Energy Audits

What is a home energy audit? The answer depends on who is doing the audit.
Utility companies often do energy audits for their customers. These energy audits are generally basic in nature. During the audit the utility rep may measure the attic insulation or count the light bulbs. They may do a bit more such as look at efficiency of the furnace or check if the hot water heater has a wrap, but the audit is generally basic without diagnostic tools.

Other energy auditors may use some diagnostic equipment such as thermal imaging camera or they may analyze high utility bills or they may focus on one area such as insulation, air conditioning or heating. These auditors may have a few diagnostic tools and some training but generally do not understand the "whole house".

Another audit is a comprehensive energy audit or a home performance evaluation. Like the name implies, the evaluation is comprehensive. The auditor is usually certified by BPI or RESNET and evaluates the insulation, furnace, hot water heater, cooling equipment, appliances, doors and windows, ducts, combustion safety, utility bill analysis and thermographic scan of the home.

The energy audit that is right for you depends on your own needs. A utility audit is generally free and can provide a homeowner with useful insight to conserve energy. A comprehensive audit is performed by a trained professional and can provide the homeowner with road map to deep energy reductions as well as identify the cause of comfort issues or safety issues. A list of certified Boise energy auditors can be found at the Idaho Office of Energy Resources website.