DIY Energy Audit: A Beginner’s Guide for Your Home or Rental 

10/21/2025
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Learn how to do a DIY energy audit for your home or apartment. Spot leaks, cut waste, and lower your monthly power bills with this guide.

Most of us don’t think twice about how much energy silently escapes from our homes—until the power bill lands in our mailbox or inbox. The good news is that a few simple fixes can make a world of difference when it comes to saving energy. Whether you’re a homeowner or a renter, a DIY energy audit can help you spot where energy (and money) is slipping away. With a quick trip to the hardware store for some tools and an hour or two of your day, you can keep yourself comfortable and lower your monthly power bills.

 

Why Conduct a Home Energy Audit in Virginia?

Virginia is known for unpredictable weather—hot, humid summers, cold, frosty winters, and plenty of temperature swings in between. This unpredictability keeps heating and cooling

systems working hard to keep us comfortable all year long, often driving up energy costs. And even small inefficiencies, like a drafty window or a clogged air filter, can add up to bigger bills.

That’s where a DIY energy audit comes in. A quick inspection can reveal hidden leaks and drafts, outdated lighting, and other simple upgrades that can help dramatically reduce energy waste and overpaying on your power bill.

 

Gather Your Audit Toolkit

Like any good project, preparation pays off. Having the right tools on hand will make your audit smoother and help you tackle problems right away. For starters, you’ll need:

  • Painter’s Tape
  • Caulk
  • Weatherstripping
  • Window Film
  • LED Lightbulbs
  • Duct Sealant
  • Replacement Air Filters
  •  Insulation
  •  Incense Stick

 

Step-by-Step DIY Home Energy Audit

A DIY energy audit doesn’t have to be complicated. Walk through your space with a close eye on where energy could be wasted and stop it at the source. Here’s how:

Prepare the Space

Turn off your HVAC system, close windows and doors, and briefly run exhaust fans to help detect leaks.

Identify Air Leaks

Light an incense stick and slowly pass it near windows, doors, outlets, and ductwork. If the smoke wavers, you’ve found a draft. Mark the spot with painter’s tape to seal later.

Inspect Insulation and Sealing

Check your attic, basement, and crawlspaces for thin or missing insulation. Be sure to look at the weatherstripping on windows and doors, as well. Note any gaps and add extra insulation and protection (caulking, weatherstripping, duct sealant, and window film) around those vulnerable areas.

Check Appliances, Lighting, and HVAC Performance

Take a look at the lightbulbs in your home and swap out any that aren’t energy-efficient. Opt for LEDs if you can—they last up to 25x longer than incandescent bulbs. Make a habit of turning off lights and electronics when they’re not in use. Check your thermostat settings and replace or clean dirty air filters. Jot down anything you notice that could be using more energy than you’d like.

 

Fix What You Find—Low-Cost Upgrades That Deliver

Once you’ve mapped out trouble spots, it’s time to give them the upgrade they deserve. By keeping equipment in good shape and pairing it with smart insulation, sealing air leaks, and efficient thermostat settings, you could save up to 30% on your power bill while reducing your home’s carbon footprint. Additionally, unplugging devices that aren’t in use, changing your HVAC filters, and putting that caulk and weatherstripping to good use around drafty doors and windows are small fixes that will keep your home (and wallet) more comfortable year-round.

 

When to Call in a Professional

Sometimes, DIY only goes so far. If you live in an older home, have complex HVAC issues, or have persistent drafts that you can’t seem to find, a professional audit might be worth it. With tools like blower doors and infrared cameras, professionals can pinpoint leaks and gaps in insulation that you wouldn’t be able to see yourself. A full audit typically costs around $400, depending on how thorough the assessment is, but it can identify thousands of dollars’ worth of potential savings over time. Be sure to look at current incentives and rebates to see if you qualify for programs, like the Weatherization Assistance Program, to help with upfront costs. 

For residents in Charlottesville and surrounding areas, LEAP can perform professional home energy audits and even install upgrades to help make you home more energy efficient. Dominion Energy customers can reach out directly to LEAP at info@leap-va.org or 434-227-4666. Learn more about LEAP and other programs when you visit our rebates and incentives page under the government and community organizations tab. 

 

Start Small, Save Big

The beauty of a DIY home energy audit is how simple it can be. With a short checklist and a few supplies, you can uncover hidden sources of inefficiencies, improve the comfort of your home, and reduce energy waste. At Virginia Energy Sense, we’re proud to offer resources to help you take the next step toward a cleaner, greener Virginia. Download our full DIY Guide and visit ValueYourPower.org for more tips, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.