DIY Home Energy Audit Guide

Completing an energy audit of your home is especially important in both summer and winter months, particularly in Texas. Beyond a simple checklist, an energy audit helps you identify areas for improvement to make your home more energy-efficient and reduce energy costs by up to 30% per month.

Take time to peek in all the nooks and crannies in your home with our DIY energy audit guide.

The importance of a home energy audit

Energy efficiency is essential for both your pocket and the planet. By optimizing how your home uses energy, you not only save on household expenses but also contribute to environmental well-being. Many improvements like sealing air leaks or switching to LED lighting, cost very little upfront but deliver measurable savings month after month. It’s a win-win: meaningful cost savings for you and a big step toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Advantages of doing it yourself

Taking control of your home's energy consumption through a DIY audit puts you in control. Rather than waiting for a professional assessment, you can make informed decisions and make the improvements on your own schedule.

Understanding how your home loses and consumes energy enables you to prioritize fixes and cut costs without spending a fortune upfront.

The best times to conduct your audit

The best times for a DIY home energy audit are during the spring or fall, to prepare your home for the extreme temperatures of summer and winter. As the summer's heat or chilly weather approaches, being prepared is crucial.

Getting ahead of the summer heat or a winter cold front means your fixes are in place before they hit your energy bill hardest. It's a strategic move for homeowners that pays off in both comfort and savings.

Step-by-step guide for your audit

Create a checklist as you walk through your home, taking note of what's been checked and identifying areas that need attention or fixing.

• Check your insulation - Poor or missing insulation forces your heating and cooling system to work harder, driving up your energy bill. Look for visible gaps, uneven coverage, and pay close attention to corners, edges, and junction areas where insulation commonly falls short. Addressing insulation gaps is one of the highest-return fixes you can make for long-term energy savings.

• Review your lighting - Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED is a quick win in a home energy audit. LEDs use up to 75% less energy and last longer. Reducing both electricity usage and replacement costs. It's a small change with a direct and ongoing impact on your monthly bill.

• Inspect your windows and doors - Air leaks around windows and doors are a big source of energy waste in a home. In an energy audit, it's crucial to check for drafts around windows and doors. You don't want cool air escaping in the hot summer months or warm air escaping during the winter. A simple method is to run your hand along the perimeter, feeling for drafts. For windows, check the seal between the sash and frame. Weatherstripping and caulk are inexpensive fixes for any drafts.

• Check your appliances - Opt for ENERGY STAR-rated appliances as they are known for their energy efficiency. Consider implementing timers and motion sensors for efficient usage. You can also practice energy-efficient habits like running high-energy appliances like dishwashers and washing machines during non-peak hours to help manage your overall electricity usage.

• Check out your heating and cooling - Your HVAC system is likely your home's single largest energy expense. Especially in Texas, where AC is king! To make sure your HVAC is running efficiently, check for visible signs of wear, blocked vents, or duct leaks. Ensure that vents and ducts are unobstructed for optimal airflow. A well-maintained system combined with a programmable or smart thermostat can cut heating and cooling costs year-round.

As you begin auditing your home's energy, remember that even small changes can make a big difference. When you use less energy, you not only save money but also help make our energy future better. Let's make a difference, one small energy-saving step at a time!