Home Energy Audit: Home Energy Assessment for Solar

A home energy audit, also known as a home energy assessment, is a crucial step for homeowners considering residential solar systems.

This comprehensive evaluation helps you understand your home’s energy usage, identify inefficiencies, and make informed decisions about installing solar panels with New Day Solar’s expert team.

By conducting a professional home energy audit, you can optimize your home’s energy efficiency and maximize the benefits of solar energy.

What is a Pre-Solar Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is a detailed inspection and analysis of your home’s energy use and efficiency. This process helps identify areas where energy is wasted and provides actionable solutions to improve energy efficiency. Conducting an energy audit before installing solar panels ensures that your system is appropriately sized and maximizes its benefits.

For California residents, optimizing your home’s energy efficiency is especially crucial to reduce dependency on the grid and take full advantage of the state’s renewable energy incentives.

Steps to Assess Your Home for Energy Use Before Going Solar

Here is a step-by-step guide to conducting a comprehensive home energy assessment, tailored for California homeowners:

1. Review Utility Bills

• Why It’s Important: Analyzing utility bills helps establish your baseline energy usage and identify trends over the year, such as higher consumption during summer due to air conditioning.
• What to Look For: Examine average kilowatt-hours (kWh) used monthly, peak usage times, and any surcharges.

2. Check Insulation Levels

• Why It’s Important: Poor insulation can cause significant energy loss, especially in attics and walls.
• How to Assess:
  • Inspect attic insulation. If insulation is below the joists, consider adding more.
  • Check wall insulation using an infrared camera to detect gaps or inadequate coverage.

3. Perform a Blower Door Test

• Why It’s Important: This test measures your home’s airtightness, identifying leaks and drafts.
• How It’s Done:
  • A professional sets up a blower door fan to depressurize your home, allowing leaks to become apparent.
  • Focus on sealing gaps around windows, doors, and other openings.

4. Inspect Windows and Doors

• Why It’s Important: Drafty windows and doors can let heat in during the summer and cold air in during the winter.
• How to Assess:
  • Feel for drafts using your hand or a smoke pencil.
  • Ensure windows are double-glazed and frames are properly sealed.

5. Assess Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems

• Why It’s Important: HVAC systems can be major energy drains if outdated or inefficient.
• How to Assess:
  • Check filters for dirt and replace them regularly.
  • Evaluate your system’s age. Systems over 10 years old may need upgrading.
  • Consider installing a programmable thermostat to better manage energy use.

6. Conduct Ductwork Tightness Testing

• Why It’s Important: Leaky ducts can cause significant energy loss.
• How It’s Done:
  • Professionals use pressure sensors to detect leaks in your ductwork.
  • Seal leaks with duct mastic or tape.

7. Evaluate Ventilation and Air Quality

• Why It’s Important: Proper ventilation maintains air quality while preventing energy loss.
• How to Assess:
  • Inspect bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans for proper operation.
  • Check for mold or condensation, which can indicate inadequate ventilation.

8. Examine Appliances and Electronics

• Why It’s Important: Old or inefficient appliances consume more energy.
• How to Assess:
  • Use an electricity usage monitor to measure energy draw from major appliances.
  • Upgrade to Energy Star-rated appliances for better efficiency.

9. Inspect Lighting Fixtures

• Why It’s Important: Inefficient lighting can contribute significantly to your electricity usage.
• How to Assess:
  • Replace incandescent bulbs with LED or CFL bulbs.
  • Install dimmer switches and motion sensors where appropriate.

10. Evaluate Electrical Service Panel

• Why It’s Important: Your electrical panel determines how much load your system can handle and affects solar compatibility.
• How to Assess:
  • Ensure the panel is up to code and has room for solar panel integration.
  • Have a professional test load capacity.

Why Conduct a Home Energy Assessment Before Installing Solar Panels?

Conducting a home energy assessment before installing solar panels is essential. It helps you understand your current energy consumption and identify areas for improvement. Regular maintenance ensures efficiency and cost savings.

Tax Credits and Incentives for Energy Efficiency and Solar Installation

Take advantage of tax credits and incentives available for energy efficiency upgrades. Check out our guide on solar tax credits to maximize your investment.

Ready for A Residential System? Call New Day Solar!

If you’re ready to reduce your home’s energy usage further, we can design a solar panel system that matches your home’s new efficiency needs. Contact us today to get started with New Day Solar!