How to Prepare for a Home Energy Audit

A home energy audit is only as good as the information the auditor can access. Proper preparation ensures the auditor can perform every diagnostic test, inspect every relevant area, and provide the most accurate recommendations. Here's how to get the most value from your investment.

Before the Audit: Documentation

Gather Utility Bills

Collect 12-24 months of electricity and gas bills. These reveal:

Seasonal consumption patterns
Year-over-year trends
Baseline costs for ROI calculations
Unusual spikes indicating equipment problems

Most utilities provide online access to billing history. If you have a smart meter, download detailed usage data showing hourly or daily consumption.

Document Known Issues

Write down specific problems you've noticed:

Which rooms are uncomfortable (too hot, too cold, drafty)?
Where have you noticed moisture, condensation, or mold?
Are there rooms that never seem to reach thermostat temperature?
Have you noticed increases in utility bills without explanation?
When was your HVAC system last serviced?
Have you done any previous energy improvements?

Gather Home Information

The auditor will need:

Year built and any major renovation dates
Square footage of conditioned living space
HVAC equipment make and model (check labels on furnace, AC unit, water heater)
Insulation information if you know it (type, depth in attic)
Recent improvement receipts for any energy-related work
Home floor plan if available

Before the Audit: Access Preparation

Attic Access

The attic is one of the most important areas for the auditor to inspect:

Clear items stored around the attic hatch/door
Ensure the access point can be opened safely
If you have pull-down stairs, verify they're operational
Warn the auditor about any hazards (low clearance, weak spots in flooring)

Basement and Crawlspace

Clear a path to the basement entrance
Ensure crawlspace access door can be opened
Move stored items away from walls and mechanical equipment
Turn on lights in the basement

Mechanical Equipment

Make sure the auditor can access:

Furnace/boiler and air handler
Air conditioning compressor (outdoor unit)
Water heater
Electrical panel
Ductwork access points

Clear a 3-foot path around each piece of equipment.

Exterior

Remove items leaning against exterior walls where the auditor may need to inspect
Ensure access to all sides of the house
Clear access to outdoor HVAC equipment

Day of the Audit: What to Expect

Timeline

Activity	Duration	What Happens
Initial consultation	15-30 min	Auditor reviews your concerns, utility bills, and home history
Visual inspection	30-60 min	Walk-through of entire home, attic, basement, exterior
Blower door test	30-45 min	Setup, testing, and leak detection walk-through
Thermal imaging	20-40 min	IR camera scan of walls, ceilings, floors
Duct leakage test	20-30 min	If included in your audit package
Safety testing	15-20 min	Combustion safety check for gas appliances
Results discussion	20-30 min	Preliminary findings and recommendations
Total	2-5 hours	Depends on home size and audit type

What You Should Do During the Audit

Be present. Stay in the home during the audit so you can:

Answer questions about the home's history and your concerns
Learn about issues as they're discovered
Ask questions about what the auditor is finding
Provide access to locked areas if needed

Follow along when possible. Many auditors welcome homeowners walking with them during the inspection. Seeing your own thermal images and watching the blower door test is educational and helps you understand the recommendations.

What the Auditor Will Do

Indoor inspection:

Check thermostat settings and programming
Inspect HVAC equipment and filters
Examine visible insulation
Check windows, doors, and weatherstripping
Look for air leaks around penetrations
Test combustion appliance safety

Blower door test:

Install fan in exterior door
Close all windows and exterior doors
Depressurize the house
Measure total air leakage
Walk through to identify specific leak locations
Document findings

Thermal imaging (if included):

Scan all exterior walls from inside
Check ceilings for attic insulation gaps
Identify thermal bridging at framing
Locate moisture issues
Document with IR photos

Attic inspection:

Measure insulation depth and type
Check for gaps, compression, or moisture damage
Identify air sealing opportunities around penetrations
Assess ventilation adequacy

Questions to Ask Your Auditor

Before They Start

What certifications do you hold? (BPI, RESNET, etc.)
What diagnostic tests will you perform today?
Will I receive a written report?
How long will the audit take?
Are you affiliated with any contractors? (Helps identify potential conflicts of interest)

During the Audit

What are you finding so far?
Can you show me the thermal images of this area?
What's my blower door result, and what does it mean?
Where are the biggest air leaks?
Is my insulation adequate?

After the Audit

What are the top 3 improvements you'd recommend?
What's the estimated cost and payback for each recommendation?
Are there any safety concerns I should address immediately?
Do any of these improvements qualify for rebates or tax credits?
Should I do these improvements in a specific order?
Do you recommend specific contractors, or should I get multiple bids?

After the Audit: Understanding Your Report

What a Good Report Includes

A professional energy audit report should contain:

Executive summary: Key findings and top recommendations
Diagnostic test results: Blower door numbers (CFM50, ACH50), duct leakage percentage
Thermal images: Annotated IR photos showing problem areas
Room-by-room findings: Specific issues identified in each area
Prioritized recommendations: Listed in order of ROI with estimated costs and savings
Available incentives: Applicable tax credits, rebates, and programs
Comparison benchmarks: How your home compares to similar homes

Red Flags in a Report

No diagnostic test results (just visual observations)
Recommendations without cost estimates or projected savings
Pushing expensive improvements without addressing basic air sealing first
No mention of available incentives or rebates
Report recommends contractor affiliated with the auditor without disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be home during the energy audit?

Yes. The auditor will need access to interior spaces, and you should be available to answer questions about your home's history and your comfort concerns. Being present also allows you to learn about your home's performance in real time.

Should I turn off my HVAC before the audit?

No. Leave your HVAC running normally before the audit. The auditor will turn it off during the blower door test but wants to see the system operating normally first. Running the system also helps thermal imaging show how well conditioned air reaches different rooms.

What if the auditor finds safety issues?

If the auditor discovers combustion safety problems (carbon monoxide, gas leaks, improper venting), they should flag these as urgent priorities in the report. In some cases, they may recommend immediate action before the audit is complete. Safety issues always take priority over efficiency improvements.

How soon after the audit should I start improvements?

Most audit reports are valid for 1-2 years, though conditions can change. If you're applying for rebates, check program deadlines. In general, start with the highest-ROI improvements (air sealing, duct sealing) as soon as practical, as these deliver immediate savings.

Can I use the audit report for multiple rebate programs?

Usually yes. A BPI-certified audit report meets the documentation requirements for most federal, state, and utility rebate programs. Confirm with each program that your audit meets their specific requirements before applying.

The Bottom Line

Fifteen minutes of preparation can significantly improve the quality of your energy audit. Gather utility bills, clear access to critical areas, and prepare a list of your comfort concerns. Stay engaged during the audit, ask questions, and ensure you receive a comprehensive written report with prioritized recommendations. The $200-$700 you invest in a professional audit should come with a clear roadmap for reducing your energy costs.