Do you find yourself spending too much money on utilities? Energy-related costs are a major part of owning a home or rental property. As such, you’ve probably wondered if there are any ways to save on these costs. Completing a home energy audit is a great place to start. Today, we’re reviewing what a home energy audit is, why it’s important, how to address issues found in an audit, and more.
Contents of This Article:
- What Is a Home Energy Audit?
- How Much Does a Home Energy Audit Cost?
- Why Should You Get a Home Energy Audit?
- How to Address Issues Found During an Audit
- Save Time and Money With BMG
What Is a Home Energy Audit?
Utilities are a crucial part of any home or rental property. If you’re a homeowner, tenant, or rental property manager in Baltimore, you know how important utility payments are. Depending on the structure of your lease agreement, paying for utilities is either the landlord’s or the tenant’s responsibility. That said, both of these parties know how quickly utility bills can add up. Sometimes, this is due to inefficiencies, which is where a home energy audit can help.
A home energy audit is a professional assessment of your home’s energy use and efficiency. During an energy audit, an assessor will inspect various elements of your home to evaluate how much energy your home consumes. Typically, this starts with a room-by-room examination of the home and a review of past utility bills.
Here are a few tests an auditor might complete while performing a walk-through.
- Inspect the building from the outside, including windows, walls, and eaves, for leaks or potential issues
- Check the attic to inspect insulation and any holes for electrical lines to see if they’re sealed properly
- Examine the furnace and water heater to see if they need to be upgraded
- Perform a blower door test to see if there are any leaks and identify areas that need sealing
- Search for signs of carbon monoxide or mold
- Inspect the lighting in the home to see where new bulbs are needed
After a thorough inspection of each room, the auditor will compile a report showing where your home is losing the most energy. Then, they can devise solutions to help you save energy and reduce your bills.
How Much Does a Home Energy Audit Cost?
The cost of a home energy audit can range anywhere from $200 to $700 or more. Ultimately, it depends on the size of your home and how long it will take. So, if your home is larger, the cost can be higher. Some of the factors that influence the price include:
- Location of the home or rental property
- Size and the type of property
- Whether it’s a basic or more comprehensive audit
- Auditor credentials
If you’re looking for a home energy audit, get quotes from several audit providers to get the best price for the audit you need.
Why Should You Get a Home Energy Audit?
There are plenty of reasons to get a home energy audit. For one, if you feel like you’re spending too much money on energy bills, you might be! Additionally, it can help identify ways to make your home more comfortable and may even increase the value of your property.
- Lower Your Energy Bills
- Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
- Create a Healthier Environment
- Increase Your Property Value
- Make Your Home More Comfortable
Lower Your Energy Bills
I’m sure all homeowners have been shocked by an energy bill at some point in their lives. A higher energy bill could be due to inefficient lighting or insufficient insulation, and getting a home energy audit can help pinpoint these issues. That way, you can implement solutions to help make your home more energy-efficient, reducing monthly expenses.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Reducing energy consumption not only helps you save money but also reduces your carbon footprint. After all, most utilities get their electricity from fossil fuels. So, becoming more energy efficient reduces your usage of fossil fuels, leading to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Create a Healthier Environment
A home energy audit can help identify health and safety issues. For instance, it can help identify poor ventilation, carbon monoxide leaks, or moisture issues that may lead to mold. Addressing these issues can improve the air quality in your home and create a healthier living environment.
Increase Your Property Value
Energy-efficient homes are generally more attractive to buyers and renters. As such, investing in energy improvements can increase your home’s resale value and make it more desirable in the real estate market.
Make Your Home More Comfortable
A more energy-efficient home is a more comfortable home, and who doesn’t want that? Sealing air leaks and fixing insulation issues can improve comfort by reducing drafts and temperature fluctuations.
How to Address Issues Found During an Audit
Once you know where you’re losing energy, it’s easier to implement energy-saving solutions. Some of the simplest ways to optimize energy efficiency include the following.
- If your home has drafty areas, look for nearby leaks. If you find one, try sealing it with weatherstripping or caulk.
- Install programmable thermostats.
- Look at the insulation in your attic and see if there are any issues or leaky areas.
- Use low-flow water fixtures to help save water.
- Switch out lighting for more energy-efficient options, like LEDs, to reduce your electric bill.
- Check the temperature of your water heater and adjust the maximum water temperature.
- Consider swapping your current appliances with energy-efficient ones that consume less energy.
Save Time and Money With BMG
Getting a home energy audit is beneficial for both homeowners and rental property owners. After all, who doesn’t want to save money? A home energy audit can help identify areas where your home is losing the most energy, giving you the chance to make improvements. That way, you and your renters can save money.
Need More Advice? contact us today!
If you’re looking for more ways to save time and money as a rental property owner, look no further than Bay Property Management Group. Our team of qualified professionals can help you with every step of the rental process so you can focus on other aspects of your business. Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive rental management services throughout Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, and Washington, DC.
