Lower energy bills
Home Energy Audit: A Practical DIY Starting Point
A basic home energy audit helps you find where energy is being used or wasted before you spend money on a new product. Start with bills, equipment, comfort problems, and simple measurements.
Review a year of energy use
Collect utility bills and compare monthly consumption. Look for seasonal peaks and changes that correspond with weather, occupancy, or new equipment.
Inspect heating and cooling
Check filters, thermostat schedules, obvious duct issues, and rooms that are consistently uncomfortable. Heating and cooling performance can strongly affect energy use.
Look at the building envelope
Drafts, missing weather stripping, poorly sealed openings, and insulation problems can increase heating and cooling demand. Some issues are easy to spot while others benefit from professional assessment.
Review hot water
Consider water heater settings, visible leaks, hot water usage, and pipe insulation where appropriate. Water heating can be a meaningful household load.
Inventory electrical loads
List large appliances and unusual continuous loads. Use utility data or suitable meters to estimate which devices deserve attention.
Prioritize by impact
Start with changes that address large loads at reasonable cost. Measure consumption again after improvements so you know whether the change actually worked.