What’s an audit? Audits, or energy assessments, are examinations of a home’s exterior construction or envelope and the systems within the home. Audits measure the amount of energy a property uses and identify why and where energy is being lost. Frequent causes of energy loss are leaky windows, a poorly sealed attic, ductwork tears, and invisible cracks.

How audits work?

Professional auditors rely on various tools, including blower door tests and thermographic inspections, to examine the whole house and its systems to discover where there’s air infiltration or loss; pinpoint hidden, hard-to-reach spots where insulation is lacking or failing; and assess performance of a home’s systems. The tests require three to four hours. An auditor uses the and other data about your heating and cooling habits and utility costs to identify the home improvement projects that will boost a home’s efficiency. Tip: Watch Home Diagnosis, homediagnosis.tv to see how audits work.

Benefits

By making recommended upgrades following a home energy assessment, homeowners can save between 5% and 30% on energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. And repairs aren’t always costly. For instance, some upgrades, such as air sealing and insulation, can be completed using a DIY approach.