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Cynthia Mullins

ABR, ASP, CNE, CRS, GRI, HDMS
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Boulevard Realty
(713) 829-3052 
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Does Your Home Need an Energy Audit

April 14th, 2014


Energy efficiency is a big selling point in a home and even if you don't plan to move for years, why not make improvements that will save you money? An energy audit for your home identifies what improvements you can do to make your home run more efficient and will show you where you're wasting money. Sometimes the energy wasting culprits are obvious, other times not so much which is why a professional home audit can be such a valuable tool-- especially if you have an older home.
 --Cynthia

What Type of Energy Audit is Right for You?
By Jane Hodges, originally appearing on HouseLogic.com. Image: Shannon Kirshner/The State Journal Register

An energy audit will tell you where your home is wasting energy and what improvements you need to make to lower your energy bills by 5% to 30% annually. Luckily there are different types of energy audits that range from free to a few hundred dollars.

Use an online energy audit questionnaire

You can find them at the website for your local utility or municipality, or at government-supported websites such as Home Energy Saver or Energy Star.

Online questionnaires immediately calculate areas where you can achieve savings. Be prepared to answer specific questions about your home energy usage and costs, such as:

  • Energy costs and usage for the last year.

Cost: Free.

Conduct a DIY energy audit

Got a flashlight, ladder, measuring stick, safety glasses, dust mask, screwdriver, and a stick of incense? If so, you’re equipped to inspect your home. You’ll also need to dig out utility bills and do a little research about optimal insulation requirements for your area. Expect to spend 2 to 4 hours.

Cost: $50 if you have to buy the tools; otherwise: no cost.

Hire a professional energy auditor

Even if you conduct a DIY energy audit, it’s a good idea to double-check your diagnosis with a professional energy auditor, especially if your audit reveals you have problems. An auditor knows homes well enough to advise you on how to get to the source of a problem, saving you a lot of trial, error, and perhaps unnecessary expense.

There are two types of professional energy audits:


Disclaimer : The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Houston Association of REALTORS®
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