6 Reasons to get a Home Energy Assessment Now

By now, you’ve probably heard all about getting a “home energy assessment” or maybe more dauntingly, a “home energy audit.” In fact, it might be on your To-Do list right now. Because, let’s face it: you are reading this so you are pretty savvy and you know it might save some money.

Here are six reasons to get a home energy audit right now.

1. It will save you money.

Well duh. But seriously, it does and more so than you might think! You’ll continue to save money for as long as you own the home. According to the Department of Energy, the typical home wastes 25% to 40% of the energy put out by the central heating and cooling system. With an energy audit, you’ll find out how your home is wasting heated air in the winter, and cooled air in the summer. If you can fix some of those problems, your gas, heating and electric bills will be reduced. You may also qualify for energy rebates from your utility company.

2. It will increase your home’s value.

Buyers are very savvy these days and are looking for homes that have the lowest operating costs. This includes homes that have been upgraded with the latest and most efficient energy saving appliances including; heating systems, windows, and water heaters. For every dollar you can save in energy costs each year, the market value of your home increases by $20, according to a study in the Appraisal Journal. For example, if you decrease your energy costs by $250 per year, your home’s value increases by $5,000.

3. Identify potential health and safety issues.

A detailed energy assessment will include information about your home’s indoor air quality, which can be a contributing factor to health issues you may not even be aware of. If you have leaky ducts that are not functioning properly, you and your family may be exposed to dust, mold and mildew that can affect your respiratory health. You’ll also learn if gas leaks or carbon monoxide are issues because of leaky pipes or malfunctioning appliances.

4. It will protect the environment.

Did you know that 16% of greenhouse gases generated in the US comes from residential homes? If your home is more energy efficient you can do your part to reduce your carbon footprint.

5. It will prevent future damage to your home.

Fix smaller problems now, like faulty ventilation, and you can avoid damage to your home and big-ticket repairs. For example, if your air conditioner or bathroom vents are not properly ventilated and leak into the attic, it can cause mold, and even cause an environment where the structural elements of your home can deteriorate, including roof shingles. Frozen pipes also have the potential to break and flood your home, causing thousands of dollars of damage. 

6. You will have a detailed Action Plan.

A complete energy assessment will always include a detailed action plan that can serve as your blue print for you to start saving energy and money. Your customized report will provide information about your home’s air leakage, ventilation, R-value, as well as actionable steps for improvement and information about cost-effectiveness and return on investment.