# Now is the time for your own energy audit

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/11/now-is-the-time-for-your-own-energy-audit/
- Published: 2019-11-18T20:02:57-05:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Start your home energy audit by reviewing your utility bills, recording drafts and
comfort problems, and listing visible maintenance needs. Compare your findings with
the [Department of Energy’s home energy assessment guide](https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2021-08/ES-Home%20Energy%20Assessments_080221.pdf)
before deciding which repairs to make.

I mean great energy efficiency suggestions that are simple and easy to solve!

The weeks before winter officially arrives can soon be counted by fingers on one
hand. As those digits fold away until the 22^(nd) of December, brushing up on how
to lessen your carbon footprint – and save money – can be a wise choice for several
reasons. Other than the retail world, many industries have slower workloads than
usual. Tucked into spurts of holiday activities. Because a little online learning
amid shopping site visits works.

#### ![Energy efficiency 101](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/energy-efficiency-checklist.jpg?resize=780%2C1485&quality=52&ssl=1 "energy efficiency - The Green Living Guy")

**Audit lately?**

Companies with significant energy costs often are willing to pay professionals. 
They pay for an energy [audit](https://web.archive.org/web/20190105163751/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V6FF3pN8Pg)
of their facilities. This is to identify waste and opportunities to conserve their
usage further.

A DIY walk-through is a starting point, not a replacement for a professional energy
assessment. A qualified auditor can use a blower door and other diagnostic equipment
to measure problems you cannot see. Leave combustion testing, electrical faults,
and unsafe attic or crawlspace access to qualified professionals.

**a) History
 
There’s an adage that states “you can’t manage what you can’t measure.”
Start collecting information about temperatures during past winter months and your
BTU usage. It’s available from your power provider. That’s so you can compare the
figures and look for patterns.

**b) Inventory
 
Focusing on winter (which will also apply directly to your summer
usage), perform a thoughtful Google search to review a few quality home energy audit
checklists, and compile your own tailored list. You don’t have to perform all of
the checks at once, so space your inspection out, but remember to move at such a
pace as to leave time for repairs.

**c) Conservation points
 
At this final stage, you will have all of the measurable
data by which to weigh economic decisions about which conservation projects can 
be justified based upon your finances. Short of replacing HVAC equipment, most of
these projects involve more elbow grease than parts costs. As such, this time of
year is perfect for budgeting time between other events to fix, improve, stuff, 
strip and nail down those energy saving areas of your home.

## Your conscience is fine

That you’ve considered and taken [action to improve the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/12/david-cameron-vows-tough-green-action/)
is laudable; that not all of your motivation for doing so wasn’t purely altruistic
is just fine. By having a plan based upon usage and spending, you can estimate what
some call an energy saving dividend, the amount you’ll save through greater energy
use efficiency. While some of that may go towards short-term [payment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/08/go-cashless-go-green-do-online-payments-guarantee-sustainable-societies/)
for upgrading of heating and cooling plants, you’ll be surprised at how much you’ll
save annually. The environment won’t care if you set a goal of taking that class
you need to finish out a degree or for another green upgrade on your transportation
means. Spring is sure to follow winter and purchasing a sturdy bike could be a great
way of doubling-down on your commitment to living a more environmentally considerate
life!

**About the author**: Lindsey Harper Mac is a professional writer living in the 
Indianapolis area. She specializes in technology and social media articles. Lindsey
is currently completing work on her graduate degree.

![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641?
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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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