How Much Does a Home Energy Audit Cost? [2025 Data]
The average home energy audit cost is $437, with most homeowners paying between $212 and $698. Factors include audit type, home size, and additional services.
House energy audit costs vary based on your home’s size, audit type, and your location.
Some local utility companies offer free or discounted home energy audits.
Prepping your home and ensuring access to areas like attics, basements, and crawl spaces prior to the audit helps reduce costs.
Common energy audit add-ons increase overall price while ensuring a comprehensive audit and additional energy savings over time.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
Home energy audits cost an average of $437, with most audits ranging from $212 to $698, depending on your home and the audit’s depth. Some basic audits may cost as little as $100, while comprehensive assessments can reach $2,400 or more. Costs are quoted per home, not per square foot.
A home energy audit helps you pinpoint where your home is losing energy and where improvements can save money. This guide explains what you need to know about home energy audits, including what impacts the cost, the benefits of an audit, and how you can save on your next assessment.
Home Energy Audit Cost Factors
Understanding what drives the price of a home energy audit can help you make informed choices and avoid surprises. Let’s look at the main factors that impact the overall cost.
Type
The type of energy audit you choose has a significant effect on the final price. Options range from basic walk-throughs to advanced diagnostic tests using specialized equipment. Each level includes different services and levels of detail.
| Audit Type | What’s Included | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Visual inspection, simple checklist, verbal feedback | $150–$200 |
| Standard | Includes some diagnostic tools (e.g., blower door test), written report, basic recommendations | $200–$650 |
| Comprehensive | Full diagnostics (blower door, infrared thermography), detailed report, prioritized actions | $600–$1,000+ |
A basic audit involves a visual inspection and advice, while a standard audit may add tests for air leaks. Comprehensive audits use advanced diagnostics for in-depth analysis and recommendations.
Size
The size of your home is another key cost factor. Larger homes require more time and effort to inspect, which increases the price. Multi-story homes or those with many rooms also tend to cost more.
| Home Size (Sq. Ft.) | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Under 1,500 | $100–$600 |
| 1,500–2,500 | $150–$1,250 |
| Over 2,500 | $250–$1,500+ |
For example, a small single-story home may only need a basic audit, while a large house with several floors or units will require a more detailed evaluation and higher fees.
Materials
While most home energy audit costs are service-based, some audits include minor materials or equipment use. If the auditor installs items like door seals or LED bulbs during the visit, expect modest additional charges.
| Material/Equipment | Purpose | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Door seals | Test for or fix air leaks | $10–$50 |
| Infrared camera | Detect heat loss or moisture | $50–$200 |
| Blower door | Measure home airtightness | $50–$150 |
| LED bulbs/faucet aerators | Immediate energy-saving upgrades | $5–$40 (per item) |
If your audit includes diagnostic equipment or product installation, these costs may be added to your final bill.
Labor
Professional energy auditors are trained and often certified, which influences labor costs. Audits can be performed by independent contractors, HVAC pros, or utility company representatives. Labor is most often billed as a flat fee per audit, though some charge hourly rates.
Experienced auditors with certifications or strong reputations may charge more. In areas with higher living costs, you can expect labor rates to be at the top of the range. On average, labor makes up the bulk of the audit fee.
Prep
Preparing your home before the audit can help minimize extra fees. Auditors need access to attics, basements, and all rooms. If furniture or clutter blocks these areas, the auditor may charge for extra prep time.
To avoid these costs, ensure that access points are clear and that pets are secured. Most prep tasks can be handled by the homeowner at no extra cost, but if extensive preparation is needed, fees can range from $25 to $100.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected or standard practice for home energy auditors. These professionals charge set fees for their expertise. If you want to show appreciation, consider leaving a positive review or referring friends and neighbors to their services.
Additional Cost Factors
Knowing what’s included and what’s extra can help you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Several factors can add to your total home energy audit cost:
Follow-up audits or consultations after upgrades
Detailed written reports beyond the standard summary
Costs to implement recommended improvements, such as insulation or HVAC repairs
Permit fees for certain upgrades or diagnostic tests (rare, but possible)
Additional charges for expedited scheduling or after-hours appointments
Fees for addressing unexpected structural or system issues found during the audit
Ongoing Costs for Home Energy Audits
Besides the upfront cost, it’s smart to consider the ongoing expenses related to maintaining your home’s energy efficiency after an audit.
Maintenance
Experts recommend scheduling a follow-up energy audit every three to five years, especially after major upgrades. These follow-ups may cost less than the initial audit, ranging from $100 to $300.
Maintaining energy-saving improvements—such as replacing weatherstripping or checking insulation—can cost $50 to $200 per year, depending on the scope. Occasional minor tune-ups or check-ups help keep your home efficient and comfortable.
Operating Costs
After making recommended improvements, ongoing costs may include maintaining energy-efficient systems. For example, replacing air filters regularly or servicing upgraded HVAC equipment.
Some homeowners install energy management systems after an audit. These may have subscription or monitoring fees, which can range from $5 to $30 per month. However, most homeowners see a reduction in utility bills of 5% to 30% after completing energy-saving projects.
Repairs
A home energy audit often identifies issues that require repairs, such as sealing air leaks, fixing ductwork, or adding insulation. Repair costs are separate from the audit fee but are sometimes bundled or discounted if you hire the same company.
Common repairs and their costs include:
Air leak sealing: $100 to $400
Duct sealing: $250 to $1,000
Insulation upgrades: $1,000 to $3,000
Addressing these repairs promptly can maximize your audit’s value and energy savings.
Insurance
Homeowners insurance rarely covers the cost of a home energy audit or related repairs. However, some insurers offer discounts for homes with documented energy efficiency improvements. If your audit leads to major upgrades, adding coverage for new systems or insulation may increase your premium by a small amount.
Check with your insurance provider to see if you qualify for any discounts or need additional coverage.
DIY Home Energy Audit Cost vs. Hiring a Pro
You can perform a basic energy audit yourself with a few simple tools, but there are pros and cons to consider compared to hiring a local energy efficiency auditor.
A DIY audit may require:
Infrared thermometer: $20 to $60
Smoke pencil or incense sticks for air leak tests: $5 to $15
Basic weatherstripping or caulk for immediate fixes: $10 to $50
The total out-of-pocket cost for a DIY audit ranges from $40 to $150, depending on what tools you already own. However, a thorough audit requires knowledge of building science, energy systems, and diagnostic testing.
DIY audits are best for identifying obvious issues, but they may miss hidden problems, making it worth considering the additional cost of a professional audit. Professionals use advanced tools like blower doors and infrared cameras to detect leaks and inefficiencies you might overlook. For the most accurate results and to qualify for rebates or incentives, a professional audit is recommended.
Cost of Common Home Energy Audit Add-Ons
Many homeowners choose to add extra services to their audit for a more complete picture of their home’s efficiency. Each add-on increases the total cost, but can provide valuable insights.
| Add-On | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Blower door test | Measures your home’s airtightness and pinpoints leaks | $150–$450 |
| Infrared thermography | Uses thermal imaging to find hidden heat loss and moisture issues | $200–$500 |
| Duct leakage testing | Identified leaks in your HVAC ductwork | $100–$500 |
| Energy efficient products | Provides immediate savings and comfort (LED bulbs, faucet aerators, weatherstripping, etc.) | $5–$40 per item |
| Written report/post-audit consultation | Gives prioritized recommendations and next steps | $50–$200 |
| Follow-up or re-audit service | Ensures improvements are working as intended | $100–$300 |
These add-ons can be bundled with your audit or scheduled separately, depending on your needs.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Getting a Home Energy Audit
There are several ways to keep your home energy audit cost down without sacrificing quality. Taking these steps can help you save money and get the most value from your audit:
Research utility company or government-sponsored free or discounted audits.
Obtain multiple quotes from certified energy efficiency auditors to compare pricing and services.
Prepare your home ahead of time to avoid additional prep fees.
Bundle your home energy audit with other home services for possible discounts.
Take advantage of rebates, tax credits, or incentives for energy audits or improvements available in your area.
Implement simple DIY improvements before scheduling a professional audit.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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