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Home Energy Audit: Find Your Biggest Savings First

Before solar, an energy audit shows where you’re wasting electricity and heat. What a professional audit checks, what DIY audits find, and what to fix first.

WaterFuelAndSolarEnergy.com Editorial Team Updated December 2024 7 min read

An energy audit reviews how your home uses — and loses — energy, from insulation and air leaks to lighting, hot water and standby loads. It tells you which fixes save the most per dollar, so you don’t overspend on solar before stopping waste.

What a professional audit checks

  • Insulation levels and air leakage (blower door test)
  • Heating/cooling system efficiency
  • Hot water and major-appliance loads
  • Lighting and standby (always-on) draw
  • Solar/roof suitability and shading
Is a DIY audit worthwhile?
Yes — simply listing lights left on, devices on standby, and checking obvious drafts finds real savings. But a professional audit with a blower door finds hidden air leaks you can’t see.