Conducting Your Own Energy Audit

Many times you can conduct your own energy audit when necessary.  And, in the Twin Cities area, an energy audit is necessary to help keep utility costs down.  Now is also the perfect time to perform this task.  

When conducting your own energy audit, you just need a little elbow grease and a do-it-yourself home energy audit guide to get you started.  Giving attention to and fixing problem areas can lower your energy bills by 5% to 30% on an annual basis.  

Self audits cost virtually nothing if you own a few necessary items such as a ladder, flashlight, candles, measuring tape, dust mask, eye protection, a screwdriver and work clothes. You should also expect to spend two or more hours of your time investigating your home and its systems. 

Ways to Conduct DIY Home Audits 

There are several ways to conduct an audit yourself.  You just need to know your tolerance for the tasks ahead of you.  You may have to climb around in your attic or crawlspace and even look at duct work.  

You should always consider hiring a professional if you don't have time to get familiar with what is needed to conduct a home audit, are scared of ladders or tight spaces, are disabled and are planning to undergo a large remodel project.  Some homeowners who perform a self audit may want to hire a professional to double check their diagnoses.  Your self-audit may reveal air leaks but not the exact cause. 

A List of What You Should Check 

Here's a breakdown of the average home's energy usage that Energy Star references and their contribution to energy costs. 

* Heating - 29%

* Cooling - 17%

* Appliances - 13%

* Water Heater - 14%

* Lighting - 12%

* Computers and electronics - 4%

* Other - 11%

Check back next week for part 2 of Conducting Your Own Home Audit.  We'll be giving tips for spotting common energy leaks.