What Time of Year Is Best for an Energy Audit?

The best time of year to get an energy audit in Denver is…just about any time! If you are looking for ways to save money and use less electricity, you should go ahead and book a home energy audit no matter the time of year.

However, for a number of reasons, winter is the best time for an energy audit in Denver. Our home energy auditors are prepared to brave the cold and provide the insights you need to improve energy efficiency and make decisions about upgrades.

Why Is Winter the Best Time for a Home Energy Audit?

In and around Denver, we experience winter temps from November through March. Although winters are generally considered mild in the metro area, people often start running their heat no later than December.

Once you’ve flipped the furnace on for the season, this is an ideal time to get that home energy audit scheduled. There are several reasons why wintertime is the right time to get an energy audit in Denver:

1. Accurate Findings

The results of a home energy assessment are most reliable when there is a significant difference in temperature between the outside environment and the interior of the house. When the weather outside is cold, warm air will escape through poorly insulated walls, drafty doors and windows, etc.

Drafts and heat loss are easier to detect during the colder months. Thermal imaging allows the energy auditor to pinpoint issues such as:

• Air leaks, including cracks, gaps, and spaces around windows, doors, vents, and other openings
• Poor insulation; infrared imaging can show where the home’s thermal envelope is compromised due to inadequate or damaged insulation
• Leaks in the roof or walls, which are detectable through differences in temperature and moisture levels

Cold spots are a common complaint in the winter. What better time of year to find out what’s causing the problem—and identify potential solutions—than when the weather is at its coldest?  

2. Increased Energy Consumption

Household energy costs tend to spike sharply in the winter due in large part to the cost of heating the home. The effects of energy inefficiencies and insulation problems are made apparent not only because the heating system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, but because of the higher bills you pay each month.

During a home energy audit, the energy auditor will review your energy bills for the past 12 months. By scheduling an energy audit in the winter, the high heating bills will bookend the assessment period. A pattern of increased costs in winter may reveal problems with your home’s ability to retain heat, as well as help to identify ways you can increase your energy savings.

Read More: 5 Ways to Save Energy in Winter

3. Preparation for Future Seasons

We like to think of an energy audit in Denver as the first step in future-proofing your house. Discovering and addressing energy efficiency issues means your home will be better prepared for all seasons—no matter what time of year the assessment is performed.

However, the main reason to get a home energy audit in the winter (preferably early in the season) is to begin formulating a plan to make your home more comfortable and cost-effective when temperatures are low and energy needs are high.

Upgrades to your home insulation can be made any time of year. By installing and/or replacing home insulation in the winter, you can reduce air leakage now and be prepared for spring, summer, fall, and, yes, next winter and beyond.

Read More: Where to Insulate Your Home in Winter

A home energy audit might also reveal issues with your home heating system, appliances, and more. These can also be repaired or replaced in winter, ensuring your home is comfortable and efficient now and in the future.

How Often Should You Do an Energy Audit?

If you’ve gotten a home energy audit before—whether at your current house or in a previous residence—you know how the process works. But once you’ve made the necessary improvements to your home, when do you need to have another assessment?

Xcel Energy customers are eligible for a rebate on home energy audits every 2 years. We highly recommend taking advantage of this incentive, as the initial cost of the energy audit is dwarfed by the benefits of knowing how efficient your home is and getting expert recommendations for upgrades.

Read More: What Is an Xcel Energy Audit?

Energy efficiency improvements are investments in your home. Getting a new home energy audit is a great way to see how those investments are paying off.

If you have never gotten a home energy audit, this winter is a great time to do it. Not only will you get the most accurate insights on issues affecting your home’s comfort and heating efficiency (see above), but you will qualify for an Xcel Energy rebate if you decide to get another audit 2+ years in the future.

Book Your Denver Energy Audit Today!

REenergizeCO often sees substantial interest in home energy audits during the last few months of the year. This is because, once winter rolls around, homeowners start seeing their energy bills rise and struggle to get warm despite running the heat.

Our energy auditors perform assessments year-round. When you visit the Xcel Energy website, you will see that we are listed as the top rebate-producing contractor performing home energy audits in the Denver area.

At REenergizeCO, we prioritize accuracy and honesty. We also view ourselves as a partner in helping our customers with all things efficiency, from the home energy audit to performing quality upgrades to helping you apply for the rebate from Xcel.

To schedule an energy audit in Denver, contact REenergizeCO today. We serve homeowners throughout the metro area, sun or snow.