Home Energy Audit
Assess your home and site energy use: where energy comes from, where it goes, and where passive design and renewables can reduce dependence on external inputs. This is the built-environment equivalent of a water audit.
Version History
Version 1.0 Current
Effective: 2026-03-30Initial version
Procedure Details
Do not open electrical panels or modify wiring. For solar/wind assessment, work safely on roofs or use ground-level observation.
You will need:
- Recent electricity and gas bills (12 months if possible)
- Compass (for orientation assessment)
- Thermometer (indoor/outdoor)
- Camera for documenting issues
- Your site map showing building orientation
Procedure Steps (Version 1.0)
Record your annual electricity usage from bills (kWh/year) and gas usage if applicable.
Map your building orientation: which walls face north (southern hemisphere) or south (northern hemisphere)? This determines passive solar potential.
Assess insulation: ceiling, walls, floor, windows. Rate each from 1 (none) to 5 (excellent).
Check for thermal leaks: gaps under doors, single-glazed windows, uninsulated hot water pipes.
Assess passive solar performance: does winter sun enter living spaces? Is summer sun blocked? Rate 1-5.
Evaluate your roof for solar panel potential: orientation, shading, area available, structural condition.
Identify your top 3 energy uses (typically heating/cooling, hot water, appliances) and estimate each.
Identify 3 low-cost improvements: draught sealing, curtains, shading, insulation top-up.
Identify potential renewable energy: rooftop solar, solar hot water, small wind, biogas from animal waste.
Record all findings as observations. Calculate potential savings from top 3 improvements.