Let’s face it—utility bills aren’t getting any cheaper. And with energy costs rising and climate change making us all a little more aware, doing a home energy audit isn’t just smart—it’s empowering. Think of it like this: you’re not just saving money. You’re taking back control of your home’s comfort and how it impacts the world around you.
This isn’t some fancy contractor-only secret, either. With a little guidance and a few tools (most of which you already own), you can walk through your home like an energy detective—spotting leaks, finding culprits, and patching up the problems that sneak dollars right out of your wallet every month.
What Is a Home Energy Audit, Really?
In plain English, it’s just a top-to-bottom check of how your home uses—and loses—energy. It’s about finding where the warm (or cool) air escapes, noticing which appliances are draining electricity like vampires, and figuring out what changes can make your home run more smoothly.
And why should you care? Because:
Lower bills: Fixing things like air leaks and replacing old bulbs can slash your energy use by up to 30%.
More comfort: Drafts? Gone. Rooms that are freezing while others are toasty? Fixed. You’ll actually enjoy being home again.
A lighter carbon footprint: Less energy use means less strain on the planet. That’s something to feel good about.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Sure, professional audits use thermal cameras and fancy gadgets. But don’t underestimate the power of your own two hands. A DIY audit can catch 80% of the common problems—and you can start fixing them right away, without the waiting list or the invoice. Just be aware of some DIY weatherization mistakes to avoid.
What You’ll Need
No need for a trip to Home Depot just yet. Most of what you’ll use is already in your junk drawer or toolbox:
💡 Flashlight for peeking into dark corners like the attic or behind your water heater.
🗘️ Notepad or checklist to track trouble spots.
🌡️ Thermometer or infrared thermometer to spot temperature differences (they’re usually the first clue that something’s off).
💨 Incense stick or smoke pencil to reveal sneaky air leaks when the smoke starts to flicker.
🔌 Plug-in power meter to measure how much energy your appliances are guzzling.
Your Step-by-Step DIY Home Energy Audit
Step 1 – Hunt Down Air Leaks
Feel a draft? You’re likely paying to heat (or cool) the great outdoors. Check around windows, doors, attic hatches, and electrical outlets.
Seal up gaps with weather stripping, caulk, or foam gaskets. It’s easy, cheap, and makes a difference fast.
Homes can lose 25–30% of their heating and cooling through air leaks.
Step 2 – Check Your Insulation
Stick your head up into the attic. Is the insulation even? Compressed? Missing altogether?
Spray foam around pipes. Add more insulation if you’re seeing bare areas. Your goal: keep the inside in, and the outside out. For more help, see our Insulation and Air Sealing guide.
Proper insulation can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 20%.
Step 3 – Look at Your Heating and Cooling Systems
Filters clogged with dust? Vents blowing weak air? Old ducts with gaps?
Replace filters regularly. Seal ducts with metal tape (not duct tape—it’s ironically not the best for ducts). If your system is more than 15 years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Learn more in our Commercial Weatherization guide.
Step 4 – Assess Lighting and Appliances
Still using those old incandescent bulbs? Swap them for LEDs—they use up to 80% less energy and last years longer.
Check appliances with your power meter. Use smart strips for things like TVs that suck energy even when “off.”
Lighting makes up about 15% of your electric bill. Don’t sleep on those little changes.
Step 5 – Tame Your Water Heater
Is it set too high? Anything over 120°F is just wasting energy and scalding your hands.
Add an insulating blanket to older models. Wrap hot water pipes. Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Small changes here can shave off serious costs.
Real Talk: It Works
Just ask the Martin family in Ohio. They did a weekend audit and found leaky windows, old bulbs, and a cranky manual thermostat. A few tweaks later, they were $500 richer in savings by year’s end—and finally cozy through those Midwest winters. Curious how pros find these issues? See our guide to blower door testing.
Need Some Backup?
Try these free resources:
Home Energy Saver Tool – A great place to start calculating your savings potential.
Energy Star’s Home Energy Yardstick – See how your energy use stacks up.
And definitely check with your local utility company—many offer rebates, free audits, or discounted smart thermostats just for asking.
Final Word
Doing a DIY energy audit isn’t about being perfect—it’s about taking the first step. You don’t need to be an expert or spend a fortune. Just a little time, a bit of curiosity, and the willingness to fix what you find. Because your home should be a place of comfort, not a source of stress. And every fix you make gets you closer to that sweet spot where savings and comfort meet.
Lily Strauss is an environmental and energy expert based in Boulder, Colorado, with a background in Environmental Science from Stanford and Energy Policy at a London College. She began her career in environmental consulting before moving into energy policy, contributing to major sustainability initiatives with NGOs and the U.S. Department of Energy. Currently a senior advisor at a global climate think tank, she focuses on energy equity and climate resilience. Outside of work, Lily enjoys rock climbing, photography, and urban farming, and is passionate about climate justice and youth education in sustainability.