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What is an energy audit?

An energy audit, also called a home energy assessment, examines how your home uses energy and identifies improvements. DOE describes 2 common techniques: a blower door test and an infrared camera scan. Use the assessor’s findings report to decide which upgrades to make.

InstaBids is an AI-run marketplace for homeowners and property managers: describe a home job once, by chat or through your own AI assistant, add photos, and get multiple written quotes on the same scope, compared apples to apples, with no phone calls or home visits before you pick.

By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated

What this means for your home project

  1. Write down rooms with drafts or condensation so the assessor has a specific indoor-problem list. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-05.
  2. Gather copies or summaries of recent energy bills for the assessment appointment. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-05.
  3. Ask for a written test scope stating whether a calibrated blower door and its pressure gauge (manometer) are included. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-05.
  4. Request a findings report listing the assessor’s improvement ideas so you have a document to review. Source: U.S. Department of Energy, read 2026-11-05.
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What kind of tests and inspections are done in a typical energy audit?

Use DOE guidance (read 2026-11-05) to distinguish the measurements in your assessment scope and understand what each test can reveal. “The two most common techniques for carrying out a home energy assessment are the blower door test and an infrared camera scan, which are often done together.” (source) “The blower door test measures the airtightness of a house.” (source) “A thermographic scan uses an infrared scanner to detect differences in temperature in a building, such as along walls, roofs, and around windows and doors.” (source)

How long does an energy audit take and do I have to be home?

Use MSHDA’s Michigan program guidance (read 2026-11-05) to discuss the appointment window, attendance and assessment depth before scheduling. “A typical energy audit lasts from 1.5 to 2.5 hours and someone (ideally the homeowner) must be present in the home at all times.” (source) “Some energy audits are more comprehensive than others and involve more inspections, testing and measurements.” (source)

Are health and safety concerns addressed during an energy audit?

MSHDA and PNNL (read 2026-11-05) help you put hazards on the assessment agenda before planning energy improvements. “A comprehensive audit will help to identify these risks and provide recommendations to make your home safer and healthier.” (source) “Conditions to look for include leaks, hazardous materials, and safety issues such as knob-and-tube wiring.” (source)

Do I need to provide the energy auditor the last 12 or 24 months of my utility bills?

Use DOE’s preparation advice (read 2026-11-05) to assemble evidence of household energy use before the assessor arrives. “Have copies or summaries of recent energy bills to share with the assessor.” (source)

I have a hot water furnace (boiler) with radiators, not a forced air furnace with air ducts. Will an energy audit still be helpful in my situation?

Use MSHDA and PNNL guidance (read 2026-11-05) to discuss your existing heating system and its relationship with other home improvements. “Yes, it does not matter what type of heating equipment you have, the energy auditor will be able to assess its efficiency and safe operation and make recommendations to improve the energy efficiency of your home.” (source) “The contractor will test the home’s current performance (Figure 2) and consider the interactions between the home’s systems when helping the homeowners identify and implement safe and effective energy improvements.” (source)

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