Home Energy Audit 101: Should You Have One?
ShareSome homeowners mistakenly believe that there's nothing they can do about their home energy bills. They often assume that their home's energy consumption is something that they can't change. The truth is that there's a lot that you can do to reduce your home's energy consumption and associated costs. One of the best places to start is with a home energy audit. Here's a look at some things to consider when you're trying to decide if a home energy audit is the right choice for you.
Have You Ever Had A Home Energy Audit?
Every home can benefit from an energy audit at some stage, and some can benefit from more than one over the years. If you have never had a home energy audit before, you have no way to know if there might be areas where your home is costing you valuable energy consumption. For those homeowners who have not ever had a home energy audit before, it's worth the investment for the potential cost savings.
Can You Get a Credit?
In most cases, your energy supplier will charge you a flat rate for a home energy audit. This fee is a common consideration for the audit service because of the time and expertise involved. However, some states, counties, and municipalities offer credits for home energy audits, especially if you act on the recommendations afterward.
Talk with your energy supplier about any potential credits that you might be eligible for to save on the cost of your energy audit or any improvements that you might make afterward.
Did You Recently Buy Your Home?
If you've recently purchased the home you're in, an energy audit is an important consideration. With a new home, you won't be familiar with the energy demands, excess energy draws, and other issues associated with the property.
Having an energy audit done shortly after that purchase will give you the opportunity to better understand the home, its energy needs, and the ways that you can help to improve that demand. Whether the attic needs more insulation or some of the windows are drafty, you'll know what steps you should take.
Are Your Energy Bills Increasing?
Another indication that your home could benefit from a home energy audit is consistently increasing electric bills. If you notice that your home energy bills are climbing month after month with no clear explanation for the increase, that's a sign that your home is wasting energy. A home energy audit can identify the culprits and help you get those costs under control.
These are some of the things that you should know about home energy audits and what they can do to help you with your home's energy costs. Talk with a home energy audit contractor today for more help.