Energy Efficiency Auditing questions, answered by experts
Yes, skylights can affect a home’s energy efficiency, either positively or negatively. Properly installed, energy-efficient skylights with Low-E coatings, double glazing, and UV-blocking glass can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs. However, poorly insulated or older skylights can contribute to heat loss in winter and excess heat gain in summer, lowering overall energy efficiency.
While you can perform many routine home maintenance jobs yourself, it’s often a good idea to bring pros in for certain tasks. HVAC maintenance, fireplace and chimney inspections, foundation repairs, and roof inspections and repairs should be handled by professionals who know what to look for and can safely perform repairs. You may also find it helpful to hire a local house cleaning service to help with deep cleaning.
If your AC runs constantly, it could be due to a number of things, including a faulty thermostat, incorrect temperature settings, or broken equipment. Alternatively, you might have an airflow problem (for example, blocked vents or leaky ductwork). Either way, an HVAC pro can identify the specific problem and fix it for you.
Common warning signs of an overloaded electrical panel or meter box include frequent circuit breaker tripping, flickering or dimming lights, scorch or burn marks, and a burning scent coming from the panel. A circuit breaker trips as a protective measure to prevent overheating and potential fires. If you observe any of these signs, turn off the affected circuit breaker and move some devices to a different circuit. If the problem persists after turning the breaker back on, you should contact a professional electrician to resolve the issue.
A home energy audit costs about $420 on average, with prices ranging from $100 to $2,250 or more. The final cost depends on factors like your home's size, location, the thoroughness of the audit, and the specific tests performed. A basic Level 1 walk-through inspection typically costs between $150 and $200, while a comprehensive Level 3 audit with detailed testing and a report costs around $900. Homeowners may be able to use the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act’s Energy Efficient Home Improvement credit to cover up to $150 of the audit cost.
Costs for common individual tests include:
Blower door test: $350
Duct testing: $100
HERS test: $375
HERS certification: $200
Infrared imaging: $200
The Walhalla, ND homeowners’ guide to energy efficiency auditing services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the average home energy audit cost, what impacts pricing, and how to save money on your audit. Get transparent, expert-backed cost info for homeowners.
