Home Energy Audits – Are They Worth It?

During quarantine, you may have considered doing a DIY energy audit on your home, but let our team do it instead! We are back up and running and 2021 can be the year you finally get your energy issues solved. We are located in Silver Spring, MD, and are serving Pepco and BGE customers in the DMV area.

The best way to pinpoint trouble areas of your home and get a detailed look at your family’s energy usage is to get a professional energy audit done by a team of certified professionals. 

Recording Heat Loss at the House
Infrared detector can pinpoint air leakage

A home energy audit doesn’t have to break the bank either. Through your utility company, Pepco or BGE, our team can conduct a comprehensive energy audit for only $100 if you’re a Maryland resident or $300 if you reside in Washington D.C. or Virginia. 

“Audits are important for homeowners because they provide solutions based on proven building science,” said Ely Jacobsohn, who manages the Home Performance With Energy Star program at the U.S. Department of Energy. “They find the root cause of problems, rather than just treating symptoms.”

Along with the audit, you’ll get a personalized report detailing where your home needs improvement, along with opportunities for rebates. If you decide to go through with getting our recommendations completed, after the job our team will perform a final “test out” to determine if the work was effective. Then, your utility company will send you a check for your rebates! 

energy expert assess your home performance
Preparing for a safety combustion test

What we test for during your audit

When our team arrives at your home, we immediately set up the blower door test. This test helps us determine how much air is being pulled throughout your duct system in your home and if there are any concerns with leaky doors, windows, walls and attic spaces, etc. We also test for combustion safety, gas leaks, and ambient carbon monoxide. A combustion safety test is a test that ensures that your HVAC system and any gas-fired appliances are firing and exhausting gas fumes properly.

In the meantime, we will also be on the lookout for any electricity saving opportunities. Through the programs offered by Pepco and BGE, you’re able to receive up to 14 LED bulbs if they’re replacing incandescents. We will also offer an energy saving power strip and pipe insulation for your water heater.

energy efficient light bulb
The A19 LED is the most common type of light bulb used in a home.

What we look for during your audit

During the data collection part of your home energy audit, the lead auditor will inspect your attic insulation, rim band joist, crawl spaces, duct system, etc, and will begin assessing recommendations for improvement. The audit support will gather information on your HVAC system and water heater, appliances, lights, exterior doors and windows, typical energy usage in the home and ends with a safety combustion test on your gas-fired appliances/systems. The entire process is typically completed within 2 hours of arrival, depending on the size of your home. By the time the audit is complete, you’ll have a better idea of the work that needs to be done in order to improve comfort as well as reducing your energy bills.

When is the best time to get an energy audit?

You can get an energy audit done during any time of the year, but one of the best times to get one is during the colder months. During the winter, our team is able to utilize an infrared camera to further pinpoint where your heat is escaping and where cold air is coming in.

We look forward to helping you with your energy goals this year. Our team wishes you a happy 2021!

We hope you consider Energy Efficiency Experts for your home energy audit! You can schedule online here or call us at (202) 557-9200.

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