How to make a DIY home energy audit

Ever feel like your money is vanishing into thin air? Not literally, of course. But that nagging feeling that your energy bills are a little too high? Chances are, there's a lot you can do about it, and it starts with understanding where your energy is going. You don't need a professional to get a good idea—you can become your own home energy detective! This isn't about complex calculations or fancy equipment; it's about simple observations and a bit of common sense. Think of it as a treasure hunt for savings – you might be surprised at what you uncover.

Getting Ready: What You'll Need

Before you start your investigation, gather a few basic tools. Don't worry, you probably already have most of them.

• A notepad and pen (or your phone's notes app): For jotting down observations—the more detail, the better.
• A flashlight: Essential for peeking into dark corners and under appliances.
• Incense sticks or a smoke pencil: Seriously! These are surprisingly effective for finding air leaks. (More on that later.) Don't worry, we're not lighting your house on fire.
• Tape measure: To check window and door dimensions, and to potentially measure insulation thickness.
• Ladder (optional): To inspect attic and crawlspace insulation – safety first! If you're not comfortable accessing these areas, skip it.
• Your recent energy bills: To establish a baseline and track your progress.
• A curious mind and a willingness to observe: The most important tool of all.

1. The Big Picture: Analyzing Your Bills

Let's start with the evidence. Review your energy bills for the past year. Are there noticeable spikes during specific seasons? Do you consistently use more energy than your neighbors (check with them if you feel comfortable doing so)? Look for trends. Knowing your usage patterns will help you identify areas for improvement. Were there any changes to your habits, or to the house itself? Perhaps a new appliance or a landscaping change impacting sunlight exposure? These can all influence energy consumption.

2. Window and Door Detective Work

Windows and doors are notorious for being energy wasters. They're often the weakest links in a home's envelope.

• Visual Inspection: Walk around the exterior of your house. Look for gaps, cracks, or signs of deterioration around window and door frames. Are caulks missing or brittle? Is weather stripping cracked or missing? A little bit of neglect can add up to a lot of wasted energy.
• The Incense Test (or the Smoke Pencil): On a windy day, hold the incense stick or smoke pencil near window and door frames. Watch carefully as the smoke drifts. If the smoke is drawn in or blown out, you're seeing an air leak. Mark those areas for attention. Think of yourself as Sherlock Holmes, but instead of solving crimes, you're solving energy waste.
• Feel for Drafts: On a cold day, walk around your house and feel for drafts near windows and doors. A noticeable chill is a clear sign of an air leak.
• Check those Storm Windows: If you're lucky enough to have storm windows, make sure they're properly sealed. A loose or damaged storm window can negate the benefits of having one.

3. Insulation Investigation: Attics, Walls, and Crawlspaces

Insulation is your home's cozy blanket, keeping heat in during winter and out during summer. Poor insulation is like leaving a window open, even when you're not home.

• Attic Inspection: Carefully (and safely!) enter your attic. Check the insulation level. A good rule of thumb is to have at least 12 inches of insulation. Is it evenly distributed? Is it compressed or damaged? Compressed insulation loses its effectiveness. If you're uncomfortable accessing the attic, skip this step and consider hiring a professional.
• Wall Inspection: This is trickier. You can often get a sense of wall insulation by looking for gaps around electrical outlets or recessed lighting fixtures. A professional can perform a blower door test to assess wall insulation levels more accurately.
• Crawlspace Inspection: Similar to the attic, crawlspaces can lose a lot of heat if they're not properly insulated. Look for signs of moisture, which can damage insulation. Again, safety first! Wear appropriate protection and be mindful of potential hazards.

4. Appliance Awareness: Refrigerators, Freezers, and More

Appliances are major energy consumers. Outdated or inefficient models can significantly impact your energy bills.

• Refrigerator and Freezer Check: Make sure the door seals are tight. A simple test is to place a dollar bill in the door and close it. If you can pull the bill out easily, the seal isn't tight. A faulty seal can allow cold air to escape, forcing the appliance to work harder. Clean the condenser coils (the coils on the back of the fridge) regularly to improve efficiency.
• Water Heater Assessment: Lower the water heater temperature to 120°F. Insulate the water heater tank and pipes, especially in unheated areas.
• Lighting Evaluation: Replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs. LEDs use significantly less energy and last much longer. It's a simple change with a big impact.
• HVAC System: Check your furnace and air conditioner filters regularly and replace them as needed. A clogged filter restricts airflow, making your system work harder. Also consider when was the last time you had your system professionally serviced?

5. Addressing Air Leaks: Sealing the Deal

• Caulking: Use caulk to seal gaps around windows, door frames, and other areas where air can leak.
• Weatherstripping: Replace or install weatherstripping around doors and windows.
• Expanding Foam: Use expanding foam to seal larger gaps around pipes and wires. Be careful not to over-apply, as expanding foam can be difficult to remove.
• Outlet and Switch Plate Gaskets: These are inexpensive and easy to install behind electrical outlets and switch plates to prevent drafts.

6. The Data Dive: Tracking Your Progress

Don't just make changes and forget about them. Continue to monitor your energy bills to see the impact of your efforts. Keep a log of the changes you made and the corresponding energy savings. It's satisfying to see your hard work pay off.

Conclusion: Your Home, Your Savings

Becoming your own home energy auditor is a surprisingly accessible and empowering process. You don't need to be an expert to make a significant difference. By taking the time to observe, analyze, and address potential energy waste, you can reduce your energy bills, improve your home's comfort, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Remember, even small changes can add up over time. What are some of your own energy-saving tips? Share them in the comments—let's learn from each other!

This is about taking control – of your comfort and your wallet.