Posted: June 2, 2025

Are Home Energy Audits Worth It?

Yes, If You Want to Reduce Energy Bills and Increase Comfort

Unless you live in a newly built, well-insulated, and energy efficient home, you are likely paying more than you should be to heat and cool your home. According to Energy Star, 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated and, for most homes, 20 percent of the heated or cooled air is lost due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts. The result is higher energy bills, and drafty and stuffy spaces.

It’s like leaving a window open year-round—and throwing money out of it in extra energy costs.

So, how do you close that window? A home energy audit is a smart way to identify and correct the problem areas so you can lower your energy bills and keep your home more comfortable.

What’s a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is a top-to-bottom evaluation of your home using state-of-the-art tools that can identify and measure heat loss and air flow in your home so you can correct the problems that lead to higher heating and cooling costs, as well as uneven heating and cooling.

One tool we use is a thermal scanning device that detects pinpoint areas of heat loss using infrared thermal imaging. That allows us to zero in on problem zones that need sealing or insulation.

We also use a “blower door test” to draw air out of your home, lowering the indoor air pressure and forcing outside air into your home through cracks, air leaks or openings. This allows us to identify hidden openings so we can suggest appropriate energy retrofit solutions including air sealing, duct sealing or insulation.

Diagnose Your Results

Following the audit, we will walk you through the results and present the options to help you correct the problems. We’ll also show you ways to improve the air quality of your home—to keep you and your family healthier as well as more comfortable.

Depending on the results, your options can range from DIY projects such as caulking and adding weather stripping around windows and doors, to home improvements such as duct sealing and updating or adding insulation to attics and other areas.

You may have areas that are hard to heat and cool, such as additions or converted spaces in attics, over garages or enclosed porches. Installing a new high-efficiency heat pump can make those areas comfortable without replacing your entire ducting system.

Benefits of an Energy Audit

The main benefit of a comprehensive home energy audit is that you can stop wasting energy and save money on heating and cooling costs while feeling more comfortable in your home every day. The Environmental Protection Agency has calculated that homeowners can save an average of 11% on total energy costs by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements. Further updates and equipment upgrades can result in savings of 20% to 30%.

You will also extend the lifespan of your heating and cooling systems. When heating and cooling equipment has to work harder to keep your home at the right temperature, it puts wear on the system. That can lead to more frequent breakdowns and ultimately an earlier replacement.

Additionally, by using energy more efficiently, you’ll reduce your home’s carbon footprint. And, that improved energy efficiency will add value to your home.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re ready to learn more about how a professional home energy audit can help you reduce your heating and cooling costs and make your home more comfortable, contact the team at Valiant Home & Energy today.