Ever wonder how good your insulation is? Do you think your windows are drafty but not sure it’s worth the investment to replace them? Is your furnace operating efficiently? A home energy audit is a good way to get the answers.

An energy audit can help you identify the areas in your home where you could save a lot of energy and money, sometimes with just a simple and inexpensive remedy. There are different types of energy audits, ranging from filling out a form to having a site visit from a professional. Typically a professional energy audit will include some of the following items:

• Evaluation of your home’s air-tightness and insulation effectiveness using a blower door to measure air leaks
• Assessment of your heating system efficiency and safety
• Recommendations for energy-saving lighting and appliances
• Professional advice on ways to improve the comfort and durability of your home as well as solve moisture and ventilation problems
• Assistance in prioritizing energy-saving home improvements
• Information on rebates, incentives and ways to finance energy-efficient home improvements

Here are some of the energy audit programs available in our area:

• Efficiency Vermont offers a “Home Energy Evaluation Form” that can help you to identify inefficient electrical appliances and key areas of heat loss in your home. Call Efficiency Vermont at 888-921-5990 to begin your evaluation.
• You can estimate the relative energy efficiency of your home just by knowing the square footage and how much fuel you consumed last year. Although this is not a precise account, the worksheet calculations do provide a rough gauge of whether there are important opportunities to improve its efficiency. Worksheet link.
• If you are a lower-income household, you may be eligible for a free audit and free home weatherization services through the Vermont Weatherization Program. Click this link to see if you qualify.
• Efficiency Vermont offers up to $2,500 in incentives per household to help Vermonters pay for energy efficiency home improvements completed by a certified Home Performance with ENERGY STAR contractor. These independent contractors are certified by the Building Performance Institute to perform energy audits, diagnose building problems such as moisture, mold and ice dams, and prioritize and install the recommended energy efficiency improvements. Click here for a list of certified contractors:.

For more information on home energy audits, visit the Efficiency Vermont website.