Home Energy Audit Checklist: Find Where Your Money Is Leaking

DIY walk-through: inside

• Check for drafts around windows, doors, outlets, and baseboards on a windy day.
• Look at the attic: can you see the tops of the floor joists? You likely need more insulation.
• Inspect accessible ductwork for gaps, disconnected joints, or missing insulation.
• Check the HVAC filter and the date of the last tune-up.
• Note the age of the water heater and its temperature setting (120°F is usually enough).
• Look for incandescent bulbs and old refrigerators or freezers.

DIY walk-through: outside

• Check caulking and weatherstripping around windows and doors.
• Look for gaps where pipes, wires, and vents enter the house.
• Make sure the dryer vent flap closes properly.
• Check that the outdoor AC or heat pump unit is clear of leaves and debris.

What a professional audit adds

A certified auditor runs a blower-door test, which depressurizes the house to measure how leaky it is, and uses an infrared camera to see missing insulation and hidden leaks. They also check combustion appliances for safe venting, which matters after air sealing. You'll get a prioritized report that ranks fixes by cost and payback.

After the audit: what to fix first

In most homes, the order is: air seal, then insulate, then upgrade equipment. Sealing and insulating first means any new HVAC equipment can be sized smaller, which saves money upfront and every month after.