What Does a Home Energy Audit Include? A Step-by-Step Guide

Is your energy bill creeping higher each season? Maybe the air in your office feels stuffy, or someone at home keeps bumping the thermostat up. At Briggs Heating, we know how frustrating it is when comfort and costs don’t match up. That’s where a home or commercial energy audit comes in.

A thorough energy audit is like a health checkup for your building—pinpointing where energy slips away and which fixes will make the biggest difference. Our certified team is ready for emergencies and everyday tune-ups, with detailed attention to your HVAC, ventilation, and indoor air quality.

What is an Energy Audit? 🏠

Imagine your building as a bucket. Now, imagine that bucket has tiny leaks—some you can see, others you can’t. An energy audit finds those leaks, so you stop pouring money down the drain.

A professional energy audit is a step-by-step inspection of your home or business. It measures how much energy you use, where you’re losing it, and how your HVAC systems are performing. The Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR both recommend audits as a first move toward lower bills and cozier spaces.

What to Expect During the Visit

When you schedule an energy audit with Briggs Heating, here’s what happens:

1. Initial Consultation: We talk through your energy concerns, comfort issues, and HVAC history.
2. Exterior & Interior Inspection: The auditor checks insulation, windows, doors, and visible ductwork for obvious trouble spots.
3. Blower Door Test: A powerful fan temporarily mounts to an exterior door, lowering air pressure. This reveals pesky air leaks hiding in your walls, ceilings, and floors.
4. Infrared Thermography: Using a special camera, we scan for cold or hot spots—like seeing your building’s “thermal fingerprint.”
5. HVAC System Analysis: We test your heating, cooling, and ventilation equipment, including filters, thermostats, and air balancing.
6. Final Report: You get a clear, actionable breakdown—what’s working, what’s not, and which fixes will save you the most.

And yes, our technicians are certified to the latest industry standards for safety and accuracy (ASHRAE, BPI, and more).

Key Areas Inspected

An energy audit covers much more than a quick look in the attic. Here’s where we focus:

• Insulation: Walls, attic, crawl spaces. Missing or thin insulation is like wearing a t-shirt in a blizzard.
• Windows & Doors: Gaps, drafts, or single panes let conditioned air escape.
• Ductwork: Leaky, dirty, or disconnected ducts waste energy and worsen indoor air quality.
• HVAC Equipment: Age, efficiency, and correct sizing of your furnace, AC, heat pump, or mini-split.
• Air Leaks: Outlets, vents, baseboards, attic hatches, and plumbing penetrations.
• Lighting & Appliances: Old bulbs and outdated fridges draw more power than you’d think.
• Ventilation: Proper airflow is key for comfort and prevents moisture buildup.
• Basements & Crawl Spaces: These hidden zones can be energy vampires if ignored.

Checklist: What Gets Checked

• Attic insulation depth and coverage
• Window seals and weatherstripping
• Fireplace dampers and flues
• Duct sealing and insulation
• Furnace/AC filter condition
• Exhaust fans and range hoods
• Thermostat placement and accuracy
• Humidifier/dehumidifier function
• Whole-house fan operation
• Generator efficiency (if installed)
• Sheet metal and radiant system integrity

Top Energy-Saving Recommendations

After the audit, Briggs Heating lays out your options. Here’s what we often suggest:

• Seal Air Leaks: Caulk, foam, or weatherstrip to close gaps.
• Upgrade Insulation: Add where missing, especially in attics and crawl spaces.
• Duct Cleaning & Sealing: Keeps air clean and prevents loss.
• Modernize HVAC Systems: Swap old units for high-efficiency models or install mini-splits.
• Smart Thermostats: Program your comfort and savings.
• Improve Ventilation: Install energy recovery ventilators or fix existing fans.
• Lighting Updates: Switch to LED or ENERGY STAR fixtures.
• Routine Maintenance: Regular filter changes, cleaning, and tune-ups for AC, furnace, and generator systems.

Tip: Many states and utility companies offer rebates for these upgrades. Check with DOE or ENERGY STAR for programs near you.

Benefits for Your HVAC

Why does an energy audit matter for your heating and cooling?

• Longer System Life: Less strain on your AC, furnace, or heat pump means fewer emergency HVAC calls.
• Better Comfort: Consistent temperatures—no more hot or cold spots.
• Cleaner Air: Improved filtration and balanced airflow help fight allergens and mold.
• Lower Bills: Smart fixes mean you keep more of your hard-earned money.

Even something as simple as changing filters or balancing airflow can make a big difference. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) recommends annual checkups for all major HVAC components.

Visuals: What Does the Process Look Like?

• Blower Door Test: A red nylon shroud and fan create a gentle whoosh, showing how drafts sneak in.
• Infrared Scan: On screen, cold spots glow blue, warm leaks flash orange.
• Duct Check: A technician in coveralls traces each vent, flashlight in hand, looking for obvious and invisible leaks.
• Filter Inspection: Dirty filters vs. new—like night and day.

How Briggs Heating Delivers

At Briggs Heating, every audit ends with a clear, easy-to-read report. We highlight:

• Quick Wins: The fastest, least expensive fixes.
• Big Impact Projects: Where to invest for the best return.
• Step-by-Step Plan: What to tackle now, what can wait, and what to keep an eye on.

Our technicians are certified, background-checked, and always ready for 24-hour emergency HVAC needs. Whether you’re searching for “AC repair near you” or need a whole-building analysis, our team’s attention to detail sets us apart.

References to Authoritative Sources

• U.S. Department of Energy (DOE): Guidance on home energy audits and efficiency upgrades.
• ENERGY STAR: Standards for HVAC equipment, insulation, and lighting.
• ASHRAE: Safety and performance codes for heating and cooling systems.
• Building Performance Institute (BPI): Certifications for energy auditors.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

A home or commercial energy audit is your first move toward a more comfortable, efficient, and healthy space. Don’t wait for another spike in your utility bill—or a midnight emergency HVAC call—to get started.

Call Briggs Heating now — or reach us anytime at  877-748-7966 .