Lower Your Home Energy Costs With a Professional Home Energy Audit

If you're tired of high utility bills, inconsistent temperatures, or drafty rooms, a professional home energy audit can uncover exactly where your home is losing energy—and how to fix it.

A comprehensive energy assessment identifies inefficiencies in insulation, air sealing, HVAC performance, appliance usage, and more. Many homeowners are able to reduce their energy costs by 25–50% after making recommended improvements.

Use our tool to connect with local home energy audit professionals or explore our free resources to perform a DIY home energy inspection.

Why Get a Home Energy Audit?

Most homeowners don’t realize how much energy (and money) is lost every month due to hidden issues like poor insulation, air leaks, duct leakage, or inefficient heating and cooling systems. A home energy audit provides data-driven insights into how your home uses—and wastes—energy.

During an audit, a trained energy professional examines air flow, insulation levels, HVAC efficiency, indoor air quality, appliance performance, and more. The result is a personalized action plan that shows you the most cost-effective upgrades to improve comfort and reduce energy waste.

Beyond savings, an energy audit can also improve indoor comfort, reduce drafts, help maintain healthier air quality, and lower your home’s environmental footprint.

What Is a Home Energy Assessment?

A home energy assessment (also called an energy audit) evaluates how efficiently your home uses energy. The auditor examines your home’s structure, systems, and equipment to identify problem areas that lead to energy loss.

An audit may include:

• Blower door testing to pinpoint air leaks
• Thermal imaging to detect insulation gaps
• Duct leakage testing
• HVAC system efficiency checks
• Attic, wall, and crawlspace insulation inspections
• Appliance and water heater performance reviews
• Air quality and ventilation evaluation

A complete energy audit gives you a clear picture of how your home performs and what improvements will give you the biggest return on investment.

Signs Your Home May Need an Energy Audit

• High or unpredictable utility bills
• Drafty rooms or noticeable air leaks
• Uneven heating or cooling between rooms
• High oil, gas, or electric consumption
• Humidity issues or poor indoor air quality
• HVAC system running constantly or inefficiently

If you notice any of these issues, an energy assessment can identify the root causes and recommend practical solutions.

How Long Does a Home Energy Audit Take?

A professional energy audit typically takes 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on home size and the level of testing performed. During the visit, the inspector will evaluate:

• Your home’s exterior, windows, and structural features
• Attic insulation quality and air sealing
• HVAC system age, efficiency, and duct condition
• Water heater and major appliance performance
• Common air leakage points, including electrical and plumbing penetrations

At the end of the audit, you receive a detailed report outlining the biggest opportunities for improving efficiency, comfort, and long-term savings.

What Is a Blower Door Test?

A blower door test is a diagnostic tool used to identify unwanted air leaks throughout your home. By depressurizing the home, the test makes it easy to locate gaps around doors, windows, attics, basements, and wall penetrations.

Fixing these air leaks can dramatically reduce energy loss and help your HVAC system operate more efficiently, improving both comfort and lowering heating and cooling costs.

How Much Does a Home Energy Audit Cost?

The cost of a home energy audit varies based on home size, location, and the level of testing performed. Most homeowners pay between $250 and $500 for a comprehensive audit. More advanced tests, such as infrared scanning or blower door testing, may increase the price.

Many utility companies and state energy programs offer rebates or discounted audits, often ranging from $50 to $150. In some cases, low-income households may qualify for free assessments.

Common Questions About Home Energy Audits

Are Home Energy Audits Worth It?

Absolutely. A home energy audit provides clear, actionable insights that can save you money every month. By identifying the most cost-effective improvements, an audit often pays for itself within the first year through reduced utility bills.

Which Type of Energy Audit Is Best?

Common audit types include:

• Standard visual energy audit
• Audit with blower door testing
• Audit with blower door + infrared thermal imaging

More advanced audits provide deeper insights into insulation gaps and air leakage, especially for older homes.