We all assume that our Colorado homes are energy efficient—but are they?  An energy audit is an easy way to find out. It can diagnose your energy issues, particularly air leaks, and then help you prioritize what needs fixing.

The big decision is whether to do the audit yourself using online information or to hire a professional energy auditor. Whether you’re in Pike’s Peak or other regions of the country, the following information from Houselogic.com provides the pros and cons of each kind of audit.

The do-it-yourself audit generally costs less, but it may only give educated guesses about the airtightness of your home and may have you paying for fixes you don’t really need, i.e. installing new windows when just insulating the window frames would do.  Or you might end up over-sealing your home, creating indoor air quality issues that could affect your health.

Professional energy audits offer two choices:  visual and a more thorough diagnostic option.  The diagnostic audit includes visual work as well as the use of high-tech tools that determine just how airtight your Colorado Springs home is (or isn’t). This method pinpoints the exact location of air leaks, detects gas leaks, and shows which way drafts are blowing.

A professional audit can be expensive, running from $150 for a visual check to $400 or more for a diagnostic check, but it will reveal things that, when fixed, could save you 5 to 30 percent on your annual energy bills. With an average bill at $2,200 per year, that’s a savings of about $660.

When hiring a professional auditor, be sure to ask questions and make sure the auditor does not work for a window company.  A certified auditor will have a professional affiliation with or training from organizations like RESNET  or the Building Performance Institute.  Professionals also provide a written report of their findings. Often your local utility company will offer audits or can recommend a qualified auditor.

If you have a newly constructed home, paying for an audit is unnecessary as your house will have the most up-to-date building codes and modern energy efficiencies. For an older home or fixer-upper, postpone the audit if you have more serious issues to fix such as structural problems or bad electrical systems.

Though an audit might only find minor issues, remember that fixing small things can often keep you from shelling out for major repairs later. Knowing what’s involved in an energy audit and working with a qualified auditor will help you make the best decisions for your Colorado home and your wallet.

Energy efficient homes are good for us and for the planet. When you’re ready to buy or sell a home in the Pike’s Peak Area, call The Roshek Group! We are ready to help you with all of your real estate needs.

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