Understanding energy usage in your home is the first step to planning efficiency upgrades and updates. Whether you receive an energy auditor or perform one yourself, assessing your home and planning the next steps could save you 5 - 30 percent on your energy bill. A home energy audit will highlight where your home wastes energy and what you can do about it.
Northwestern Energy offers free home assessments virtually and Missoula Electric Cooperative offers in-home energy assessments for their customers. The Department of Energy has released guidance on DIY home assessments.
The Home Upgrade Hub created a DIY Home Assessment
Questions to Consider Once a Home Assessment is Completed
- How much money do you spend on energy each year?
- Where are your greatest energy losses in your home?
- How long will it take for an investment in energy efficiency to pay for itself in energy cost savings?
- Do the energy-saving measures provide additional benefits that are important to you?
Example: increased comfort from installing ENERGY STAR-certified windows - How long do you plan to own your home and how much value do you want to get out of your home?
- Can you do the job yourself or do you need to hire a contractor?
- What is your budget?
How much time do you have for maintenance and repairs?
Questions provided by Energy.gov
