Home Energy Audit Costs

Average Home Energy Audit Costs

Energy audits help homeowners determine just how energy efficient their home is. Most homeowners want to know how energy efficient their home is in order to make any necessary improvements. A home energy audit is performed to assess efficiency and identify any areas where energy may be wasted. The audit will include suggestions on how to reduce a home’s energy consumption.

The typical audit comes complete with an inspection of the heating and cooling systems, insulation, windows, lights, and other components inside the home. This audit can also identify potential health and safety risks, such as poor ventilation or carbon monoxide leaks.

Home energy audits cost an average of $415 for U.S. homeowners. The total cost, though, can be determined by a number of factors. These factors include the home’s size and age, equipment needed, and any other extra services. It’s crucial for all homeowners to have an understanding of these factors prior to calling the professionals for this service.

Here are the average costs for this service:

• Low Cost: $208.
• Average Cost: $415.
• High Cost: $675.

Home Energy Audit Cost Factors

These audits are undoubtedly a key part of keeping your home at maximum efficiency. Home size, level of audit, and location will all play a role in determining the overall cost for homeowners. Let’s go into detail on all these factors.

Size Of The Home

The total size of the home is one of the biggest factors influencing price. Larger homes, of course, will use more energy overall. Typically, energy audits will cost between $0.08-$0.50 per square foot.

Here are a few average costs by square footage:

• 1,000 sq. ft. home: $290.
• 1,500 sq. ft. home: $440.
• 2,000 sq. ft. home: $580.
• 2,500 sq. ft. home: $730.
• 3,000 sq. ft. home: $870.

ASHRAE Audit Level

The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers or ASHRAE, is a global organization promoting heating, ventilation, refrigeration and air conditioning advancements. ASHRAE has developed a home energy audit program in order to help homeowners assess and reduce home energy consumption.

Location

Your geographic location can undoubtedly influence the cost for several different reasons. First, different areas and states will feature differing average home sizes. A specific area’s cost of living can also impact the audit cost. Contractors working areas with higher living costs are more likely to charge higher rates for audit services. Cities with the highest energy audit costs today are New York, Miami, and Austin, Texas.

Test Type

Depending on the type of test, the overall cost of the audit can fluctuate. For example, a blower door test, which identifies a home’s airtightness, costs an average of $350. A duct test, searching the home for leaks and blockages, costs only $100. Infrared imaging tests will cost an average of $200.

Home Energy Audit Types

The three main types of energy audits are level 1, 2, and 3. Each level comes with different details and costs.

Level 1

Level 1 audits aim to figure out a home’s energy-saving potential. These audits will generally cost between $150-$200. Level 1 is the most affordable test, but it is not as thorough as the other levels.

Level 2

Level 2 tests will involve a thorough survey of the home’s energy consumption, ranging from $250-$400. Level 2 is often described more as a energy survey and analysis rather than a walk-through inspection.

Level 3

This is the most comprehensive test, with homeowners likely to pay between $650 and $900. While this level is typical for a commercial inspection, it also works for homes experiencing complex energy issues.

Benefits Of Home Energy Audits

There are many benefits of home energy audits, including the following:

• Lower Electricity Bills.
• Stabilized Home Temperatures.
• Improved Air Quality.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint.
• Increased Home Value.

DIY Vs Professional Home Energy Audit

While DIY audits are becoming more popular, these tasks can be far too difficult for the untrained eye. A professional audit will cost more, of course, but a thorough test will save homeowners lots of money in the future. Investing in professional services is a wise decision for every homeowner. Contact the team at Barrier Insulation to learn more!

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