Gone With the Wind: 5 Home Energy Audit Tools

With December upon us, much of the country is already blanketed in snow and cold weather, prompting furnaces and other home heating sources to be put to the test. As the Energy Information Administration posits marked increases in average home heating costs - expectations of 13% and 9% cost increases for fuel and propane respectively - many homeowners will likely be seeking energy audits as a way to mitigate steep bills, save money and improve their all-around comfort.

Below are five of the top tools for performing effective energy audits:

Blower Door:

According to the Energy Department, the average home has enough air leakage to add up to a two-foot-square hole! However, individual leaks are often quite small and disguised from the naked eye. With a blower door test, a fan draws the air out of a house, thereby lowering the internal air pressure and prompting the external air to rush into gaps, allowing auditors to more efficiently determine exactly where any and all leaks are located.

Infrared Camera:

Using an infrared camera, auditors can see exactly where such leaks, in addition to insulation irregularities and moisture problems, are occurring by distinguishing any temperate differences. The color-coded thermal readings make the process very efficient and provide home owners a clear visual, too.

Gas Leak Detector:

For homes that use natural gas and propane, a gas leak detector helps identify lines that are vulnerable or broken, which isn’t just critical for a home energy audit - it’s equally important for the home owner’s safety!

Computer Modeling:

Software solutions analyze heating data to project pre- and post-retrofit costs and savings. The inclusion of this comprehensive report provides consumers clear data-driven suggestions for improvements. Common modeling solutions include TREAT, which recently underwent an update to allow for more comprehensive surface choices and improved reporting capabilities, and Optimiser. However, be sure to consider individual state mandates before purchasing any software.

Critical Thinking Skills:

Nope, I’m not kidding. Sometimes just some solid common sense will improve the actionability of an audit report. For instance, referring to the homeowner’s past heating bills, inspecting their thermostat or interviewing them to learn about their home heating habits can all shed light on opportunities for reduced costs and energy consumption.

Together, these five tools create an arsenal for combating home heating challenges and performing an audit with a high consumer follow-through rate. Don’t forget to check back in with audited homes and, when available, utilize cost savings data in future promotional material - everyone loves a success story!