Home energy audit basics: what to check first

Define the problem before the inspection

Write down high-use months, rooms that are hard to heat or cool, drafts, moisture concerns, and recent equipment changes. Gather utility bills if available. The Department of Energy describes a simple owner walk-through and a more detailed professional assessment. Neither is a guarantee that a particular upgrade will pay for itself.

Use a safe visual walk-through

Note obvious gaps around accessible doors and windows, visible insulation conditions, and the age and maintenance history of heating and cooling equipment. ENERGY STAR lists DIY checks while warning about hazards in some spaces. Do not disturb unknown insulation, enter unsafe attics, open electrical equipment, or interfere with combustion appliances. Record a concern for qualified assessment instead.

Understand what a professional may add

A trained assessor can review bills, inspect the building and mechanical systems, and use diagnostic testing where appropriate. ENERGY STAR describes safety checks, moisture and ventilation review, and a prioritized recommendation report. Ask in advance what tests are included, what certification or experience the provider has, and whether the company also sells the recommended work.

Prioritize findings by evidence and safety

Ask the assessor to explain the observed problem, the proposed remedy, assumptions behind any savings estimate, cost, and what should be addressed first for health or safety. A recommendation for insulation without checking air leaks or ventilation may miss the system-level context. Keep photographs, measurements, and the written report so later quotes can be compared on the same scope.

• What problem was observed?
• How was it measured or documented?
• Does the fix affect ventilation, moisture, or combustion safety?
• What alternatives were considered?
• How will the result be checked after work?