What Does an Energy Audit Entail for Phoenix Residents?

Updated Nov 19, 2021

With a home energy audit or home energy assessment, Phoenix homeowners can find the best ways to save energy and lower utility bills. What is an energy audit? Our professional technicians, also called energy auditors, use special equipment to help people decide which improvements or repairs can save the most money. That way, they can avoid wasting their hard-earned dollars on unnecessary upgrades. Here’s some more information about what home energy audits entail and their benefits.

Before an Energy Audit

Make a list of any problems our energy auditor should know about, such as dry air, drafts, or strange noises; these could be signs of problems with your HVAC system. Copies of a summary of the energy bills from last year can also help the auditor decide what to look for during the audit. You should be prepared to answer questions about the size of your home, the number of people who live there, the number and size of windows, the average thermostat setting in summer and winter, and which rooms are occupied most often.

How Does an Energy Audit Save Energy?

During an energy audit in Phoenix, professionals look for sources of energy loss and examine HVAC systems and other appliances. Most energy auditors use a blower door test to find leaks, including drafts or small cracks around electrical outlets, baseboards, doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches, or foundation seals. A blower door is a powerful fan that pulls air out of a home. Energy auditors measure changes in air pressure and detect leaks with a smoke pencil. They also use infrared cameras to find the best places to install more insulation.

Source: visual.ly

Energy auditors use pressurized duct blasters to test for leaks in ductwork, inspect insulation for ductwork, and to look for dirt, dust, mold, and pests in ducts. These problems waste energy, make homes less comfortable and lower indoor air quality. Leaky or dirty ductwork can even force an HVAC system to work harder and shorten its life.

Older appliances, including HVAC systems, are more likely to need expensive repairs as they keep aging. An energy auditor can find out which appliances need maintenance or replacement before a homeowner has to deal with an inconvenient breakdown.

The Benefits of a Home Energy Audit in Phoenix, AZ

After you follow advice from an energy auditor, like adding insulation or replacing old, inefficient appliances, you can enjoy lower utility bills and fewer repairs for your home. Since many heaters and air conditioners are smaller than older models, many people will also get more storage space.

Get a Home Energy Audit in Phoenix, AZ from Howard Air & Plumbing

Contact Howard Air & Plumbing for a home energy audit from an experienced professional. We can help you lower your utility bills and install, maintain, and repair your air conditioner.