How Much Does a Home Energy Audit Cost?

Energy Audit Costs per Square Foot

Home audits typically cost $0.08 to $0.50 per square foot, or a minimum cost of $100 to $200 to determine home energy-efficiency prices. A larger house increases the total price. For example, expect to pay around $100 to $150 fora 1,200-square-foot home, while one in the 2,500- to 5,000-square-foot range will run about $200 to $300. Most companies charge a flat rate.

Take a look at some typical property sizes and the average costs of energy audits for each.

In addition, there are different types of energy audits. Read below for details on each type:

• Simple assessment: This costs around $0.08–$0.12 per sq. ft., takes between 1–3 hours, and is a visual walk-through of your property.

• Moderate to extensive test: This costs around $0.12–$0.50 per sq. ft. and takes anywhere from 3-6 hours to complete. It uses manual and mechanical testing to look for leaks, inefficient electrical use, and poor-performing appliances. You'll also receive a thorough review of past energy bills to determine potential areas for improvement.

HERS Energy Rating Cost

HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index Rating costs around $150 to $600, though some owners have reported prices exceeding $1,000. HERS ratings and certifications are independent of each other and have separate prices.

The HERS rating scale compares your house to those locally and nationally. While a HERS test uses much of the same equipment and procedures, it has a different purpose from an energy audit. Read below to compare and contrast the two.

HERS Certification Prices

HERS certifications are available during testing for an additional cost. Pricing varies from $150 to $250, with each additional certification running between $50 and $100. Certifications include:

• Duct leakage

• Refrigerant charge verification

• Cooling coil airflow

• Fan watt draw

• High energy efficiency ratio (EER)

• Infiltration verification for the blower door

States sometimes require HERS certifications to receive energy credits and rebates, like California's Title 24 compliance credit. Real estate professionals and builders also use these certifications, but a homeowner will rarely need to seek out a HERS test or certificate.

Energy Audit Costs by Test

Aside from HERS tests, several other energy-auditing tests exist so you can find problem areas and plan the next steps in improving your home's energy-efficiency and reducing consumption and costs.

Duct Blaster or Leakage Testing 

Duct leakage tests cost anywhere from $50 to $200. The price depends on if it's a standalone test or done with a full audit.

HVAC professionals and home energy auditors both perform these tests. They're also completed for HERS certification. This will help determine if any leaks are present in your ducts and where to locate those leaks. Keep in mind that repairing ductwork costs around $400 to $1,900.

Blower Door Test 

A blower door test costs between $150 and $450 and identifies air leaks and your home’s air tightness. Blower door tests attempt to draw air through your home and out through any cracks, broken seals, or other gaps, helping you identify areas that need attention to maintain energy-efficiency. 

Infrared Imaging Test

Infrared thermal imaging inspections cost between $300 and $500. This test pinpoints where hot air is escaping or cold air is sneaking in. While comparatively costly, it’s instrumental to your home's energy efficiency. On average, you can save 20% of your heating and cooling costs by repairing the problem areas highlighted through a thermal infrared imaging test.

Average Cost of an Energy Audit by ASHRAE Level

This commercial-level audit can range anywhere from $150 to $1,600 or more. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) has determined three levels of detail that each takes increasing time, engineering knowledge, and equipment to complete.

Level 1: Walk-Through and Visual Inspection

A level 1 residential audit involves a visual inspection and home walk-through, costing between $0.08 and $0.24 per square foot. The pro will also interview the homeowner and examine the property's energy bills. ASHRAE level 1 tests are usually conducted on small properties with low energy consumption.

Level 2: Energy Survey and Engineering Analysis

ASHRAE level 2 energy audits cost around $0.25 to $0.35 per square foot. These residential energy audits are more in-depth, with equipment and appliance inventories and their corresponding energy consumption evaluated. The energy auditor also reports on recommended improvement costs and the expected savings from performing each improvement. 

Level 3: Detailed Analysis of Capital Intensive Modifications

For an ASHRAE level 3 audit, expect to pay between $0.36 and $0.50 per square foot. These audits typically take place in large or complex commercial locations. Along with all procedures from the preceding levels, a level 3 audit involves a more in-depth equipment analysis and its energy usage. Additionally, the technician will conduct an hourly HVAC system analysis and a PFT air filtration test that analyzes the property's airtightness. 

Energy-Saving Home Improvement Costs

Getting an audit is an excellent way to discover where heating and air conditioning may escape your house. It also highlights the areas of your home that aren't efficient. But be prepared for the possibility of making extensive fixes and updates to your home to make it truly energy-efficient.

Here are some average costs to upgrade your home's energy-efficiency:

• Spray foam insulation costs: $2,300

• Window installation pricing: $500

• Door replacement costs: $1,000

• Furnace installation costs: $4,250

• Water heater installation prices: $1,000

• Weather stripping costs: $280

Savings, Rebates, and Other Considerations

You'll save between 5% and 30% on home energy costs when you make improvements identified by an audit. These improvements may also qualify for a local, state, or federal rebate. Check with both your local HVAC contractor and your electrical and gas companies about these rebates.

Take a look at common ways you can improve the efficiency of your home, reduce your carbon footprint, and save on your energy bills. Weigh the cost of the job and the projected energy savings over the next 10 years to see if it makes sense for you. And remember, you don't need to make all the changes simultaneously. Based on your energy audit, budget, and potential savings, prioritize which jobs you want to tackle, and take them on one at a time.

Environmental Responsibility

An audit can satisfy those interested in conserving energy. It's estimated that 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. are due to our homes. Making your house more efficient means your home has less negative impact on the environment and your family.

If you were to add up all the tiny leaks, like those around windows and doors, it would equal a 2-foot hole. This is the equivalent of leaving a window open for 24 hours a day year-round. While a home needs some air transfer to maintain a healthy living environment, increasing your home's efficiency helps lower your carbon footprint.

How to Find and Hire an Energy Audit Inspector

The long-term savings of having a home energy audit far outweigh the costs and the simple home improvement projects you'll likely want to undertake. With a 5% to 30% savings on your utility bills, the analysis and many improvements can quickly pay for themselves. Not only does the professional identify areas where improvements are needed, but most help identify which home improvements offer the best return on investment. The first step is to find a home energy auditor near you.

FAQs

What is a BPI-Certified Energy Auditor?

The Building Performance Institute (BPI) offers multiple certifications for home-building professionals, one of which is for an energy auditor. The only difference between a BPI-certified pro and one without credentials is the peace of mind an industry-trained pro may bring. A BPI certification means the expert has:

A minimum of 1,000 hours of relevant work experience, such as operating as an auditor or in a lead role in a weatherization trade

• Experience performing home energy audits

• An additional combination of two of the following:

  • 2,000+ hours of trade experience

  • 80+ hours of professional training

  • Certifications in the building trade relevant to energy or building sciences

Are energy audits worth the money?

Yes, home energy audits can be worth the money. If your home is more than 20 years old or hasn't previously had an audit, you could save up to 30% on your energy bills by having an audit and making some simple changes based on the pro’s findings. A level 1 audit can cost as little as $0.08 per square foot. 

What is air sealing?

Air sealing essentially eliminates air leaks in your home. The contractor will focus on all likely areas from which air can escape, including caulking windows; applying weather stripping to doors; adding flashing; using spray foam around pipes, chimneys, and plumbing penetrations; and applying rigid foam to uninsulated areas. 

According to Energy Star, air sealing—including insulating the attic—can reduce a home's total energy costs by 11%, which is a reduction of 15% in heating and cooling prices. This can add up to substantial savings year-on-year.

Where is the biggest heat loss in a house?

The biggest heat loss in a house is through poorly insulated walls. Without sufficient insulation, walls account for up to 35% of the heat loss in a house. The basement accounts for 20% of heat loss, closely followed by windows at 16%. Air leaks around plumbing penetrations, gaps in caulking and weather stripping, gaps underneath doors, and similar problems account for a great deal of heat loss, and these problems are all quick, easy, and affordable to fix.