A New Orleans home energy audit is a service where a professional auditor evaluates the energy efficiency of a home. These audits can help you understand how your home is using energy, how you might be losing energy, and what steps you can take to improve efficiency, reduce your carbon footprint, and save money on your energy bills.

Given New Orleans’ unique climate and the age of many of its buildings, its residents face particular challenges in terms of energy efficiency. Moreover, the high temperatures in the summer and high humidity levels can demand high energy consumption for cooling. An energy audit can uncover these issues, paving the way for both savings and improved comfort in your home.

Preparing For a Home Energy Audit

An energy audit can be a transformative process for homeowners who are looking to reduce their energy usage, lower their utility bills, and contribute positively to the environment. Energy audits provide a roadmap to understand where and how your home is losing energy, and what you can do to stop it. It’s the first step towards making your home more energy-efficient and should be considered an investment rather than a cost. The long-term savings on your energy bills often outweigh the upfront cost of the audit.

A professional auditor uses a range of techniques and equipment to establish how much energy your home consumes and suggests measures to make your home more efficient. An auditor will also analyze your energy bills to piece together a comprehensive picture of your home’s energy use.

To arrange a home energy audit in New Orleans, look for a local company or utility that provides this service. For instance, Plan Your Energy, provides energy efficiency solutions throughout the greater New Orleans area, and you can find similar our certified professionals throughout the state as well.

Steps of A Home Energy Audit

The specific details of an energy audit can vary, but typically, an auditor will perform some or all of the following steps:

• Visual Inspection: This is the first step of the energy audit, where an auditor assesses the exterior and interior of the home for visible issues, like damaged seals on windows or doors, old HVAC units, or apparent insulation gaps.
• Thorough Inspection: The auditor will conduct a walk-through of your home to inspect various features including insulation, windows, doors, HVAC system, and appliances.
• Blower Door Test: This test can help identify air leaks in the home. It involves installing a large fan in a doorway that sucks air out of the house, lowering the air pressure inside. The higher outside air pressure then flows in through all unsealed cracks and openings, revealing locations of air leaks.
• Thermographic Inspection: Using an infrared camera, the auditor can visualize areas where heat is escaping from your home. This can often highlight places with inadequate insulation.
• HVAC System Examination: The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system are checked for efficiency. In New Orleans, with its hot, humid climate, ensuring an HVAC system operates optimally is crucial.
• Appliances and Lighting Assessment: The auditor will examine your appliances and lighting to see if more energy-efficient options might be beneficial.

After your Home Energy Audit

After the audit, you’ll receive a comprehensive report outlining the energy strengths and weaknesses of your home, and recommendations for improvements. Plan Your Energy can help you understand this report and prioritize any improvements to maximize your energy savings and comfort.

We will work with you to make weatherization improvements and identify potential rebates for larger upgrades like home heat pumps or energy-efficient appliances. Finally, our network of qualified installers can help you get the suitable systems in place to help you experience the benefits of a more energy-efficient home.

Benefits of Home Energy Audits

1. Cost Savings: By identifying and rectifying energy inefficiencies, homeowners can significantly reduce their monthly utility bills. Over time, these savings can be substantial.
2. Increased Home Comfort: Addressing issues like drafts or inadequate insulation can make a home more comfortable. No more cold spots in winter or sweltering rooms in summer!
3. Environmental Impact: Reducing energy consumption means less reliance on fossil fuels, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions. This transition not only saves money but also contributes to a healthier environment.
4. Property Value: Energy-efficient homes can fetch a higher market price. Prospective buyers are often willing to pay a premium for homes that promise lower utility bills.
5. Protection and Longevity of Home: Addressing moisture problems, improving ventilation, and enhancing insulation can prolong the life of various home components, including its structure.

Understanding Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency is a crucial concept in today’s era of environmental consciousness. It means using less energy to perform the same tasks, thus reducing the demand for energy production and lessening the cost of energy usage for homeowners. An energy-efficient home not only lowers your energy bills but also increases your property’s value and improves your quality of life by creating a more comfortable living environment.

Finding a Home Energy Auditor in New Orleans

Plan Your Energy is an excellent resource for finding local energy auditors. When looking for a home energy auditor in New Orleans, ensure that they are a certified professional.  This certification guarantees that the auditor has up-to-date knowledge and follows industry standards. Armed with the knowledge from an energy audit, you can make informed decisions that pay off in both the short and long term. Contact Plan Your Energy today to get started with your New Orleans home energy audit process.