Energy Audit

Definition: A comprehensive assessment of a home's energy use and efficiency, typically performed by a professional energy auditor.

Relevance to home energy efficiency: Energy audits identify areas where a home is losing energy and provide recommendations for improvements, helping homeowners prioritize energy-saving upgrades.

Benefits:

  • Identifies specific areas for energy efficiency improvements
  • Can lead to significant energy savings when recommendations are implemented
  • May uncover safety issues related to gas appliances or ventilation

Drawbacks:

  • Professional audits can be costly
  • Implementing all recommendations may require significant investment
  • Some homeowners may find the process intrusive

Statistics: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save 5% to 30% on their energy bills by implementing recommendations from a home energy audit.