DIY Home Energy Audit Checklist

Home energy audits are the best way to start saving on your energy bills. Although performing a home energy audit on your own may not get you the same results as a professional home energy audit, it will still help pinpoint improvements that need to be made. DIY home energy audits are

simple procedures that do not require buying any equipment. Arm yourself with an energy audit checklist filled with simple questions that will help you through the process of finding areas that need improvements. By performing an energy audit you'll identify problems with your home and some habits you and your family will need to break. This energy audit check list has six areas of evaluation.

1. Air leaks: Check areas like windows, doors, electric outlets, fans, light switches, the basement, the attic, fireplace and air-conditioners. Air leaks seriously raise the cost of heating and cooling bills and it is essential to make sure these areas are properly sealed. 
2. Insulation: Proper insulation will help you save on heating and cooling bills. Check to make sure your insulation levels are up to code so you can be sure your home is not leaking expensive hot and cold air. You'll want to check the attic, basement and accessible walls and floors to see if they are insulated properly. If you can't access these areas call a professional home energy audit company, or Denver insulation companies because they will have to tools to access the insulation levels without causing damage to your home. 
3. Heating Systems: An efficient heating system and hot water heater will save you up to 40 percent on your energy costs. If your furnace is old, replace it with a newer more efficient model (after properly insulation your home and inspecting the ductwork). Tankless water heaters will are a great way to save money on heating water.
4. Lighting: The simplest way to save electricity is to change your light bulbs. Switch any incandescent bulbs in your house to more efficient fluorescent or LED lights. Make sure to check outside fixtures as well and the lights inside your home.
5. Appliances: Replacing old appliances with newer energy efficient models can help you use 20% less energy. 
6. Habits: Finish your audit by evaluating your family's energy habits. Help each other identify issues of energy waste and ways to correct them.

After complete your home energy audit you will have identified areas that need improvement. Make a list of these improvements and a plan on how and when you will implement changes to these area. Making all the improvements your home needs at once is often prohibited by cost, but even small changes can help you save enormously and you can re-invest your savings into further improvements. Jump start your savings by performing a home energy audit in your house today.