Finally, the good kind of audit – home energy efficiency!

I talk a lot about energy efficiency and making home renovations that can help cut costs on your monthly utility bills. But say you’re still having trouble understanding. All this talk about ventilation ducts and star ratings and climate controls has your head in a tailspin, and you’re looking for someone to help level you out.

Fear not! You can have your home audited for energy efficiency!

Most of the time, when people hear the word “audit,” they think about the taxman coming to rifle through their boxes of receipts.  Not this time.

With a home energy audit, a professional helps you understand the nuisances of your home. Whether you’re looking to replace your windows or water heater, the first step to savings is often times the toughest.

A home energy audit can identify where energy is being wasted, and help you prioritize your renovations. Efficiency upgrades have the potential to save you 30% on your monthly utility bills.

So, what exactly takes place during an energy audit, you ask?

Well, first a licensed auditor sits down with you and reviews your energy bills. That way, the two of you can target high-expense areas to investigate. Next, the auditor conducts a visual inspection, and may even use special equipment like an infrared camera to detect sources of energy waste. Then, based on his or her assessment, you’ll be provided with a final report that shows exactly which efficiency upgrades are best for you, and how much money you could be saving.

When choosing an auditor, it’s crucial that you go with a person or company with experience and a background in energy. As a general rule of thumb - only hire people you trust. Let’s go with ten years of experience in the industry. That’s a nice round number. Your auditor should also be a Professional Engineer (PE) and/or a Certified Energy Manager (CEM). It certainly doesn't hurt to get an estimate or two before you sign a contract with an auditor either. That way, you know you’re getting a fair price (But remember, it can be expensive up front. Plumbers charge $100/hr after all!).

Most of all – know what you’re paying for! Ask for details. Set deadlines. Keep an open communication with your auditor. Learn from him or her. Remember that the most important step in any journey is the first one! So take that step. Open up your local directory, or search “energy audits” online.

It’s OK that you’re not an energy expert. Some people are.