Home energy audit: what it is and what it can save

A home energy audit, also called a home energy assessment, is the first step to saving energy and money, according to the US Department of Energy.

What happens

An assessor reviews your bills and inspects the home, sometimes using tools like a blower door and an infrared camera.

You get a report that ranks upgrades by what they could save.

What it can save

The Department of Energy says upgrades identified in an assessment can save 5 to 30 percent on your monthly energy bill.

Do it yourself or hire a pro

The Department of Energy offers guidance for both professional and do-it-yourself assessments.

The fine print

The savings come from making the recommended upgrades, not from the audit itself, and results vary by home.

Why it matters

You cannot fix what you cannot see. An audit shows where your money is leaking out.

Try it yourself

Try our free Eco Calculators, or test yourself with Greener Choice.

Sources: US Department of Energy home energy assessments, US Department of Energy Energy Saver 101.

Key takeaways on home energy audit

Here is the short version on home energy audit. An assessor reviews your bills and inspects the home, sometimes using tools like a blower door and an infrared camera. You get a report that ranks upgrades by what they could save. The Department of Energy says upgrades identified in an assessment can save 5 to 30 percent on your monthly energy bill. The Department of Energy offers guidance for both professional and do-it-yourself assessments. The savings come from making the recommended upgrades, not from the audit itself, and results vary by home. You cannot fix what you cannot see. Try our free Eco Calculators, or test yourself with Greener Choice. Sources: US Department of Energy home energy assessments, US Department of Energy Energy Saver 101.

Use these points on home energy audit as a starting point, check the numbers against your own home or business, and share what you learn with someone who can use it.