Benefits of an energy audit

What is an energy audit? 

During an energy audit, a trained energy expert collects data on how your home uses energy and uses it to make recommendations for how you can reduce your energy use. 

Many utilities offer energy audits to their customers at a reduced cost to teach customers about their homes and introduce them to ways to save energy. What's included in an energy audit will vary depending on the utility and home, but the following items are common: 

• Inspect your home’s interior and exterior
• Analyze insulation levels throughout the home
• Determine the age and efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment
• Determine the age and efficiency of your water heater
• Conduct combustion safety tests on your mechanical equipment
• Conduct a blower door test to see how much air your home loses through leaks
• Use an infrared camera to scan and document insulation levels (if possible or if included in the service)

Sometimes auditors will review your utility bills to aid their analysis of your energy usage. Some energy audit programs also install basic energy-saving measures during the audit, like LED light bulbs and water-saving aerators. 

The appointment length can vary, but it usually takes around 2–3 hours. 

Why should I get one? 

Having an audit is always a great idea, especially if you have questions about your home, including any of the following:

• Why are my energy bills high? How can I lower them?
• How can I reduce my energy usage?
• What's causing my ice dams?
• Why do those mailed reports say I use more energy than my neighbors?
• Why is my _____ room really cold/drafty/uncomfortable?
• What should I know before I start ________ (energy project)?
• Where should I start on my energy-saving projects?
• How can I lower my home’s carbon footprint?

Many of these questions could be answered online, but the answers you find in a general search or on a forum won't be tailored to your unique circumstances. When you get an energy audit, the auditors will give you specific information on your home and answer any questions you may have. Their detailed information will help you understand your home and make informed decisions about your home's energy efficiency.

Energy auditors are often part of a neutral third party organization, so they aren't financially incentivized to make certain recommendations or convince you to undertake certain projects. 

How much does an energy audit cost? 

Costs vary by utility. Check with your gas or electric utility provider to see what options are available to you. Typically, energy audits in Minnesota cost less than $100, and some programs or cities may even offer free or reduced audits. 

What's the outcome of the audit? 

Most auditors will provide you with a summary report that explains what they found as well as prioritized next steps. There will often be information about rebates or other financial incentives in this document as well. 

I had an audit and need help with next steps, who should I call? 

If you have a question about your recent energy audit, contact the energy auditor who came to your home. If CEE performed your energy audit, you may contact our energy advisors. They will review your audit report with you and answer questions about energy projects or contractor estimates. They’ll do their best to connect you to rebates and flexible financing options as well.

What do infrared images tell me about my home? 

Energy auditors often use an infrared camera as a diagnostic tool. The photos that the camera produces use color to show surface temperature differences, which help the auditor pinpoint drafts or leaky areas of your home. Generally, there needs to be at least a 20 degree temperature difference between your house and the outside air temperature to take an effective photo, because the camera relies on the temperature contrast. When temperatures prevent the auditor from being able to use the infrared camera, the blower door test (pictured above) also helps identify leaky areas and drafts.