Home Energy Efficiency Audits and How They Benefit Recent Home Purchasers

Even though a home purchase is one of the largest purchases that most people will ever make, few spend more than an hour viewing the property before deciding to submit a purchase offer. While buyers are usually provided with information about the home through marketing descriptions, public records and seller's disclosure documents before the sale is completed, few feel fully educated about their home until they have spent years living in it. 

Fortunately, those who have recently purchased a home may be able to shorten the learning curve by using readily available diagnostic processes, such as a home energy efficiency audit. 

Recent home purchasers who are interested in learning more about home energy audits and how they might benefit their situation may find this information to be helpful. 

Learning where air loss issues exist

While home inspections and sellers disclosures can provide basic information about the type and rating of existing home insulation, neither is likely to provide details that will help new homeowners make needed improvements. Home energy audits use tools that accurately detect any existing air leaks so that homeowners can focus on improving these areas. 

Most home purchases involve existing homes, some of which still have the original insulation in place. As it ages, older forms of insulation can become compressed or experience damage that renders it less effective. In addition to helping homeowners understand where heated and cooled air is escaping the envelope of the home, home energy audits can also help homeowners see how well their current insulation is working and how much efficiency they could gain by upgrading or replacing it. 

Learning how to reduce your carbon footprint

The home energy audit can also help homeowners improve their home's overall efficiency so that it uses less energy without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Many homeowners use the information provided by home energy audits to help them install energy-conserving upgrades, including solar panels and tankless water heaters.

The home energy audit can also help homeowners explore potential improvements to the structure for the purpose of reducing their environmental impact. Some examples include making structural changes to add more passive solar benefits or switching to a more efficient heat source. 

Learning more about home energy usage and how the audit process works can be a beneficial process for any homeowner. To learn more about the process and the information it can provide, homeowners can contact their residential electrical provider or a reputable home energy auditing service in their area.