According to Energy.gov, homeowners and property managers can save 5% to 30% on energy bills after making any upgrades recommended following a home energy audit. Not only can professional energy audits help you save money, they are becoming popular among eco-conscious Americans who want to go green.

By conducting an energy audit, you may be able to find the source of your high energy bills. For instance, did you know that poorly installed HVAC systems can increase energy costs by up to 30%? An energy audit can help you identify and eradicate these problems.

So how does an energy audit work, and how can you schedule one?

Prior to your audit, make a list of problems you’ve been having in your home, such as dampness, drafts, or uneven heating. You should also print off copies of your home energy bills or an annual summary. If you don’t have copies of your billing statements on hand, you can find them through your home energy provider.

During the audit, whomever you hire will evaluate your home’s features. The age of the home, the number of windows and doors, and the size of the home will all come into play. They will also ask about your behaviors as a resident.

Generally, when a heating and air repair service performs an energy audit, they’re trying to answer questions like:

• At what temperatures do you set your thermostat during the summer and winter?
• How many people live in the home?
• Is anyone home during the day during normal working hours?
• How many rooms are in use?
• How old are your appliances?

The auditor may perform door blower tests or thermographic scans in order to gain the most accurate data and pinpoint the causes of your home heating or cooling problems. For instance, most older homes have serious issues with insulation, meaning HVAC appliances have to work twice as hard to heat and cool the home.

Following the audit, you may be provided with some answers to where your home energy is being wasted, as well as some simple and effective solutions.

How can you find a home energy auditor?

You can find a local energy auditor through your local government energy weatherization office or from an independent company that performs audits and other services.

During the winter months when the temperatures drop, you’ll want to keep your heating and air conditioning systems in check and in good shape. Otherwise, you may lose out on a significant amount of money by paying more than necessary in energy costs.

Heating and air repair is a much more reasonable investment than spending more to heat your house, and many HVAC companies now offer energy audits as well.

If you’re trying to save money and go green in the new year, then a home energy audit is the perfect place to start.