How to Perform a DIY Energy Audit for Your Home

Performing a DIY energy audit is a simple and effective way to identify areas of heat loss in your home, which can help you prioritize insulation improvements and save on energy costs. By following a few basic steps, you can pinpoint drafts, inadequate insulation, and other energy-wasting problems—no professional energy auditor required! Here’s how you can conduct an energy audit for your home.

Step 1: Prepare for Your Audit

Before you begin, gather some supplies:

A flashlight or headlamp to check dark areas like basements and attics.
A thermometer or temperature gun to measure surface temperatures.
A smartphone or notebook for taking notes.
Weatherstripping materials, caulk, or foam sealant (for quick fixes).

Important: Timing

Perform your energy audit on a cold, windy day, ideally when the outside temperature is lower than the inside temperature. This will help you find cold spots more easily. Also, try to do it during the day so you can see more areas of your home clearly.

Step 2: Inspect the Exterior

Windows and Doors

Check for Drafts: Hold your hand around windows and doors to feel for drafts. If it feels chilly, that's an indication of heat escaping. Use a lit incense stick or candle flame to detect moving air or drafts.
Inspect Seals: Look for gaps or cracks in the weatherstripping, window caulking, or door seals. These openings are prime spots for heat loss.
Action Plan: If you find drafts, seal them with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent air from escaping.

Step 3: Assess the Attic

The attic is one of the most common sources of heat loss. Here’s what to look for:

Insulation Level: Measure the depth of your existing insulation with a ruler. In colder climates, an ideal insulation level should be around R-38 (around 12 inches thick).
Roofing Materials: Inspect for gaps, holes, or damaged spots in the roofing materials. If your attic space is open or ventilated poorly, you’ll likely find heat escaping here.
Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the attic, as excess heat or moisture build-up can lead to energy loss or damage.
Action Plan: Add more insulation if it's below the recommended thickness, or repair any gaps or leaks in roofing materials.

Step 4: Evaluate Walls

Walls can also be a significant source of heat loss, especially in older homes. Here’s what you should do:

Inspect for Gaps: Feel along the walls for drafts. You may also notice cold spots or areas where the wall feels noticeably cooler than the rest of the room.
Check Insulation: Look for signs of insulation in the wall cavities. Some homes might already have insulation; others may need it added.
Action Plan: If there’s no insulation, consider adding batt or spray foam insulation. If the insulation is damaged or poorly installed, it might be worth replacing it.

Step 5: Evaluate Basements and Crawl Spaces

Basements and crawl spaces are notorious for losing heat in homes, especially if they aren’t well-insulated or properly sealed. Here's what to check:

Insulation: Measure the insulation level on floors, walls, and ceilings of basements and crawl spaces. The recommended R-value varies by climate zone but generally should be around R-19.
Ventilation: Check for adequate airflow to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.
Moisture Control: Look for signs of moisture or water intrusion, which can cause mold and insulation damage over time.
Action Plan: Add or replace insulation materials and seal any moisture leaks with caulking or sealant.

Step 6: Check Doors and Windows Again

Once you've looked at the major components like the attic, walls, and basement, it's time to circle back to doors and windows. This is particularly important because drafts often sneak through unnoticed:

Weatherstripping and Sealing: Check that weatherstripping and caulking around doors and windows are still in good condition. Replace them as needed to prevent drafts.
Upgrade Windows: If windows are single-pane or poorly sealed, consider upgrading to more energy-efficient double or triple-pane windows.
Action Plan: Seal gaps with weatherstripping, install energy-efficient windows, or apply window film for additional insulation.

Step 7: Evaluate HVAC Systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) also consume a lot of energy in most homes. Here's what you can do:

Inspect the Ductwork: Check for leaks, damaged joints, or areas where ducts might be poorly insulated. Sealing leaks can reduce heat loss by 20% or more!
Inspect Filters: Clogged or dirty filters force the system to work harder, using more energy. Replace filters every 1-3 months for optimal efficiency.
Action Plan: Repair ducts, seal leaks, and replace filters to help your HVAC system operate more efficiently.

Step 8: Measure Energy Bills and Look for Patterns

After you've completed your DIY energy audit, it’s important to analyze your energy bills to spot potential areas for improvement:

Review Energy Consumption: Compare energy bills from different seasons to find out if certain months have higher bills than others.
Track Changes: Note any significant spikes in energy use—this could point to areas with poor insulation or ventilation issues.
Action Plan: Make improvements based on your findings, such as weatherproofing, adding insulation, or upgrading HVAC systems.

Step 9: Create a Prioritized Action Plan

After you’ve evaluated all areas of your home, it’s time to focus on the areas that will provide the most energy savings. For many homeowners, the biggest energy losses come from:

Adding attic insulation
Sealing windows and doors
Upgrading HVAC systems

Creating a prioritized action plan will help you tackle these areas first for maximum impact. This way, you'll see a noticeable improvement in energy efficiency and savings on your utility bills.

Final Thoughts

Conducting a DIY energy audit is a simple and effective way to identify heat loss and prioritize insulation improvements. By following these steps, you'll be able to pinpoint areas that need attention, which will ultimately lead to a warmer, more comfortable home at a fraction of the cost. Plus, by reducing energy consumption, you’re also doing your part to help the environment!

For more tips and resources on improving your home's energy efficiency, check out our DIY Weatherproofing Guide.

Weatherproof Wizard