How to Perform a DIY Home Energy Audit (And Why You Should)

Published on August 3, 2025 • GreenEnergyTips.com

Is your electricity bill higher than you expected? A home energy audit can reveal exactly where your home is losing energy — and what you can do about it. The good news? You don’t have to hire a professional. This guide walks you through a simple do-it-yourself home energy audit to help you save money and reduce energy waste.

What Is a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is a room-by-room examination of how your home uses (and wastes) energy. The goal is to identify problem areas such as poor insulation, drafty windows, outdated appliances, and unnecessary power use so you can take action to reduce consumption.

Why Do a DIY Audit?

• 🧾 Save money: Discover what’s draining your electricity and lower your monthly bills.
• 🌱 Reduce carbon footprint: Less energy wasted means fewer emissions.
• 🏠 Improve comfort: Eliminate drafts, temperature swings, and inconsistent heating or cooling.
• 🔧 Prepare for upgrades: Know exactly where to invest for maximum return.

Tools You'll Need

• Flashlight or headlamp
• Notebook or energy audit checklist
• Smartphone (for photos and notes)
• Infrared thermometer (optional but helpful)
• Incense stick or candle (for detecting air leaks)

Step-by-Step DIY Energy Audit

1. Inspect Windows and Doors

Hold an incense stick or candle near edges of windows and doors. If the smoke flickers or is pulled in one direction, you have a draft. Use weather stripping or caulk to seal the leaks.

2. Check Insulation

Open your attic or crawlspace and inspect insulation levels. If it looks thin or compressed, consider adding more. Insulation helps your home stay warm in winter and cool in summer.

3. Examine Lighting

Count how many bulbs in your home are still incandescent or halogen. Replace them with LED bulbs to save energy and reduce heat output.

4. Review Appliance Efficiency

Make a list of your major appliances. Look for ENERGY STAR labels. If your fridge, washer, or HVAC system is more than 10 years old, upgrading could cut energy costs dramatically.

5. Evaluate Heating and Cooling

Check your filters — clogged HVAC filters make your system work harder. Also, listen for strange noises or uneven airflow, which could indicate inefficiencies or maintenance needs.

6. Monitor Phantom Loads

Many electronics draw power even when turned off. Unplug devices when not in use or use smart power strips to reduce phantom energy use.

7. Assess Hot Water Use

Feel the temperature of your water heater. Anything above 120°F (49°C) is wasting energy. Insulate the tank and pipes to reduce heat loss.

What to Do After the Audit

After gathering notes, make a list of priorities based on what’s easiest, cheapest, and most effective. For example:

• 🔌 Seal drafts ($)
• 💡 Replace bulbs ($)
• 🌡️ Adjust water heater temperature (free)
• 📉 Upgrade HVAC or fridge (investment with long-term savings)

Track your energy usage using tools like our WattWise Estimator to measure improvements over time.

Final Thoughts

Doing your own home energy audit can be surprisingly eye-opening. It’s an empowering step toward reducing bills, improving comfort, and helping the planet — all without spending a fortune. Start small, build momentum, and enjoy the savings.

Need help understanding what your audit reveals? Check out more guides and tools at GreenEnergyTips.com.