Home Energy Audits: How They Save You Money Year-Round

Is your home working for you, or against you? Most families don’t realize how much money slips away with every draft, leaky duct, or overworked furnace. It’s like leaving a window cracked open all year—small gaps add up fast.

At Bonus HVAC, we’ve seen it all. Homes that should be cozy in winter, cool in summer, and energy bills that should drop, not climb. That’s why homeowners ask about Home Energy Audits near you—because there’s real value in knowing what your house is up to when you’re not looking.

What Is a Home Energy Audit? 🧐

A home energy audit is like a check-up for your house. Instead of a doctor, you get a certified technician with specialized tools, looking for ways your home wastes energy. Imagine a detective, but for comfort and savings.

Types of Energy Audits:

• Basic Audit: Visual inspection and a quick check for obvious energy drains.
• Comprehensive Audit: Uses equipment like infrared cameras, blower doors, and air quality monitors to get a full picture.

No matter the type, the goal is the same: find out where your home is losing energy and show you how to fix it. This isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” The U.S. Department of Energy recommends audits for any homeowner wanting lower bills and better comfort.

The Audit Process Step-by-Step

Ever wonder what actually happens during a home energy audit? Here’s how Bonus HVAC approaches it:

1. Initial Walkthrough: The technician asks about comfort issues—hot rooms, cold drafts, allergy symptoms.
2. Exterior Check: Inspect windows, doors, siding, and roof for visible leaks or gaps.
3. Thermal Imaging: Using an infrared camera, we spot hidden pockets where heat escapes or sneaks in.
4. Blower Door Test: This big fan temporarily mounts in your doorway to measure how airtight your home is. It’s like testing your house for sneezes.
5. Ductwork Inspection: We check for holes, loose connections, and blockages.
6. HVAC System Review: Furnace, AC, filters, and thermostats—everything gets a look.
7. Insulation Evaluation: Are your walls, attic, or floors doing their job? We’ll tell you.
8. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Testing: Optional, but key for families with allergies or asthma.

Tools Used:

• Infrared cameras
• Blower doors
• Moisture meters
• Smoke pencils (to see drafts in real time)
• Air quality monitors

Every Bonus HVAC audit follows industry guidelines, including those set by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) and local code requirements. This keeps your home safe—and the data trustworthy.

Common Issues Found

Energy audits often reveal problems hiding in plain sight. Here’s what we see most often:

• Air Leaks: Around windows, doors, attic hatches, and electrical outlets. Like holes in a bucket, these let conditioned air escape.
• Poor Insulation: Attics and crawl spaces are frequent culprits. Insulation that’s settled, thin, or damp can’t do its job.
• Leaky Ducts: These act like leaky straws, losing cooled or heated air before it ever reaches your rooms.
• Inefficient HVAC Equipment: Old furnaces, air conditioners, or mini-splits strain to keep up, burning more energy than necessary.
• Faulty Thermostats: Bad programming or outdated models waste energy daily.
• Blocked Vents/Registers: Furniture or debris can prevent air from flowing freely.
• Humidity Imbalances: Poor ventilation or improper use of humidifiers/dehumidifiers lead to discomfort and mildew.

These issues cost more than comfort—they hit your wallet every month.

Year-Round Benefits 💡

Why bother with an audit? Because the payoff repeats, month after month:

• Lower Utility Bills: Plugging leaks and updating insulation can cut heating and cooling costs by 10–30%. (Source: ENERGY STAR)
• Comfort in Every Season: No more sweating in July or shivering in January. Proper airflow and insulation mean even temperatures.
• Longer HVAC Life: Your furnace and AC won’t have to fight as hard, so they last longer and break down less.
• Improved Air Quality: Addressing leaks and ventilation means fewer allergens, dust, and pollutants indoors.
• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Use less energy, burn fewer fossil fuels, and do your part for the planet.

Benefits in Cold Climates

• Keep the warmth in, block the cold out.
• Reduce ice dams and frozen pipes.
• Maintain healthy humidity to avoid dry skin and static shocks.

Benefits in Hot Climates

• Stop cool air from leaking out during summer heat waves.
• Reduce the strain on your air conditioner.
• Control excess humidity to prevent mold and mildew.

An audit pays for itself, especially before upgrading your HVAC system. You’ll know exactly what your home needs—and what it doesn’t.

How to Schedule & Prepare

Ready for your audit? Here’s how to get started:

1. Choose a Certified Pro: Look for companies certified by BPI or RESNET. Bonus HVAC technicians follow these standards for accuracy and safety.
2. Book an Appointment: Emergency hvac providers like us offer flexible scheduling—even after hours.
3. Prep Your Home:
   • Make sure all rooms are accessible.
   • List any comfort issues or recurring problems.
   • Gather last year’s energy bills for a before-and-after comparison.
   • Secure pets and let your technician know if anyone in your household is sensitive to dust or allergens.

Pro Tip: If you suspect a gas leak or carbon monoxide issue, let your technician know immediately. Safety always comes first.

Certified Audit Process

Bonus HVAC relies on certified protocols, up-to-date equipment, and documented checklists for every audit. Our teams are trained to meet and exceed local safety codes. We’re happy to show you our credentials and walk you through every step—no guesswork, no confusion.

Sample Homeowner Testimonial:

“Our heating bill dropped by 25% after Bonus HVAC found hidden leaks in our attic and upgraded our insulation. The audit was easy, fast, and eye-opening.” — J. Ramirez

Quick Seasonal Tips for Every Home

• Winter: Caulk windows and weatherstrip doors. Change furnace filters monthly. Use programmable thermostats for overnight savings.
• Summer: Run ceiling fans counterclockwise. Close blinds during peak sun. Schedule AC maintenance before the first heatwave.
• Year-Round: Check for drafts with a smoke pencil. Clean ventilation hoods and exhaust fans regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I get a home energy audit?
A: Every 3–5 years, or before major HVAC upgrades.

Q: Will an audit disrupt my day?
A: Most audits take 2–4 hours. You’ll need to be home, but you can keep working or relaxing while we inspect.

Q: Is this just for older homes?
A: No. Even new homes can have construction gaps, poor ductwork, or inefficient systems.

Q: What if I rent?
A: Ask your landlord about an audit—lower energy bills benefit everyone.

The Bottom Line: Don’t Let Money Slip Away

Home energy audits aren’t just for the eco-conscious. They’re for anyone tired of high bills, drafty rooms, or unreliable heating and cooling. Think of it like tightening the laces on your favorite shoes—small adjustments make every step smoother and more comfortable.

Ready to see what your home’s hiding? Whether it’s the dead of winter or a sizzling summer day, Bonus HVAC is here for you. We offer Home Energy Audits near you, 24/7 emergency hvac support, and the expertise to keep your home running like it should.

Call Bonus HVAC now — or reach us anytime at  855-774-8559 .