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How Much Does a Home Energy Assessment Cost in 2024?

Typical Range:

$212 - $700

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 814 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

How We Get This Data

Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.

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When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.

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We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated September 30, 2024

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

A home energy audit costs $436 on average, with most homeowners paying between $212 and $700.
Key cost factors include home size, testing level, and testing type.
A HERS score helps you compare your home to others in the area.
Rebates and tax credits help reduce the cost of energy improvements.
Home energy upgrades can improve air quality, save energy costs, and increase home value.

On average, it costs $436 to conduct a home energy audit in 2024. Most homeowners spend between $212 and $700, with costs varying based on home size, testing level, labor costs, and the type of testing conducted. A home energy audit provides an energy report and recommendations to improve energy efficiency, which can increase the value of your home, improve air quality and safety, and save you money on energy costs for years to come.

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National Average	$436
Typical Range	$212 - $700
Low End - High End	$100 - $2,400

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 814 HomeAdvisor members.

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Home Energy Assessment Cost Factors

How much your home energy assessment costs depends on a range of factors, including the size of your home, the type of tests you choose to include, the level of testing, and labor costs in your area.

Home Size

Generally, larger homes require more time to perform a home energy audit. Most standard home energy audits cost $0.08 to $0.15 per square foot, but they can go as high as $0.50 per square foot. Homes with many windows, drafty areas, and other points of potential energy loss usually have a higher cost.

Home Size in Square Feet	Average Cost for Energy Audit
1,000	$80–$150
1,500	$120–$225
2,000	$160–$300
2,500	$200–$375
3,000	$240–$450

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. To perform the test, the auditor mounts a strong fan in an exterior door and measures the amount of air that escapes. This enables you to assess airtightness and identify points to improve efficiency. Blower door tests typically range from $100 to $350.

Another key test is the duct test, which measures the pressure and airflow in your home’s ducts. This test assesses for any leaks, blockages, or other issues that can cause energy loss. On average, a duct test costs $100 to $200.

Many homeowners also opt for an infrared test, which measures areas where hot or cold air is escaping. It’s also helpful for detecting moisture. Infrared testing typically costs $200 to $500, depending on the size of your home.

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, which is often more attractive to home buyers.

Auditors usually offer the option to add a HERS assessment and score to your energy audit. Testing usually costs $150 to $250, with additional certifications like duct leakage or high energy efficiency ratio for $50 to $100. 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.

Energy-Saving Home Improvements

Once your auditor has completed their assessment, they’ll likely make recommendations for improving your home's energy efficiency. Depending on your goals and budget, you may choose to implement some or all of these improvements. Some common energy-saving home improvements include:

Improvement	Average Cost
Window replacement	$300–$500 per window
Front door replacement	$450–$1,500
Weather stripping	$150–$450
Water heater installation	$900–$2,000
Furnace installation	$2,800–$7,000
Home insulation replacement	$2.50–$8.00 per sq. ft.
Heat pump installation	$5,700

Rebates

Rebates can be a great way to save money on home energy audits and improvements. The federal government and many state and local governments offer a range of rebates and home energy tax credits to homeowners who meet the appropriate criteria for improving energy efficiency in their homes. Check with your local authorities to learn what options are available to help you save on energy efficiency costs, furnace repair costs, and other home energy upgrades.

Consult the IRS for general information on home energy tax credits. These credits typically apply for improvements to your principal residence and can significantly reduce costs. Some credits even apply to the audit process itself, helping you save up to $150 on the cost of your home energy audit.

Labor

When you conduct a home energy audit, you’re paying for the time, expertise, and testing equipment of a professional auditor. Since there are rarely materials costs associated with the audit, labor makes up the primary costs.

Labor costs vary depending on your location and the local cost of living. For example, the average cost for an energy audit in Houston is $270, while Chicago averages $450. In Los Angeles, home energy audit costs can go as high as $900 on average.

Home Energy Audit 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 Square Foot
1	$0.08–$0.20
2	$0.20–$0.35
3	$0.35–$0.50

ASHRAE Level 1

ASHRAE 1 is the most basic level of energy audit. It typically comprises a walk-through inspection of your home, during which your auditor discusses your utility bills and energy efficiency. Your auditor usually recommends 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.

Level 1 audits average around $0.08 to $0.20 per square foot, or about $150 to $200 for most homes.

ASHRAE Level 2

Level 2 is a more comprehensive inspection that includes appliance evaluations and a walk-through inspection. The auditor creates a report with recommended upgrades to improve energy efficiency and corresponding costs. This level typically costs $0.20 to $0.35 per square foot, with most homeowners spending around $200 to $650.

ASHRAE Level 3

Level 3 is the most intensive level of home energy audit and includes all the components of Level 1 and Level 2 and a thorough analysis of energy efficiency for heating and cooling systems. It typically includes 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. It typically costs $0.35 to $0.50 per square foot or $650 to $900 for a residential home.

Does a Home Energy Assessment Increase Home Value?

A home energy assessment can increase home value and be a strong selling point if your home receives a good score. If your score isn’t good, consider improvements that could significantly boost the value of your home.

A home energy assessment provides several valuable benefits. It enables you to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment, improve your home's safety and air quality, stabilize your house's temperature, and save a meaningful amount on heating and cooling costs. These features benefit you while you live in your home while also appealing to potential home buyers.

Additionally, home energy audits can provide you with a standardized HERS score, so potential buyers can easily compare your home against others on the market and see the benefits.

Budgeting for a Home Energy Assessment

Conducting a home energy assessment requires professional tools and expertise. If you’re looking for an official HERS rating, you’ll need a certified auditor to provide the appropriate documentation. However, there are plenty of steps you can take to make your audit budget-friendly:

Consider which tests are best for your home: Depending on the layout and features of your home, you may not need every test. Consider whether infrared testing, duct tests, blower tests, and others will be useful, and choose the tests that best suit your budget.
Clear your space ahead of time for easy access: Remove any obstructions from around your doors, windows, appliances, and ductwork. An easy-to-access area makes your audit go faster, saving you money.
Look into tax credits and rebates before you start: Depending on where you live, you may even be able to access some free basic audit services. Other rebates may cover the cost of an audit or some improvements, which can help offset the total cost.
Contact multiple contractors: Compare quotes from several home energy auditors in your area.

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.

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FAQs

How can you 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 any 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 do you need a home energy audit?

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 promptly. 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.

How long does a home energy audit take?

Most home energy audits take about three to four hours. Your inspector sets up and performs tests and conducts a thorough walk-through evaluation. Larger homes, more complex homes, and audits with more tests can add extra time.

What time of year is best for a home energy audit?

The home energy audit process isn’t seasonal, so you can conduct an audit anytime. However, some seasons may be more beneficial depending on your climate. For example, if you live in a cool region and spend a lot on heating in the winter, conducting your audit before the cold weather hits can give you more time to make improvements.