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Begin by preparing your space. Clear any obstructions around the attic, basement, ducts, crawl space, appliances, windows, and doors. Gather all your energy bills from the last year and any information on home upgrades if you’ve made any changes. If you’ve previously had an audit done, include that information as well.

Finally, be prepared to discuss any questions or concerns you have. If you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills, hot or cold areas in your home, or unusual sounds from ducts or appliances, make a list to discuss with your auditor.

How often you should get an energy audit depends on the age and condition of your home. New homes with no issues are recommended to get an audit every five years, while older homes should audit every two to three years. If you’ve noticed any changes to your energy bills or other areas of concern, you should get an audit promptly. It’s also a good idea to conduct an audit if you’ve made changes or upgrades to your home, such as installing a new furnace, windows, or doors.

Most home energy audits take about three to four hours. Your inspector sets up and performs tests and conducts a thorough walk-through evaluation. Larger homes, more complex homes, and audits with more tests can add extra time.

The home energy audit process isn’t seasonal, so you can conduct an audit anytime. However, some seasons may be more beneficial depending on your climate. For example, if you live in a cool region and spend a lot on heating in the winter, conducting your audit before the cold weather hits can give you more time to make improvements.