If you’ve ever wondered why one bedroom in your house is always warmer (or colder) than the rest, or questioned whether upgrading your windows is really worth the money, an energy audit can give you answers.

An energy audit (also called an energy assessment) is basically a check-up for your home. A trained professional looks at how your house uses — or wastes — energy, then gives you a clear plan for improvements.

What Happens During an Audit

A certified technician will come to your home and spend a few hours inspecting from top to bottom. They’ll check:

• Air leaks — around windows, doors, chimneys, recessed lights, and outlets.
• Heating & cooling systems — insulation, ductwork, filters, and even your thermostat.
• Appliances & electrical systems — how much energy they’re using, and whether upgrades could save money.
• Moisture & ventilation — especially in kitchens, bathrooms, and attics where poor ventilation can lead to mold or damage.
• Gas appliances — checking for leaks and making sure everything is running safely.

They’ll often use cool tools like thermal cameras to show exactly where warm or cool air is escaping from your home.

How to Prepare

Before the technician arrives, gather at least a year’s worth of utility bills. That gives them a baseline of your usage. Also, jot down any problems you’ve noticed — drafty rooms, uneven heating/cooling, or condensation on walls — so you don’t forget to mention them.

What You’ll Get

Afterward, you’ll receive a detailed report showing:

• Where your home is losing energy
• Which fixes will have the biggest impact
• A mix of low-cost and bigger upgrade options

Sometimes the report suggests simple fixes like swapping in LED bulbs, sealing drafty windows, or adding weatherstripping. Other times, it may point to larger projects like upgrading insulation or replacing an old water heater. The best part? You decide what’s worth tackling now and what to save for later.

The Money-Saving Part

Here’s the win:

• Rebates & discounts. Many utility companies offer rebates on both the audit itself and the upgrades you complete afterward.
• Lower bills. Depending on the changes you make, you could save anywhere from 5% to 30% on your energy bills. That adds up quickly!

Why Now?

Fall is the perfect time to do this. You’ll head into the cooler months with a home that’s more efficient, comfortable, and budget-friendly. Bonus, if you’re thinking about selling in the next few years, these upgrades not only save you money now but can also boost your home’s appeal later.

And some homes located in Austin city limits require an energy audit to be on file in the last 10 years prior to it selling…so if you fall into that category, you’ll be ahead of the game!

An energy audit is one of those small homeowner steps that pays off in comfort, safety, and savings. If you’d like a recommendation for a local, certified company that does energy audits here in Central Texas, I’d be happy to point you in the right direction!