If your home is losing energy, you’re losing money. So, how can you know if your home is energy efficient? You can do a simple DIY energy assessment, or call an auditor or local utility for a professional assessment. Here are tips to get you started.

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If your home is losing energy, you’re losing money. So, how can you tell if your home is energy efficient? You can do a simple do-it-yourself energy assessment, or call an energy auditor or local utility for a professional assessment. Here are some tips to get you started.
Energy.gov makes these suggestions for a DIY energy assessment:
- Check the insulation in your attic, exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors and crawl spaces.
- Check for air leaks around your walls, ceilings, doors windows, lighting and plumbing fixtures, switches and electrical outlets.
- Check for open fireplace dampers.
- Properly maintain your heating and cooling systems. Check your owner’s manuals for maintenance recommendations.
More From This Series:
HERS Index Score With the growing consumer demand for energy efficient homes, Residential Energy Services Network, a California-based nonprofit, created the national training and certification standards for rating a home’s efficiency. Known as the HERS Index, it is recognized by several federal government agencies like the Department of Energy.
A HERS Index Score compares a home’s energy efficiency to similar homes. The lower the HERS Index Score, the more energy efficient the home. The HERS Index Score offers consumers a way to comparison-shop for homes, and helps homeowners identify the energy efficiency of their home.
To get a HERS Index Score, you need to schedule a home energy rating with a certified RESNET Home Energy Rater. Get a home energy rating.
Whichever method you choose, determining your energy efficiency rating can help save you money and create a more comfortable home.
- Did You Know?
You could potentially save 5% - 30% on your energy bill by making upgrades to reduce air leaks (drafts) following a home-energy assessment. (SOURCE: Energy.gov)
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