1. What is an Energy Audit?

An Energy Audit is an inspection process used to determine or measure the total energy consumption of your home or business and to evaluate the efficiency and comfort level being produced by that energy.

2. What is the purpose of an Energy Audit?

The purpose of an Energy Audit is to find ways of making your home or business more efficient and comfortable. Typically an audit is used to determine whether a reduction in the amount of energy being used in your home or business can be achieved without compromising the desired comfort levels.

3. What aspects of my home or business are involved in an Energy Audit?

Audit services are designed to inspect and evaluate every aspect of air flow within your energy system including along ceilings, floors, doors, walls and windows. For example, proper sealing of cracks and openings in your home can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs, however, your home also needs ventilation—the exchange of indoor air with outdoor air—to reduce indoor pollutants, moisture, and odors. All of these issues will be addressed during your Energy Audit.

4. Are there different types of Energy Audit Services?

The most commonly used types of Energy Audits are the Preliminary Audit, the General Audit, the Pollution Audit and the Investment Grade Audit. The goal of each type is to observe and record conditions that affect the energy consumption and efficiency of your home or office.

• Preliminary Audit
  The preliminary audit, also called a simple audit, screening audit or walk-through audit, is the simplest and quickest type of audit. It involves at minimum, a brief review of utility bills and a walk-through to become familiar with equipment operation and identify glaring areas of energy waste or inefficiency. Typically, only major problem areas are uncovered during this type of audit but it is still adequate to prioritize energy efficiency projects and determine whether the need exists for a more detailed audit.


• General Audit
  The general audit expands on the preliminary audit by collecting more detailed information about equipment operation. Utility bills are collected and reviewed. Systems are often metered to determine performance levels. Interviews are conducted to provide a better understanding of energy consumption. Through these steps appropriate energy conservation measures can be identified.


• Pollution Audit
  A pollution audit is used to calculate the amount of CO2 homes produce and to provide advice on how to reduce pollution and save money.


• Investment-Grade Audit
  The investment-grade audit, also called a comprehensive audit, a detailed audit, a maxi audit, or a technical analysis audit, expands on the general audit by providing a dynamic model of energy use characteristics of both the existing facility and all energy conservation measures identified. Utility data is supplemented with sub-metering of major energy consuming systems and monitoring of the energy system’s operating characteristics to determine what recommendations for change will be made.

5. What is the cost of an Energy Audit?

Costs will vary based on the size of your rooms and/or building. However, the investment in an Energy Audit is minimal compared to future energy and cost savings, if the energy-saving recommendations from the audit are implemented.

Let us make your home a model of energy efficiency! Call Houston Energy Solutions to Conduct an Energy Audit Today!