How Much Does a Home Energy Assessment Cost in 2025?
A home energy assessment costs $437 on average
A home energy audit costs $437 on average, with most homeowners paying between $212 and $698.
The key cost factors that affect the total price include your home size, the testing level, and the testing type.
A HERS score helps you compare your home to others in the area, with lower scores representing the best efficiency.
Rebates and tax credits are available to help reduce the cost of energy improvements.
Having a professional home energy audit identifies waste, improves comfort, and helps reduce utility costs through targeted upgrades.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
On average, a home energy audit costs $437, with prices ranging between $100 and $2,400. If your home feels drafty in the winter or stuffy in the summer, you might be losing energy without even realizing it. A home energy audit can help pinpoint where your home is wasting energy so you can make improvements that boost comfort and save money. Costs vary based on your home's size and the type of testing, but with potential rebates and tax credits, investing in a professional energy audit is a smart move that pays off in the long run.
Home Energy Assessment Cost Factors
The cost of your home energy assessment depends on several factors, including the type of assessment, the size of your home, materials needed for the evaluation, labor costs, and additional factors such as location and accessibility.
Type of Assessment
The type of home energy assessment you choose impacts the overall cost. Basic assessments, such as a standard walk-through inspection, are less expensive and cost between $150 to $200. Comprehensive assessments that include detailed testing, such as blower door tests, duct leakage tests, and infrared imaging, cost between $300 and $900, depending on the level of detail and equipment used.
| Type of Assessment | Description | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Basic walk-through | A visual inspection without specialized equipment | $150–$200 |
| Standard audit | Includes basic tests like blower door test | $300–$500 |
| Comprehensive audit | Includes detailed testing and analysis | $500–$900 |
Home Size
Larger homes require more time to perform a home energy audit, causing costs to increase. Most standard home energy audit prices are calculated based on home size, with prices ranging from $0.08 to $0.50 per square foot. Homes with many windows, drafty areas, and other points of potential energy loss often have a higher cost.
| Home Size (Sq. Ft) | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1,000 | $80–$500 |
| 1,500 | $120–$750 |
| 2,000 | $160–$1,000 |
| 2,500 | $200–$1,250 |
| 3,000 | $240–$1,500 |
Labor
When you conduct a home energy audit, you’re paying for a local energy auditor's time, expertise, and testing equipment. Since materials costs are rarely associated with the audit, labor makes up the primary costs.
Location and Accessibility
Your geographical location and the accessibility of areas in your home can affect labor costs. Regions with a higher cost of living may have higher labor rates. Additionally, homes that are difficult to access or have areas that are hard to reach may require more time and effort, increasing the overall cost.
The national average for an energy audit is $437, the price varies depending on your location and the local cost of living. For example, the average price for an energy audit in Boston is $550, while Chicago averages $450. In San Francisco, home energy audits average $300, while in New York, they can be as high as $800.
Testing Type
A home energy audit may include several types of tests, which can impact the total cost of your audit.
One of the most common tests in a home energy audit is the blower door test, which costs $350. To perform the test, the auditor mounts a strong fan in an exterior door and measures the air that escapes. This test enables you to assess airtightness and identify points to improve efficiency.
Another key test is the duct test, which costs $100. This test measures the pressure and airflow in your home’s ducts, assessing for any leaks, blockages, or other issues that can cause energy loss.
Many homeowners also opt for an infrared test, which costs $200. Infrared tests measure areas where hot or cold air is escaping and detect excess moisture.
HERS Rating
HERS—or the Home Energy Rating System—compares a home’s energy efficiency against other homes on a state and national level. The typical baseline score is 100 for a new, code-build home. Lower HERS scores indicate a more efficient home, often more attractive to home buyers.
Auditors usually offer the option to add a HERS assessment and score to your energy audit. HERS rating testing costs $375, with additional certifications costing $200. HERS testing is popular for homeowners considering selling their home or for home buyers who want to assess a potential home before making a purchase.
Rebates, Tax Credits, and Incentives
Many homeowners qualify for rebates, tax credits, or incentives that can lower the cost of your home energy audit. The federal government and many state and local agencies offer programs to help offset the cost of energy audits and efficiency improvements. For instance, federal tax credits may cover up to $150 of your audit cost, and additional credits could apply when you make energy-saving upgrades. Be sure to check with your local utility companies and government agencies to see what's available. Some utilities even offer free or discounted energy audits to their customers. By taking advantage of these programs, you can reduce your upfront costs without cutting corners on quality.
Add-Ons
After your energy audit, you might see some areas where your home could be more energy-efficient. Here are some common upgrades homeowners consider:
Window replacement: $3,400 to $11,800
Home insulation replacement: $1,000 to $2,600
Heat pump installation: $4,200 to $8,000
Investing in these improvements can lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
Home Energy Audit Cost by ASHRAE Level
The American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) organizes home energy audits into three categories: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
| ASHRAE Audit Level | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| 1 | $0.08–$0.12 |
| 2 | $0.12–$0.35 |
| 3 | $0.36–$0.50 |
ASHRAE Level 1
ASHRAE 1 is the most basic level of energy audit, averaging $0.08 to $0.20 per square foot, or $150 to $200 for most homes. It comprises a walk-through inspection of your home, during which your auditor discusses your utility bills and energy efficiency. Your auditor will recommend areas to potentially save energy, or they may recommend a more in-depth audit if any parts of your home suggest a major energy concern.
ASHRAE Level 2
Level 2 energy audits cost $0.12 to $0.35 per square foot, with most homeowners spending around $200 to $650. This level involves a more comprehensive inspection that includes appliance evaluations and a walk-through inspection. The auditor creates a report recommending upgrades to improve energy efficiency with corresponding costs.
ASHRAE Level 3
Level 3 is the most intensive level of home energy audit, costing $0.36 to $0.50 per square foot or $650 to $900 for a residential home. This level includes all the components of Level 1 and Level 2 and a thorough analysis of energy efficiency for heating and cooling systems. It also contains highly technical energy efficiency recommendations. In most cases, ASHRAE Level 3 audits are reserved for commercial buildings, but homeowners who suspect significant energy issues can also seek a Level 3 audit.
Budgeting for a Home Energy Assessment
While a professional home energy audit uses specialized tools and expertise, you might wonder if you can do it yourself. Without proper training, it can be tough to spot all the ways your home might be wasting energy. For an official HERS rating, you'll need a certified auditor. But don't worry—there are ways to keep costs down:
Check out rebates and incentives: You might qualify for programs that reduce the cost of your audit and improvements.
Get multiple quotes: Compare prices and services from different pros to find the best fit.
Choose the right level of assessment: Pick an audit level that matches your needs and budget.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
To prepare for a home energy audit, begin by preparing your space. Clear any obstructions around the attic, basement, ducts, crawl space, appliances, windows, and doors. Gather all your energy bills from the last year and information on home upgrades if you’ve made any changes. If you’ve previously had an audit done, include that information as well.
Finally, be prepared to discuss any questions or concerns you have. If you’ve noticed a rise in your energy bills, hot or cold areas in your home, or unusual sounds from ducts or appliances, make a list to discuss with your auditor.
How often you should get an energy audit depends on the age and condition of your home. New homes with no issues are recommended to get an audit every five years, while older homes should audit every two to three years. If you’ve noticed any changes to your energy bills or other areas of concern, you should get an audit as soon as possible. It’s also a good idea to conduct an audit if you’ve made changes or upgrades to your home, such as installing a new furnace, windows, or doors.
An energy audit takes three to four hours to complete. Your auditor sets up testing equipment, conducts an exhaustive walk‑through inspection, and performs all required evaluations to identify energy loss points. The audit follows a systematic review that includes visual assessments, mechanical tests, and detailed documentation, resulting in a precise report of improvement recommendations.
You can schedule a home energy audit any time of the year—it all depends on what's convenient for you. That said, timing it right can help you tackle issues before they impact your comfort and bills. If you live in a colder climate and want to avoid high heating costs in the winter, getting an audit in the summer allows you to make improvements before the temperature drops. On the contrary, if hot summers are your concern, a spring audit can help you stay cool and save on air conditioning.
To find a qualified home energy auditor, start by searching for local energy auditors with great reviews and recognized certifications like those from the Building Performance Institute (BPI). These credentials ensure they're qualified and can help you qualify for rebates. Don't hesitate to ask about their audit methods and schedule a consultation to see if they're a good fit for your needs. Doing some research upfront helps you get top-notch service and maximize your energy efficiency.
Once you have your energy audit report, it's time to take action. Review the recommendations and prioritize the upgrades that make the most sense for your home and budget. Reach out to experienced pros to get quotes and discuss how they can help. By making these improvements, you'll boost your home's energy efficiency, lower your utility bills, and enjoy a more comfortable living space.
Get our Angi-powered app
