Home Energy Audit FAQs
The Home Energy Audit is a great place to start when considering home energy improvements. The audit:
- Provides an overview of your home’s typical energy use
- Identifies specific areas within your home that could benefit from energy efficiency improvements and explains the corrective measures suggested
- Prioritizes energy efficiency improvements that will contribute most to reduced energy use
Appointments generally take 1.5 to 2 hours. If unable to keep your appointment, please notify the auditor at least 24-hours in advance.
Yes, you must be present when the auditor is working in your home. You will play an active role in the energy audit process by answering questions. It’s also a great opportunity for you to learn about your home’s energy use and ask questions.
The report is a written record of what the auditor found at your home, along with recommendations for improvements. The final report will be emailed to you directly by the auditor. Hard copies are available upon request and will be mailed to the address listed on your Avista account.
The audit identifies areas for energy efficiency improvements and is the first step towards savings. Implementing the audit recommendations can increase your comfort and energy savings.
The third-party contract auditors that Avista has partnered with for the Home Energy Audit program have met required professional and educational prerequisites, certifying them as energy auditors to conduct home performance evaluations.
- The auditor will need access to all the rooms in your house, the heating and cooling equipment, the attic and the basement or crawlspace. Clear items away from these areas for safe access.
- Pets need to be kept safely away from the auditor. During the audit, doors may be opened several times, so pets that aren’t allowed outside will need to be kept in a safe location.
- Write down any questions or concerns you have ahead of time.
- Be an active participant! Let your auditor know up front what concerns you have and point out uncomfortable areas in your home. Ask questions and take notes. If you’re not familiar with a term, ask for clarification.
- Once the audit is complete, the auditor will review their findings and recommendations with you and prepare a report of the information. The report is your record of the audit and provides a prioritized list of recommended improvements with approximate costs and expected energy savings.
Recommendations vary depending on what is found at each individual home and are specific to each home. The auditor will share information about Avista rebate programs relevant to specific recommendations.
Any services beyond the initial audit and installation of improvements are the financial responsibility of the homeowner.
Our auditors are trained, certified experienced professionals. Additionally, jobs will be randomly selected for review by a trained and certified third-party professional.
Should you decide to proceed with any of the recommendations, your next step may be to hire a professional to do the work. Please see our recommendations for finding a contractor.
For all other questions related to your home energy audit, call (509) 495-4728, or email HomeEnergyAudit@avistacorp.com.