Getting Ready for Your Home Energy Audit

What to do before the auditor arrives

A home energy audit is a walk-through inspection where a trained person looks at how your house uses energy and where it loses heat or cooling. Before they arrive, you need to clear access to your attic, basement, crawl space, and exterior walls — anywhere insulation, air leaks, or heating and cooling equipment might be hiding. You should also have your utility bills from the past year ready, know where your thermostat is, and make sure someone who knows how the house operates will be home during the visit.

The auditor will use tools like thermal cameras and blower doors to find problems you can't see. Your job beforehand is simply to make sure they can actually get to those spaces and that you can answer basic questions about your home's age, any recent repairs, and what heating and cooling system you have. If you rent, check your lease or contact your landlord — some weatherization programs require landlord permission before an audit can happen.

Key Takeaways

• Clear a path to your attic, basement, crawl space, and exterior walls so the auditor can inspect insulation and air leaks.
• Gather your utility bills from the past 12 months and know your home's age and heating system type before the appointment.
• Make sure someone familiar with how the house operates will be present during the audit to answer questions about past repairs and system maintenance.
• If you rent, confirm with your landlord that the audit is permitted under your lease before scheduling.
• Plan for the audit to take two to three hours, and expect the auditor to access crawl spaces and attics where it may be dusty or cramped.

Clearing access to hidden spaces

The attic is where most energy loss happens, so the auditor will need to get up there safely. Remove boxes, storage, and anything blocking the entrance or the floor joists. If your attic access is a pull-down ladder, make sure it opens smoothly. A basement or crawl space audit requires the same thing — clear a path to the walls, foundation, and any pipes or ducts. If you have a crawl space with standing water or mold, tell the program before the appointment; some auditors will not enter unsafe spaces, and the program may need to address that first.

Exterior walls and the foundation are inspected from the outside and inside. Make sure the auditor can walk around your house without climbing over landscaping or debris. If you have a deck, fence, or shed against the house, let the program know in advance — they may need to see behind it. Move cars out of the driveway if possible so the auditor has room to work and can see the full exterior.

Gathering documents and information about your home

Bring your utility bills — electric, gas, or both — from the past 12 months. The auditor uses these to understand your actual energy use and to spot patterns. If you have a smart meter or online account access, take a screenshot of your usage history. You should also know or look up your home's age, the type of heating system (furnace, heat pump, boiler, electric baseboard), when it was last serviced, and whether you have air conditioning. If you've had any recent work done — new windows, insulation added, a roof replaced — write down the year and what was done.

Write down any comfort problems you've noticed: rooms that are always cold or hot, drafts, moisture, or high heating and cooling bills in certain months. These details help the auditor understand what to look for. If you have the original home inspection report from when you bought the house, or any energy audit from a previous owner, bring that too. It gives context for what's already known about the house's condition.

Making sure someone knowledgeable is home

The auditor will ask questions about how you use the house, when you adjust the thermostat, whether you run exhaust fans, and how often you open windows. They need someone who actually lives there and knows the answers. If you work during the day, schedule the audit for a time when you or another household member can be present. The auditor may also ask to see inside cabinets under sinks, behind appliances, or in closets to check for air leaks and insulation.

Plan for the visit to take two to three hours. The auditor will be moving in and out of the house, using equipment, and taking notes. You don't need to stay with them the entire time, but you should be available to answer questions and unlock spaces as needed. If you have pets, consider keeping them in one room so they don't follow the auditor around or get in the way.

Understanding what the auditor will check

The auditor will inspect insulation levels in the attic, basement, and walls. They'll look for air leaks around windows, doors, electrical outlets, and where pipes or ducts pass through walls. They'll check the condition of weatherstripping and caulk. They'll examine your heating and cooling system, including the furnace or heat pump, ductwork, and thermostat. If you have a water heater, they'll look at that too and check whether it's insulated.

They'll use a blower door test, which temporarily pressurizes your house to find leaks you can't see. They may use a thermal camera to spot cold spots or moisture problems. They'll also look at your roof, foundation, and any visible damage. None of this requires you to do anything — just stay out of their way and answer questions when asked. After the audit, you'll receive a report with findings and recommendations for improvements that weatherization programs can help with.

What to do if you rent

Renters need landlord permission before a weatherization audit can happen. Check your lease to see whether it allows energy audits or home improvements. Contact your landlord in writing — email is best — and explain that you're looking into a free energy audit through a weatherization program. Many landlords will agree because the improvements benefit the property. If your landlord refuses, the program cannot proceed, so confirm this before scheduling.

Some programs have a separate process for rental properties and may contact the landlord directly. Ask the program whether they'll handle that communication or whether you need to. If the landlord agrees, they may need to sign a form allowing the work. Keep a copy of any permission for your records.

Preparing your home for safety and comfort during the visit

Make sure your home is safe for the auditor to move around in. Secure loose rugs, clear pathways, and remove tripping hazards. If you have a basement or crawl space with low ceilings, warn the program in advance. If you have a dog or cat, let them know so they can be prepared. If you have a security system, disarm it or give the auditor the code so they don't trigger an alarm when opening doors or windows.

The auditor may need to open windows or doors briefly during testing, so your house may get a bit cold or warm during the visit. Dress in layers. If you have young children or elderly household members who are sensitive to temperature changes, plan for that. The blower door test is safe and doesn't damage anything, but it can feel strange — your house will feel drafty for a few minutes while it's running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to clean my house before the auditor comes?

No. The auditor is looking at insulation and air leaks, not judging your housekeeping. That said, clear pathways to the attic, basement, and crawl space so they can safely access those areas. Remove boxes or storage that's blocking doors or access points.

What if I don't have utility bills from the past year?

Contact your utility company and request a 12-month history. Most companies provide this free online or by phone. If you've recently moved, bring whatever bills you have. The auditor can still do the audit without a full year of data, though the report will be less detailed.

Can the auditor go into my attic if it's not insulated yet?

Yes. The auditor needs to see what's currently there — whether there's insulation, how much, and what condition it's in. That's the whole point of the audit. If your attic is unfinished and dusty, that's normal. Wear old clothes if you're going up there with them.

What happens if the auditor finds mold or structural problems?

The auditor will document it in the report. If there's mold or water damage, the weatherization program may pause work until those issues are fixed, since adding insulation over a wet or moldy area can make it worse. You may need to address those problems first, either on your own or through another program.

How long after the audit will I know what improvements are recommended?

You'll receive a written report, usually within one to two weeks. The report will list recommended improvements and which ones the weatherization program can help with. Some programs schedule a follow-up meeting to walk through the findings with you.