Save Money with a DIY Home Energy Audit

Want to cut costs and make your home more comfortable? A DIY home energy audit can uncover hidden energy drains, like leaky windows, drafty ducts and inefficient appliances. Identifying trouble spots now can set you up for savings and comfort year-round.

We’ll start with simple, no-cost changes you can do right away, then move on to tasks that take a little more effort.

Step 1: Adjust your thermostat

• Revisit your thermostat settings each season. Lower the temperature at night or when no one is home for a simple way to cut costs.
• Use a smart thermostat for even greater savings. It automatically adjusts based on your schedule.
• Check with your utility providers for rebates or discounts on smart thermostat upgrades.

Step 2: Lower water heater temperature

• Lower your water heater temperature to save money and reduce the risk of scalding burns. Some water heaters are factory-set to 140 F, but most households only need 120 F.

Step 3: Find and fix energy drains

• Unplug appliances when not in use and fully power down devices like computers or gaming consoles.
• Use a smart power strip to shut off multiple electronics at once — it’s an easy way to stop energy waste at the source.

Step 4: Check your lighting

• Swap out older bulbs, like incandescent or CFLs, for LEDs. They use less energy and last longer.
• Add dimmers or timers to cut down on wasted electricity.
• Choose LEDs with features like daylight shut-off or motion sensors for outdoor fixtures.

Step 5: Review major appliances

• Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying new. If your refrigerator, washer, dryer or heat pump is more than 10 years old, it may be worth replacing rather than repairing. Newer appliances are more energy-efficient and can often pay for themselves in savings within a few years.
• Check your heating and cooling systems. Their lifespan can range from 10-30 years depending on the type and maintenance. If yours is older, start planning ahead for an upgrade.
• Replace air filters to keep your system running efficiently.

Step 6: Seal leaks

Air leaks can waste 10-20% of your home’s energy each year, but they’re often simple to fix. Here’s where to look and how to seal them.

• Check baseboards, floor edges and wall-to-ceiling joints indoors.
• Focus on where different materials meet outdoors.
• Pay special attention to windows, doors, light fixtures, plumbing, and outlets.
• Use caulk for gaps around windows, doors and baseboards.
• Add weatherstripping to doors and operable windows.

Step 7: Inspect insulation

Check attic insulation:

• Grab your dust mask and tape measure to check the depth of the insulation. It should be at least 12 inches deep, but you may need more depending on the type and your climate. Check EnergyStar.gov for recommended R-values.
• Spread insulation evenly. Loose-fill or blown-in insulation should be fluffy with even coverage, while rolled batt insulation should fit snugly with no gaps.

Inspect exterior walls:

• Check insulation by turning off the power, removing an outlet cover or switch plate and shining a flashlight into the cavity. Many homes built before the 1960s have little to no insulation, and houses from the 1960s-70s often need more.
• Call a professional to blow in insulation (from the outside or inside) if wall insulation is missing.

Don’t forget the basement:

• Ensure rim joists (the area between the top of the foundation and the underside of the first floor) are well insulated in unfinished basements.
• Insulate the underside of the floor between the joists in crawl spaces.
• Add insulation to pipes and ductwork for an extra efficiency boost.

Enjoy your energy savings

Congratulations — you’ve taken important first steps toward lowering your energy bills and boosting comfort. Want to go further? A professional home energy audit can provide a complete plan to reduce waste, maximize savings, and make your home more efficient year-round. Contact your utility to learn more.