Home Energy Savings Audit Guide

Common Air Leak Locations

• Doors: Gaps under doors, around door frames
• Windows: Gaps around window frames, between panes
• Electrical outlets: Gaps around outlet boxes on exterior walls
• Plumbing: Gaps where pipes enter walls
• Vents & ducts: Gaps around exhaust fans, dryer vents, HVAC ducts
• Attic access: Gaps around attic hatches or pull-down stairs
• Foundation: Cracks in foundation, gaps around basement windows
• Recessed lights: Unsealed can lights in ceilings

How to Find Air Leaks

• On a windy day, feel for drafts around windows and doors
• Use a lit incense stick - smoke will move toward leaks
• Check for light visible around door and window frames
• Look for gaps you can see daylight through
• Professional blower door test provides comprehensive assessment

Sealing Solutions

• Weatherstripping: Self-adhesive foam or rubber strips for doors and windows
• Door sweeps: Install on bottom of exterior doors
• Caulk: Seal gaps around windows, doors, and trim
• Spray foam: Fill larger gaps in foundation, around pipes
• Outlet gaskets: Foam gaskets behind outlet covers on exterior walls
• Draft stoppers: Fabric tubes for bottom of doors (temporary solution)

Recommended R-Values by Location

Attic Insulation (Highest Priority)

• Heat rises - attic is where most heat loss occurs in winter
• Check depth: Should be 12-20 inches depending on material
• Look for gaps, compression, or areas with no insulation
• Ensure insulation doesn't block soffit vents (maintains airflow)
• Add more insulation if below recommended R-value
• Types: Fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose, spray foam

Wall Insulation

• Older homes may have no wall insulation
• Check by removing outlet cover (carefully) and looking inside wall
• Blown-in insulation can be added to existing walls
• Exterior wall insulation more important than interior walls

Basement & Crawlspace

• Insulate basement walls if basement is unheated
• Crawlspace: Insulate walls or floor above
• Seal foundation cracks before insulating
• Ensure proper moisture control

Signs of Insufficient Insulation

• High heating/cooling bills compared to similar homes
• Uneven temperatures between rooms
• Cold floors in winter
• Ice dams on roof (indicates heat loss through attic)
• Drafty rooms despite sealed windows and doors

Energy-Efficient Windows

• Double-pane: Two layers of glass with air/gas between
• Triple-pane: Three layers for maximum efficiency (colder climates)
• Low-E coating: Reflects heat, reduces UV damage
• Gas fill: Argon or krypton between panes (better than air)
• ENERGY STAR rated: Meets efficiency standards
• U-Factor: Lower is better (measures heat loss)
• Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): Lower blocks summer heat

Window Replacement vs. Improvements

• Full replacement: Best efficiency, highest cost ($300-800 per window)
• Storm windows: Add second layer, good budget option
• Window film: Low-cost temporary improvement
• Window inserts: Interior secondary glazing
• Caulk and weatherstrip: Essential regardless of window type

Door Efficiency

• Solid doors more efficient than hollow-core
• Weatherstripping around door frame
• Door sweep on bottom (seals gap when closed)
• Threshold seal for exterior doors
• Storm doors add extra insulation layer
• Check for gaps you can see light through

Window Placement & Usage

• South-facing windows: Let in winter sun, block summer sun with shades
• Close blinds/curtains at night in winter (insulation)
• Open blinds during day in winter for solar heat gain
• Close blinds during day in summer to block heat
• Use window treatments as additional insulation layer

Thermostat Settings

• Winter: 68°F when home, 60-65°F when away or sleeping
• Summer: 78°F when home, 82-85°F when away
• Each degree saves 1-3% on energy bill
• Programmable or smart thermostat: Set schedules automatically
• Use ceiling fans to feel 3-4°F cooler (allows higher AC setting)
• Avoid constant adjustments - let system maintain steady temperature

Thermostat Location

• Interior wall: Away from exterior walls and drafts
• Away from heat sources: Not near lamps, TVs, or direct sunlight
• Away from vents: Not directly in path of heating/cooling air
• Eye level: 52-60 inches from floor for easy access
• Central location: In frequently used room, represents home's average temperature
• Don't place: Behind doors, in corners, near windows, or in unused rooms

HVAC Maintenance

• Air filters: Change every 1-3 months (dirty filters reduce efficiency 15-20%)
• Annual service: Professional tune-up for furnace and AC
• Ductwork: Seal leaks, insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces
• Vents: Keep supply and return vents unobstructed
• Outdoor unit: Keep condenser clear of debris, maintain 2-foot clearance
• Refrigerant: Check levels (low refrigerant reduces efficiency)

System Efficiency Ratings

• SEER (AC): Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio - higher is better (minimum 14, best 20+)
• AFUE (Furnace): Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency - higher is better (minimum 80%, best 95%+)
• HSPF (Heat Pump): Heating Seasonal Performance Factor - higher is better (minimum 8, best 10+)
• Older systems (10+ years) may be significantly less efficient
• Upgrading from 10 SEER to 16 SEER can cut cooling costs by 30-40%

Ductwork Efficiency

• Seal all visible duct joints with mastic or metal tape (not duct tape)
• Insulate ducts in attics, crawlspaces, and garages
• Check for disconnected or damaged ducts
• Ensure proper airflow - blocked vents reduce efficiency
• Consider duct cleaning if heavily contaminated

Phantom Load (Standby Power)

• Electronics draw power even when "off" - can cost $100-200/year
• Unplug devices not in use: chargers, TVs, computers, gaming consoles
• Use power strips with switches - turn off entire strip when not needed
• Smart power strips automatically cut power to devices in standby
• Look for devices with LED lights when "off" - they're using power

Large Appliances

• Dishwasher: Run full loads only, use energy-saving mode, air dry
• Washing machine: Use cold water when possible (90% of energy is heating water)
• Dryer: Clean lint filter every load, use moisture sensor, dry full loads together
• Refrigerator: Keep coils clean, maintain proper temperature (37-40°F), don't overfill
• Oven: Use microwave or toaster oven for small items, avoid preheating when not needed
• Water heater: Set to 120°F (not higher), insulate tank and pipes, use timer if possible

Using Appliances Efficiently

• Run large appliances during off-peak hours (if you have time-of-use rates)
• Wait for full loads before running dishwasher or washing machine
• Use cold water for laundry - modern detergents work well in cold
• Clean dryer lint filter - clogged filter increases drying time
• Don't open oven door while cooking - loses 25°F each time
• Match pot size to burner size on stove

ENERGY STAR Appliances

• ENERGY STAR appliances use 10-50% less energy than standard models
• Look for ENERGY STAR label when replacing appliances
• Consider energy savings when calculating appliance cost
• Refrigerators and water heaters are biggest energy users
• Newer models significantly more efficient than 10+ year old appliances

Lighting Efficiency

• LED bulbs: Use 75% less energy than incandescent, last 25x longer
• CFL bulbs: Good alternative, use 75% less energy than incandescent
• Incandescent: Inefficient, being phased out - replace immediately
• Turn off lights when leaving room (even LEDs use energy)
• Use natural light during daytime - open blinds and curtains
• Install dimmer switches to reduce brightness when full light not needed
• Use task lighting instead of lighting entire room

Ceiling Fans

• Turn off when leaving room: Fans cool people, not rooms
• Fans use electricity - only run when someone is in the room
• Summer: Fan should blow down (counterclockwise)
• Winter: Fan should blow up (clockwise) to push warm air down
• Use fans to allow higher AC thermostat setting (feel 3-4°F cooler)
• ENERGY STAR ceiling fans are more efficient

Outdoor Lighting

• Use LED bulbs for outdoor fixtures
• Install motion sensors - lights only on when needed
• Use timers for decorative lighting
• Solar-powered lights for pathways and gardens
• Turn off decorative lighting when not needed

Why Consider Solar?

• Generate your own electricity - reduce or eliminate electric bills
• Protect against rising energy costs
• Federal tax credits and local incentives available
• Increase home value
• Reduce carbon footprint
• Net metering: Sell excess power back to grid

Before Going Solar

• Complete energy efficiency improvements first (reduces system size needed)
• Ensure roof is in good condition (solar panels last 25+ years)
• Check roof orientation and shading (south-facing is best)
• Review local regulations and HOA rules
• Get multiple quotes from reputable installers
• Calculate payback period and ROI

Solar Calculator

Use our solar calculator to estimate how many panels you need, potential savings, and payback period:

Solar Considerations

• System size based on your energy usage (complete efficiency audit first)
• Roof space required: ~17 sq ft per panel
• Financing options: Purchase, lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA)
• Maintenance: Minimal - panels are self-cleaning, occasional inspection
• Battery storage: Optional, stores excess power for use at night