Common HVAC Audit Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

For many years, HVAC systems have become quite efficient. Only when you have a properly functioning HVAC system, can you enjoy enough energy efficiency and comfort in your building. So, if you do not choose the right-sized system, or don’t perform proper maintenance, some common issues may affect the efficiency of your system. If you need to enhance comfort and reduce utility bills just by using the right HVAC system, then you have to perform an accurate HVAC energy audit. 

Only the right home energy audit tools and HVAC troubleshooting tips can help you perform an hvac home energy audit accurately. So, let’s discuss some important tips to avoid HVAC audit mistakes. 

Accurate Home Energy Audit: Why Is It Important?

The very first step that you must take while conducting a home energy audit is clearly understanding all the inefficiencies and energy usage. Only HVAC experts can find outdated appliances, drafty rooms, and even insulation issues within an HVAC system. All these issues can contribute to your higher utility bills. So, only when you can identify these issues before they become really disturbing, can you ensure that your HVAC system will work properly. 

Read: How Regular HVAC Audits Can Improve Your System’s Lifespan

What are the Common Issues in Home Energy Audits?

There are many serious issues that you can find while conducting a proper home energy audit. Some of those are:

1. Insufficiency in Insulation

One of the major issues behind your raised energy bills is improper insulation. Insufficient insulation can leave some scopes for heat loss during winter. It even makes scope for heat gain during summer. Thus, it becomes difficult for homeowners to get an indoor temperature that is quite comfortable. Homeowners must upgrade their home insulation, including the areas like walls and attic. This will always improve the home energy efficiency of a home. 

2. Air Leaks

Air leaks are a common issue that professionals generally find out while performing energy home assessments. These leaks in your house can allow the conditioned air to escape. Also, this helps unconditioned air to enter. Thus, your HVAC system has to work really harder than usual. There are several common areas where you can see air leaks. Those can be your doors, windows, and even electrical outlets. Usually, a professional hvac auditor performs a blower door test that can find out these leaks correctly. 

Also, you can use smoke pencils or infrared cameras to identify leaks within your house. Then, seal those gaps properly and improve the insulation of your house. 

3. Issues in HVAC System

Your HVAC system may have some issues that you cannot find out easily. Energy consumption of the house is highly affected due to these issues. Compromise in comfort level and higher energy bills are the common outcomes of the inefficiency of the HVAC system. Issues like dirty filters, leaky ducts etc. are some general issues you may face. Regular maintenance is the only way out to solve the problems. Upgrading the system is also a good option. 

4. Inefficient Lighting

Traditional incandescent lights usually consume a good amount of energy. So, you can switch to some lighting options that are more efficient. You can go for CFL or LED to save energy usage in your home. So, when an expert is checking your HVAC system, you can ask him to check for outdated lights. Also, you must replace all those lights with some energy-saving options. 

5. Outdated Appliances

You must know that usually older appliances become less energy efficient. Thus, they can consume more power to perform the same tasks like newer options. So, when you perform a home energy audit, you can replace all those outdated appliances. Also, you must buy some new appliances that can offer optimal performance while consuming less energy. 

Tips to Avoid All HVAC Issues

So, after knowing the issues of your HVAC system, now, it’s time to know the HVAC energy audit tips to solve the issues. So, let’s check out some options.

• Upgrade the Insulation

When you improve the insulation of your house, you can enjoy a surprising change in your energy bills. You should focus on some vital areas. Those may include your walls, attic, etc. Also, you check your basement. Also, try to consult with a professional to insulate your home properly.

• Seal Air Leaks

Another important method to enjoy sufficient comfort is to address air leaks carefully. You must seal all the gaps around your doors and windows. This will prevent drafts and reduce loss of energy. Also, you can contact professionals to maintain a consistent indoor temperature within your house.

• Maintain Your System

Regular maintenance is the best way to ensure proper working of the HVAC system. Check its filters and change them if necessary. Seal all those duct leaks and schedule professional inspections at least once a year. Also, if you see that your system has become quite outdated, you can get a high-efficiency model to enjoy a comfortable indoor environment.

• Choose Efficient Lights

You must use some efficient light bulbs. This is a simple yet highly cost-effective way to reduce your energy bills. Go for CFL or LED lights because these consume around 80% less energy compared to those traditional bulbs. Also, these have longer lives than many other options.

• Choose New Appliances

You must replace all your outdated appliances and buy some new ones. You can buy some energy-efficient appliances like a new water heater or refrigerator to reduce your energy bills.

Hopefully you find value in these interesting, yet useful, HVAC energy audit tips that you can go through to avoid all types of HVAC audit mistakes. Create opportunities for more sales in less time as an experienced HVAC professional that leverages advanced tools, like EDS.tech. 

We offer reliable HVAC software and tools that will always help you to enjoy the most comfortable indoor environment. So, just follow these reliable HVAC troubleshooting tips and implement EDS.tech to enjoy an automated sales workflow.