An energy audit can help you begin to understand where and how you use energy.  This analysis of your usage can help you identify the most effective ways, both in cost and energy, to invest in energy efficiency measures and projects.    

Energy Audit. You can hire a trained professional to conduct your audit or do an analysis yourself. Past utility bills, building plans, and inspection of your home and its systems can help to assess ways to save energy. Online calculators may also help you prepare a list of measures and projects to implement.  

Whole Building Performance (WBP) Test. This expands upon a basic energy audit by, for example, testing furnace ducts for leaks and assessing leaks in a building’s walls, floors, and ceilings. A WBP test will analyze the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures and projects. WBP tests by trained professionals normally cost several hundred dollars.  

PG&E provides many free energy auditing services.  Local organizations in the East Bay also offer free energy audits, including Rising Sun Energy Center (RSEC) Free Green House Call for residents and Community Energy Services Corporation’s (CESC) SmartLights program for businesses. 

 

The SmartSolar Program can also offer you a partial reimbursement for conducting an energy audit using a qualifying Home Performance Contractor. Download the Energy Audit Reimbursement Application for more information.