The Benefits of a Home Energy Audit in Kansas City

Natural gas and electricity costs have increased substantially over the last few years. Consequently, Kansas residents have to cover burdensome bills.

Savvy homeowners and property managers are now turning to energy-efficient strategies comprising one vital element – home energy audits. In essence, a home energy audit in Kansas City entails a comprehensive evaluation of all the systems in your home that utilize electricity and gas.

So what should you expect from an energy assessment? What are the benefits of this process, and how does it help you cut your bills? This quick read will answer you.

Kansas City home energy audits mostly comprise these three steps:

Evaluation

A professional energy auditor will conduct a comprehensive walk-through of your homes outside and inside to ascertain your energy usage and point out any efficiency loopholes. The areas of concern at this stage include:

• HVAC system
• Heating and cooling systems
• Insulation on the exterior attic walls and basement
• The number of windows and doors

Airtightness and Other Tests

Next, your energy auditor will conduct a blower door test to determine your building envelope's tightness to reveal leakages. This test involves the sealing technique, where the expert blocks your front door and turns on a testing fan. Doing this will force the interior air outside through the available holes or cracks.

The auditor will also conduct a thermographic scan and use specialized equipment to determine energy consumption, including furnace efficiency testers, surface thermometers, and infrared cameras. Once done, they'll conclude this phase by comparing the insights with past utility bills.

Energy Efficiency Recommendations 

The energy auditor finally provides a report, including a detailed review and a list of recommendations and improvement suggestions to reduce your energy costs. Implementing these recommendations can significantly lower your utility bills. 

The Benefits of A Home Energy Audit In Kansas City

A comprehensive home energy audit can benefit you in the following ways:

• Lower energy costs – Implementing an energy auditor's recommendations can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.
• Identify underlying problems – An audit can help identify issues contributing to higher energy costs and health risks. 
• Enhanced comfort – The review will inform you of the necessary air sealing and insulation changes that can significantly improve the comfort of home occupants. 
• Personalized recommendations – An energy auditor will introduce you to energy-efficient solutions you wouldn't have known about. 
• Environmental concern – The auditor's recommendations will guide you on energy efficiency best practices that contribute to a cleaner environment. 
• Increased property value – A comfortable, energy-efficient home is worth more in the real estate market.

Vital Energy-Saving Tips To Implement After An Audit

An audit will reveal any shortcomings in your energy efficiency goals. The most practical recommendations may include the following:

• Sealing all air leaks in your home
• Switching to CFL or LED light bulbs
• Revamping your ductwork and insulation
• Using Energy Star-certified products, from water heaters to heating and cooling systems
• Installing better windows suited for the climate in your location
• Installing renewable energy sources

All these tips could help you cut your energy costs significantly.

Incentives for Home Energy Audits in Kansas City

Besides the above benefits, you also stand to enjoy tax credits when you conduct energy audits. By implementing your auditor's recommendations, you can earn upwards of $3,200 annually.

In addition, you can also leverage the Residential Clean Energy Credit, offering a 30% income tax credit for energy-efficient equipment like wind energy, rooftop solar, or geothermal heat pumps.

How To Find Qualified Professionals For Home Energy Audits In Kansas City

With almost every energy auditor in Kansas claiming to be the best in the industry, it can be difficult to pick the right expert. But the following questions will guide you aptly:

• How long have they been in business?
• What do online reviewers say about the company?
• Does the service provider's offering match your budget?
• Are they reliable?
• Is the company licensed?
• What guarantees does the expert offer?

Schedule A Home Energy Audit With Insulation Pros

A comprehensive home energy audit can be your answer to high energy bills. Fortunately, you're on the right website. Kansas City's Insulation Pros has the right tools and professionals to review your home's energy use. So contact us via (913) 374-6037 to book your estimate and schedule your home energy audit!