DIY Home Energy Audit: A Complete Beginner's Guide
You don't need a contractor to understand your home's energy performance. Here's how to do a DIY energy audit step by step.
What Is a Home Energy Audit?
A home energy audit is a systematic assessment of how your home uses (and wastes) energy. Professional audits can cost $300–$500, but you can do a meaningful assessment yourself with the right tools.
What You'll Need
- A thermal camera or HomeBoost DIY Kit
- A notepad or phone for notes
- About 15–30 minutes
Step 1: Check for Air Leaks
Walk through your home and check around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and attic hatches. Use the hand test or a thermal camera to spot temperature differences.
Step 2: Inspect Insulation
Check your attic insulation depth. The Department of Energy recommends R-38 to R-60 for most attics — that's about 10–14 inches of fiberglass or cellulose.
Step 3: Evaluate Your HVAC System
Check your air filter (replace if dirty), listen for unusual sounds, and note the age of your system. Systems over 15 years old are likely inefficient.
Step 4: Review Your Lighting
Count how many incandescent or halogen bulbs you still have. Each one is an easy upgrade to LED.
Step 5: Check Your Water Heater
Water heating accounts for about 18% of home energy use. Check the temperature setting — 120°F is ideal. If the tank feels warm to the touch, it may need an insulation blanket.
Step 6: Analyze Your Bills
Look at 12 months of utility bills. Are there seasonal spikes? Unusual increases? This data helps prioritize fixes.
What to Do With Your Findings
Prioritize fixes by impact and cost. Air sealing and insulation improvements typically offer the best return on investment. Check your utility's rebate programs — many cover 50–100% of improvement costs.
For a guided assessment with thermal imaging and a personalized action plan, try the HomeBoost DIY Kit.