The 15-Minute Home Energy Audit You Can Do Right Now

When you think of a home energy audit, you probably picture a professional showing up with specialized equipment and a clipboard, walking through every room, doing a detailed assessment and handing you a report a week later. While yes, this version does exist, there’s a simpler one you can do yourself that can take as little as 15 minutes, no special equipment required. All you have to do is take an intentional look at a few things you use and walk past every day. Who knows? You may be surprised at what you find and how many opportunities there are to save.

Start with Your Thermostat and HVAC System

First, take a look at your thermostat. What is it set to? Is it set at the same temperature all day? Is it a programmable thermostat? If so, have you programmed it? After you look at your thermostat settings, check your HVAC system. Think about the last time you changed the filter or vacuumed out the coils. A clogged filter or dusty coils make your HVAC system have to work significantly harder to push the air through, which drives up your energy costs. Consider how old your unit is and whether it’s had routine maintenance when needed. An HVAC system that’s more than 15 years old probably isn’t working as efficiently as it used to.

Walk the Perimeter: Doors, Windows and Vents

Take a walk around your home and run your hand along the edges of doors, windows, vents and pipes. Feel for any air movement. Even a subtle draft means conditioned air is escaping and outdoor air is slipping in. If your hand is damp or if you use a lit incense stick, it’s usually easier to detect a draft. Every gap your HVAC system has to compensate for is energy being wasted and money leaving your wallet.

Check Your Electronics and Appliances

Do a room-by-room check and take note of any electronic device that’s plugged in, glowing, blinking or warm to the touch when it shouldn’t be. TVs, gaming consoles, chargers, countertop appliances and other electronics continue to draw power even when they’re shut down or on standby. This is what’s known as phantom energy drain or standby power, and it can account for up to 10% of your home’s total energy consumption.

Afterwards, check the settings on your large appliances. Your fridge should be at or below 40°F, and your freezer should be at or below 0°F. This keeps your food safe and these appliances efficient. A good setting for your water heater is 120°F, as this is a safe and hot enough temperature for everyday use while remaining energy efficient. This is also the time to ask yourself if you tend to use the hottest settings on your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer.

Take a Look at Your Lighting

Walk through each room and take note of what kind of bulbs you’re using in each light fixture and lamp. Are you still using incandescent bulbs, or have you switched to all LED? LED bulbs use significantly less electricity and last longer than traditional bulbs, which translates to big savings. Do you have smart bulbs, and do you already have them all set up? Consider whether you tend to keep lights on while natural light is entering the room. Lighting may seem small, but it can have a huge impact on your monthly usage.

What to Do With What You Find

A home energy audit itself doesn’t lower your power bill; it’s what you do with your findings. Acting on what you discover is the best way to start chipping away at your power bill. The good news is that you don’t have to fix everything all at once. Pick one or two things you discovered today, and find small ways to improve them. Micro-habits like unplugging unused devices and turning off lights when you leave a room are often the easiest places to start. However you decide to go about it, come up with a clear plan for how you will fix all of the disparities you found. You’ll be on your way to big savings in no time!

With prepaid power from Pronto Power, a trusted Texas power company, you can track your home’s energy consumption in real time, making identifying areas to save that much easier. Learn more about how prepaid power can help you save on your monthly bill, or contact us today to get started!