As a homeowner, having an energy audit is the best way to understand how much energy you are consuming and how much money you are spending on it. A professional home energy audit takes a deep dive into your home's overall efficiency and looks at potential opportunities for improvement in order to reduce your utility bills. But when do you know when it's time to get a home energy audit? Here are five situations that might indicate that it's time for a professional home energy audit:

1. Recent Home Renovations or Additions

If you've recently renovated or added to your home, getting an energy audit can help identify any air leaks or insulation problems that may have been created during the construction process. Knowing where these issues are can help you make the necessary repairs to keep your home energy efficient.

2. High Utility Bills

If you've noticed a sudden increase in your monthly utility bills, it could be an indication that something is amiss with your home's energy efficiency. An energy audit will pinpoint the exact area of your home where the leak or issue is occurring and provide solutions for improving its efficiency.

3. Uncomfortable Temperatures Inside Your Home

If certain parts of your house are too cold or too hot, this may indicate that air from outside is leaking in and out of your home. An energy audit can determine if air sealing or insulation improvements need to be made to ensure better temperature control indoors.

4. Older Home

Older homes tend to be more inefficient as they have outdated components and systems as well as inadequate insulation. An energy audit can help identify the areas where your home is losing energy, giving you a better understanding of what needs to be done to improve its efficiency.

5. Newly Installed Appliances or Systems

If you've recently installed new appliances or systems in your home (e.g., HVAC, tankless water heater, etc.), getting an energy audit will ensure that these are working properly and efficiently so as not to increase your utility bills unnecessarily.

An energy audit is a great way for homeowners to get an overview of their home's efficiency and identify areas where improvements need to be made. By being aware of the five situations listed above, you can better know when it's time to get a professional home energy audit done in order to save money and increase your home's comfort level. Although there are many DIY kits available on the market that allow you to perform an energy audit yourself, the results will not be as accurate or comprehensive as those gained through a professional assessment.