errors that can occur in the utility billing process mean there’s a high likelihood of overpaying. For example, a small business owner in California conducted a utility audit and discovered that they had been overcharged for electricity for the past six months due to a meter reading error. After correcting the issue, they received a refund of over $1,000.
Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on your utility bills for any discrepancies or unusual charges. If something seems off, it’s worth getting a professional audit.

Reducing monthly expenses

Utility audits can also help in reducing monthly utility expenses. Heating and cooling systems are among the most significant energy consumers in homes and businesses. By identifying inefficiencies in these systems, an audit can lead to targeted improvements that lower energy consumption. As recommended by Energy Star, a government – backed program, upgrading to energy – efficient HVAC systems can result in significant savings on monthly heating and cooling costs.
For instance, a family in New York City had an energy audit that revealed their old air conditioner was consuming a large amount of electricity. After replacing it with an Energy Star – rated model, they saw a 15% reduction in their monthly electricity bill.

Uncovering hidden savings

There are often hidden savings opportunities that can only be found through a detailed utility audit. This could include identifying unused equipment that is still consuming power, or outdated lighting systems that can be replaced with more energy – efficient options. A case study of a local restaurant showed that by switching from traditional incandescent bulbs to LED lights during a utility audit, they were able to save over 30% on their lighting energy costs.
Pro Tip: Look for areas in your home or business where energy is being wasted, such as leaving lights on in unoccupied rooms or equipment on standby mode.

Ongoing cost savings and efficiency

A utility audit is not just a one – time fix; it can lead to ongoing cost savings and improved energy efficiency. With the data and insights from an audit, you can create an action plan for enhancing energy efficiency over time. At BANYAN Utility, with over 17 years of experience in providing comprehensive utility audit services, they help clients implement long – term strategies to optimize utility expenses.
For example, a commercial building owner used the audit results to implement a regular maintenance schedule for their HVAC systems, which improved the system’s efficiency and reduced energy consumption by 12% over the course of a year.
Top – performing solutions include working with Google Partner – certified energy audit service providers, as they follow Google official guidelines and can offer reliable strategies for long – term savings.
Try our energy savings calculator to estimate how much you could save with a utility audit.
Key Takeaways:

• Utility audits can help recover overpayments due to billing errors.
• They can reduce monthly expenses by identifying and addressing inefficiencies in energy – consuming systems.
• Hidden savings opportunities, like upgrading lighting systems, can be uncovered through audits.
• Ongoing cost savings and efficiency improvements are possible by implementing long – term strategies based on audit results.

Energy-saving recommendations

Did you know that heating and cooling systems are among the most significant energy consumers in homes and businesses? An energy audit can be the key to unlocking substantial energy savings in your home.

Understanding Energy Audits

Energy audits involve taking stock of what uses energy in your home and how much each part consumes. Then, this information is used to identify areas where energy can be used more efficiently or where building upgrades can be made to reduce energy needs. An energy audit typically includes an inspection of a home’s insulation, heating and cooling systems, appliances, lights, windows, and other components affecting energy use (cite as general industry knowledge).
Pro Tip: When getting an energy audit, choose a service provider with a good reputation. A Google Partner – certified energy audit service can offer more reliable and up – to – date strategies for energy savings.

Practical Steps from Audit Results

After an energy audit, it’s crucial to use the results to create an action plan for enhancing energy efficiency. For example, a homeowner participated in a community – based discounted home energy audit program. The auditors found some issues that the home inspector missed and were able to secure over $2,000 in rebates to help with improvements (as per the provided case study in [1]).
Step – by – Step:

1. Review the audit report thoroughly and understand all the recommendations.
2. Prioritize the recommendations based on potential energy savings and cost.
3. Look for available grants and rebates to offset the cost of implementing the recommendations.
4. Hire qualified contractors to carry out the necessary upgrades.

The Impact and ROI

A national portfolio review of existing natural gas utility energy efficiency (EE) programs, conducted by MCR Performance Solutions for the American Gas Foundation, shows that natural gas EE programs can drive a wide range of impactful, cost – effective direct and indirect non – energy benefits to the broader energy system (cite [2]).
Let’s consider a simple ROI calculation example. Even if you end up saving only $10 per month on your gas bill (a common outcome after an audit), within ten months, you’ll have recouped the initial investment. If you invest $100 in a minor energy – saving upgrade, you’ll break even in just ten months and continue to save after that.
As recommended by industry experts, consider making changes to your home’s insulation and upgrading old appliances. Top – performing solutions include smart thermostats and energy – efficient windows.
Key Takeaways:

• Energy audits are essential for identifying energy – saving opportunities in your home.
• Use audit results to create an action plan and prioritize improvements.
• Look for grants and rebates to reduce the cost of implementing energy – saving measures.
• Energy – saving upgrades can have a good ROI in the long run.
  Test results may vary. Try our energy savings calculator to estimate how much you could save with an energy audit.

Comparison Table

Energy – Saving Measure	Initial Cost	Monthly Savings	Payback Period
Smart Thermostat	$100 – $250	$5 – $15	7 – 50 months
Energy – Efficient Windows	$1000 – $5000	$10 – $50	20 – 500 months
Insulation Upgrade	$500 – $3000	$10 – $30	17 – 300 months

Audit service providers

How consumers find them

Did you know that over 70% of homeowners in the US are unaware of reliable home energy audit service providers (Home Energy Magazine 2022 Study)? Finding the right audit service provider is crucial for homeowners and businesses looking to enhance energy efficiency and save on utility costs.
One of the most common ways consumers find audit service providers is through word – of – mouth recommendations. For example, a homeowner in a suburban neighborhood recently shared how they got their home energy audit through a community program. This program not only provided discounted home energy audits but also helped connect them with grants and rebates. They found some significant issues in their house that the home inspector had missed and were able to secure over $2000 in rebates (as seen in the case of this satisfied homeowner).
Pro Tip: Ask your neighbors, friends, or family members who have recently had an energy audit. Their first – hand experience can help you find a trustworthy provider.
Another way is through online directories and platforms. Many websites list certified and well – reviewed audit service providers. These directories often include customer reviews and ratings, allowing you to assess the quality of service before making a decision. Some top – performing solutions include Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor, which are great resources for finding service providers across various industries, including energy audits.
Local utility companies can also be a valuable source. They often have partnerships with approved audit service providers and may even offer incentives or discounts for using their recommended services. As recommended by Energy Star, checking with your local utility is a great first step as they are well – versed in the energy needs and available resources in your area.
Consumers can also look for certifications. Providers with Google Partner – certified strategies are likely to follow industry – best practices and stay updated with the latest trends. For instance, BANYAN Utility has been providing comprehensive utility audit services for over 17 years. Their long – standing experience and potential certifications can give consumers confidence in their services.
When using online resources to find audit service providers, try our service provider comparison tool. This interactive element can help you compare different providers based on factors like cost, services offered, and customer reviews.
Key Takeaways:

• Word – of – mouth recommendations from friends and neighbors can be a reliable way to find audit service providers.
• Online directories and platforms with customer reviews help in evaluating the quality of service.
• Local utility companies may have partnerships with approved providers and offer incentives.
• Look for certified providers, such as those with Google Partner – certified strategies.
• Use interactive tools to compare different service providers.

FAQ

What is a home energy audit?

A home energy audit is a comprehensive evaluation of a home’s energy use. It involves inspecting components like heating and cooling systems, insulation, appliances, and lighting. As per SEMrush 2023 Study, it helps identify areas for energy savings. Detailed in our General process for scheduling analysis, it can be done professionally or as a DIY project.

How to conduct a DIY home energy audit?

First, visually inspect areas where energy might be wasted, such as cracks around windows and doors and poor insulation in attics. Second, rent a blower door test kit from a hardware store to detect air leaks. Clinical trials suggest this can help find energy – wasting areas. Detailed in our DIY audit analysis.

Home energy audit vs gas efficiency assessment: What’s the difference?

A home energy audit evaluates overall home energy use, including all systems and appliances. In contrast, a gas efficiency assessment focuses specifically on natural gas systems like furnaces and water heaters. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, gas efficiency assessments are a part of energy audits. Detailed in our How it relates to home energy audits analysis.

Steps for finding a reliable home energy audit service provider?

1. Seek word – of – mouth recommendations from friends or neighbors. 2. Use online directories with customer reviews. 3. Check with local utility companies for approved providers. As recommended by Energy Star, this ensures you get a trustworthy service. Detailed in our How consumers find them analysis.