The autumn equinox is five days away, which means cooler days are ahead. And if summer’s heat lingers down South, ensuring your heating and air unit, for example, is working at its best is just one of several reasons to do a home energy audit this fall.
But before we get into the reasons to do a home energy audit, let’s quickly explain what one is. In a nutshell, a home energy audit is an assessment that helps you see where your home is losing energy and the ways you can make it more energy efficient.
It can save you money.
First and foremost, performing a home energy audit can lead to savings. Depending on the needed improvements and the upgrades made, homeowners could see lower utility bills.
In addition to those cost savings, some professional energy auditors may be able to help find government rebates. If you qualify, it could lead to additional savings through discounts, incentives and special offers, for instance.
It will help you understand your energy usage.
Since you are evaluating how and where energy is being used in your home, an energy audit gives you a better understanding of your current energy consumption. Therefore, this allows you to make a few changes to improve energy efficiency.
Home energy audits identify steps to take to be more energy efficient.
Whether you need to improve insulation or stop air leaks, a thorough audit lets homeowners know what steps to take next. It could be as simple as cleaning your air ducts, for example, or adjusting the settings on certain appliances.
Bigger upgrades could include home improvements such as new windows, new ENERGY STAR appliances or replacing insulation in your walls.
It reduces your carbon footprint.
When you reduce your energy use, you naturally reduce your carbon footprint. In turn, you are helping lower greenhouse gas emissions, which helps the environment.
Energy efficiency makes your home more comfortable.
Here’s one of the reasons to do a home energy audit that you may not consider. But it’s a good one! Once you’ve identified issues and taken steps to correct them, you typically have more control over your home environment.
With a properly working HVAC system, personal comfort is increased and overall air quality is improved.
Energy audits increase your home’s resale value.
Again, audits identify issues like air leaks, which could be the result of cracks in doors or gaps in floors or ceilings. It may be time for a new roof, a new HVAC system or extra insulation.
In the end, energy-efficient home improvements are appealing to potential buyers.
Summary
We’ve shared some of the top reasons to do a home energy audit with you, just in time to get cozy—and cost-efficient—this season and beyond! Remember, in general, it’s a good idea for homeowners to do a home energy audit every two to three years. You can do it yourself or hire a professional.
Don’t forget to check out Ryan’s Helpful Contacts if you decide to move forward with home improvements, including insulation and heating and air upgrades. For more real estate tips and local news, keep reading our blogs!
