What is a Home Energy Audit?
During an in-home audit, a trained expert assesses how much energy your home uses, and then suggests measures to improve the energy efficiency and safety of your home.
What are the benefits of an in-home audit?
An energy expert reviews your attic, insulation, doors, windows, furnace or boiler, and appliances and then identifies energy wasters, such as insufficient insulation or inefficient appliances. Your auditor will also diagnose health and safety issues, and will offer solutions for humidity and ventilation problems. Plus, you receive options for financing and rebates to help you make improvements.
How do I schedule a Home Energy Audit?
Xcel Energy gas and/or electric customers call 1-800-895-4999. (Note: you must be a combined gas/electric customer for the Infrared Audit.) If you are a CenterPoint Energy gas customer, call 1-800-234-5800.
How do I know which Home Energy Audit is right for me?
Choose from three types of Home Energy Audits depending on your energy conservation goals: a Standard Audit, a Standard Audit with Blower Door and the Standard Audit with Blower Door and Infrared (Xcel energy electric/gas customers only). If you are unsure what audit is best for your home, call the NEC at 651.221.4462 ext. 123.
What does a blower door do?
A blower door is a diagnostic tool that determines how much air your home loses through the various air leaks in your home.
What does an infrared camera do?
An infrared camera is a diagnostic tool used to scan your home’s walls and ceilings. The camera shows temperature differences and gives a visual indication of where insulation is present, missing or just not working effectively.
How long does a Home Energy Audit take?
Standard Audit: Generally less than an hour
Standard Audit with Blower Door: Generally 1-1 ½ hours
Standard Audit with Blower Door and Infrared: Generally 1 ½ - 2 hours
How much does a Home Energy Audit cost?
Audits are subsidized by utility companies. Prices for Xcel Energy customers are:
Standard Audit = $30
Standard Audit with Blower Door = $60
Standard with Blower Door & Infrared = $100
I’m on a limited income; can I get a free Home Energy Audit?
Contact these organizations for information on programs for customers with lower incomes:
Energy CENTS Coalition: 651.774.9010
Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties: 651.645.6445
Community Action of Minneapolis: 612.335.5911
Other organizations that may help with minor home repairs:
Housing Resource Center (see website for the number for your area)
A Brush with Kindness (Habitat for Humanity): 612.788.8169
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my Home Energy Audit?
Be prepared to point out specific areas of your home where you may have concerns, and feel free to ask questions. Please have access available to your attic to assess insulation levels.
I didn’t get my Home Energy Audit report.
Audit Reports are sent by mail or email. If you have not received your report within one week of your audit, first check your email application’s junk mailbox or spam folder. Customers without an email will be mailed their report within one week of their audit. If you have not received your report, call the NEC at 651.221.4462 ext. 136.
