6 Perks of a Home Energy Audit
As homeland business owners become increasingly aware of the impact of energy consumption on the environment, more people are looking for ways to reduce their energy usage. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by conducting a home energy audit. By examining your property’s energy usage, you can better understand how to reduce your impact on the environment, identify areas for improvement, and even reduce your overall costs.
Read on to explore the six benefits of conducting a home energy audit in Santa Clara County.
What is a Home Energy Audit?
An energy audit comprehensively assesses a property’s energy usage and waste areas. A Gilroy, CA, electrician examines everything from your appliances and electrical equipment to your property’s insulation and ventilation systems.
The report generated provides homeowners with recommendations on cost-effective ways to reduce energy usage and increase the home’s energy efficiency. A skilled electrical contractor can also identify damaged electrical equipment and suggest upgrades that will improve overall efficiency.
6 Perks of a Home Energy Audit
Energy audits are a fantastic way to obtain helpful information about your property’s energy usage and waste areas. Completing a home energy audit with a professional electrician comes with many perks.
Here are just some of the benefits of a home energy audit:
Reduce Your Impact on the Environment
One of the primary benefits of conducting a home energy audit is that it can help you reduce your impact on the environment. When you identify and correct areas of your home that are inefficient, you can make changes that reduce your energy usage, which decreases your carbon footprint.
For example, an energy audit may reveal that your EV home charging station system uses more energy than necessary, leading to unnecessary carbon emissions. This excess energy usage might point to a malfunctioning part you can correct before your Level 2 charging system fails.
By addressing these issues, you can reduce your environmental impact and avoid losing your air conditioning during the year's hottest months.
Add Value to Your Home
Another benefit of conducting a home energy audit is that it can add value to your home. Many home buyers are looking for energy-efficient properties to save them money on their energy bills.
According to a study performed by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), home buyers are willing to pay up to 10% more for a house with a home energy score provided. The median home sale price in Gilroy, CA, was $853,000 (February 2003). An additional 10% could mean an extra $85,000 for the sale of the property.
Studies show home shoppers are willing to pay more for a house with a home energy score.
Improve Insulation and Ventilation
Poor insulation and ventilation can lead to many problems, including high energy bills, poor indoor air quality, and uncomfortable living spaces. A home energy audit can help identify areas where your home’s insulation and ventilation are lacking, allowing you to make the necessary improvements.
Some improvements are as easy as adding insulation to walls and attics, sealing air leaks around doors and windows, and installing proper ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens. You may also decide to upgrade your home with a whole-house fan to improve air circulation. Improving insulation and ventilation can create a more comfortable and healthy living environment for you and your family.
Save on High-Energy Appliances
Many homeowners are unaware of how much energy their appliances use and how much money is spent on energy bills. A home energy audit can help identify high-energy appliances driving up your energy usage and costs.
Replacing these appliances with more energy-efficient models can save money on your energy bills, reduce your environmental impact, and launch you into the electrification movement. Even government programs like the Inflation Reduction Act offer tax incentives to upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances. Homeowners can earn a rebate of up to $840 on a new electric range with an additional $500 toward converting from gas to electric.
You can also find state and local incentives to improve your property’s energy efficiency and reduce the cost of performing electrical upgrades. These upgrades cover more than replacing appliances—they also offer rebates for adding insulation, going solar, and replacing your HVAC system.
Reduce Heating and Cooling Costs
An energy assessment doesn’t just help identify ways to reduce the cost of running your appliances; it can also help reduce your heating and cooling costs. Heating and cooling can account for a significant portion of your energy usage and monthly utility bills.
A home energy audit can help identify areas where your heating and cooling system may be inefficient, allowing you to make the necessary improvements. These enhancements include upgrading to a more energy-efficient HVAC system or improving your property’s insulation. Reducing your heating and cooling costs will save money on your energy bills and create a more comfortable space.
Improve Health and Safety
Finally, a home energy audit can help identify health and safety issues in your home. Poor ventilation and air quality can lead to various health problems, including allergies and respiratory issues.
An assessment can also detect gas leaks and other safety hazards that can go unnoticed. By conducting a home energy audit, you can identify these issues and take steps to address them, creating a safer and healthier home or business space.
Schedule a Home Energy Audit Today
A home energy audit can have numerous benefits, including reducing your carbon footprint and raising your property’s value. When you’re ready to investigate your property’s energy efficiency, contact Watson’s Charting Stations & Electric. We’ve worked with hundreds of property owners in the Santa Clara Valley to assess, inspect, and improve their energy efficiency.
No matter your electrical needs in the Gilroy, CA, area, contact Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric to schedule your free consultation.