DIY Home Energy Audit: A Comprehensive Guide

Performing a DIY home energy audit is a great way to identify energy waste and save money on your utility bills. It's a step-by-step process that helps you pinpoint areas in your home where energy is being lost and then take corrective action.

Before you start:

• Gather your tools:


• Notebook and pen: For recording observations and measurements.


• Flashlight: To inspect dark areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces.


• Measuring tape: To measure window and door sizes, wall lengths, etc.


• Infrared thermometer (optional, but helpful): To identify temperature differences on surfaces.


• Candle or incense stick: To check for air leaks around windows, doors, and outlets.


• Caulk and weather stripping: If you find leaks, having these on hand is useful.


• Utility bills: Collect your gas, electricity, and water bills for the past 12 months.


• Review your energy bills: Look for seasonal trends. High energy use in winter likely indicates heating issues, while high use in summer suggests cooling problems.

Step 1: Calculate Your Energy Use

• Compare your bills: Calculate the average monthly cost for electricity, gas, and water. Note the amount of energy used (kWh for electricity, therms for gas) each month.


• Calculate your Energy Use Intensity (EUI): This helps you compare your energy usage to other homes of similar size in your climate. The formula is:

EUI = (Total Annual Energy Use in BTU) / (Home Square Footage)

• Convert your energy use to BTU:


• 1 kWh = 3,412 BTU


• 1 Therm (Natural Gas) = 100,000 BTU


• 1 Gallon of Propane = 91,502 BTU


• 1 Gallon of Oil = 138,690 BTU


• Example: If you used 10,000 kWh of electricity and 500 Therms of natural gas in a year, and your home is 2000 square feet:


• Electricity BTU = 10,000 kWh * 3,412 BTU/kWh = 34,120,000 BTU


• Natural Gas BTU = 500 Therms * 100,000 BTU/Therm = 50,000,000 BTU


• Total BTU = 34,120,000 + 50,000,000 = 84,120,000 BTU


• EUI = 84,120,000 BTU / 2000 sq ft = 42,060 BTU/sq ft


• Compare to average EUI: Look up average EUI values for homes in your climate zone online. This gives you a baseline to determine if your home is energy-efficient or not. (Search "average EUI by climate zone").

Step 2: The Walkthrough (Room by Room)

A. Exterior Inspection:

• Foundation:


• Check for cracks or gaps in the foundation. These can allow cold air and moisture into your basement or crawl space.


• Look for signs of water damage.


• Walls:


• Note the type of siding (wood, brick, vinyl, etc.). This impacts insulation levels.


• Look for cracks or damage.


• Roof:


• Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles.


• Check for proper ventilation of the attic (soffit vents, ridge vents). Poor ventilation can lead to ice dams in winter and overheating in summer.


• Windows and Doors:


• Examine the caulking around windows and doors. Look for cracks or deterioration.


• Check weather stripping for wear and tear.


• Assess the condition of window glass. Is it single-pane or double-pane? Are there any broken seals (foggy appearance between panes)?


• Landscaping:


• Consider how trees and shrubs shade your home. Proper placement can help reduce heating and cooling costs.


• Ensure that outdoor air conditioning units are free of debris.

B. Interior Inspection (Room by Room):

• Air Leaks: This is a critical part.


• Windows and Doors:


• Close windows and doors. Hold a lit candle or incense stick near the edges. If the flame flickers or the smoke moves significantly, you have an air leak.


• Feel for drafts.


• Outlets and Switches: Remove outlet and switch plates and check for air leaks. (Turn off the power to the circuit first as a precaution!) Seal any gaps with foam outlet gaskets.


• Baseboards and Trim: Check where baseboards and trim meet the walls and floor. Caulk any gaps.


• Fireplace: Ensure the damper is closed tightly when the fireplace is not in use. A fireplace can be a significant source of air leaks.


• Attic Access: Ensure the attic access panel is properly insulated and sealed.


• Insulation:


• Attic: This is a prime location for heat loss. Check the insulation level. Ideally, you should have at least 12-15 inches of insulation (R-value of R-38 to R-49 is recommended). If you can see the attic floor joists, you need more insulation.


• Walls: It's harder to assess wall insulation without specialized equipment. However, you can get a general idea by:


• Checking outlet and switch boxes (after turning off the power). Sometimes you can see insulation through the box.


• Looking in unfinished basements or crawl spaces.


• Basement/Crawl Space: Check for insulation on walls and around pipes.


• Heating and Cooling Systems:


• Furnace/Air Conditioner:


• Check the age of your equipment. Older units are less efficient.


• Inspect the air filter and replace it if it's dirty.


• Ensure vents are not blocked by furniture.


• Ductwork: Look for leaks or gaps in ductwork, especially where sections connect. Seal any leaks with duct tape (or better yet, duct mastic sealant).


• Programmable Thermostat: Make sure your thermostat is programmed to automatically adjust the temperature when you're not home.


• Water Heating:


• Water Heater:


• Check the age of your water heater.


• Insulate the water heater tank with an insulating blanket (follow manufacturer's instructions).


• Insulate hot water pipes, especially those in unheated areas.


• Set the water heater temperature to 120°F (49°C). Higher temperatures are unnecessary and waste energy.


• Faucets and Showers: Repair any leaky faucets or showerheads. Install low-flow showerheads and aerators on faucets to reduce water consumption.


• Lighting and Appliances:


• Lighting: Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs.


• Appliances:


• Check the energy efficiency ratings of your appliances (Energy Star label).


• Unplug electronics when not in use (they can still draw power in standby mode).


• Clean the coils on your refrigerator to improve efficiency.


• Use the proper settings on your dishwasher and washing machine.

Step 3: Analyze Your Findings and Create an Action Plan

• Review your notes: Compile a list of all the energy waste issues you identified during your walkthrough.


• Prioritize your projects: Focus on the most cost-effective improvements first. Air sealing is often the easiest and most impactful.


• Estimate costs: Research the cost of materials and labor for each project.


• Calculate potential savings: Estimate how much money you could save on your energy bills by making each improvement. Many online resources can help you estimate energy savings.


• Create a timeline: Set realistic goals for completing your energy-saving projects.


• Consider professional help: For complex projects like insulation or HVAC upgrades, it's best to consult with a qualified contractor.

Examples of Common Energy-Saving Projects (In Order of Typical ROI):

• Air Sealing: Caulking, weather stripping, sealing around outlets and pipes.


• Insulating: Attic, walls, basement/crawl space.


• Lighting Upgrades: Switching to LED bulbs.


• Water Heater Insulation: Adding a blanket to older water heaters.


• Programmable Thermostat: Installing and properly programming it.


• Appliance Upgrades: Replacing old, inefficient appliances with Energy Star models.


• Window Replacement: (Often expensive, but can be worthwhile if you have single-pane windows in a cold climate).


• HVAC System Upgrade: Replacing an old furnace or air conditioner with a high-efficiency model.

Resources:

• Energy.gov: U.S. Department of Energy website with extensive information on energy efficiency.


• Energy Star: Website for the Energy Star program, which certifies energy-efficient products.


• Local Utility Companies: Many utility companies offer energy audits, rebates, and other programs to help customers save energy.

Important Safety Considerations:

• Electrical Safety: Turn off power to circuits before working around outlets and switches.


• Attic Safety: Use caution when working in the attic. Watch out for exposed nails and beams. Wear a dust mask and gloves to protect yourself from insulation particles.


• Ladder Safety: Use a sturdy ladder and follow proper ladder safety guidelines.


• Asbestos: If your home was built before 1980, be aware of the potential for asbestos in insulation, pipes, or other building materials. Do not disturb these materials. Contact a qualified professional for asbestos testing and removal.

This DIY home energy audit guide provides a starting point for identifying energy waste and improving the energy efficiency of your home. By following these steps and taking action on your findings, you can save money on your utility bills, reduce your environmental impact, and create a more comfortable living environment. Good luck!