An
energy audit's purpose is to identify places in the home where energy
is being wasted and prioritize the projects needed to fix them.The end result
is intended to reduce the amount of energy the home needs to operate and keep
occupants comfortable. While the word “audit” may sound ominous, a home energy
audit is just the first step in the process of lowering energy bills by making
a home more efficient. Energy audits range from simple walk-throughs you can
do yourself, to more elaborate services performed by trained professionals.
Which is right for you will depend on your situation, abilities and interest
level.
If
you own the home, there is a clearly defined benefit for your efforts. You'll
start saving money on your energy bills as soon as you identify and fix energy
wasters. If you rent or lease, it's a good idea to check with your landlord
early on to see if the audit findings can be acted on. A landlord who pays the
utility bills is more likely to invest in the process knowing that there will
be savings through lower utility bills down the road. If you are a tenant and
pay the utility bills yourself, you'll benefit immediately from no-cost and
low-cost measures uncovered by an energy audit. Improvements requiring an investment
in the building itself or its systems should be carefully evaluated since you
don't own them and won't be taking them with you if you move to another property.
The
Internet has brought consumers many new conveniences and tools, including help
evaluating your home's energy use. Online calculators let you enter information
about your home and appliances and compute your energy costs. Such calculators
can be helpful as part of an overall energy plan to help you assess and analyze
your best savings opportunities.
And Furthermore . . .
