HVAC Energy Audits & Professional Home Performance Assessments
-min.jpg)
Stop Guessing, Start Saving: The Homeowner’s Guide to HVAC Energy Audits
You’ve tried it all: adjusting the thermostat, sealing windows, even using that draft snake under the door. Yet your energy bills remain high, and some rooms never feel quite right.
That’s because most fixes are just educated guesses—treating symptoms, not causes.
A professional home performance assessment (energy audit) is different. It’s a data-driven diagnosis of your home’s energy use, showing exactly where efficiency is lost and how to fix it.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, following audit recommendations can cut energy bills by 5%–30%.
Is a Professional Energy Audit Right for You?
You’ll benefit from an audit if you experience any of these:
- High energy bills that don’t match your home’s size.
- Uneven temperatures (that one room always too hot or too cold).
- Drafts near windows, doors, or outlets.
- Dust or allergy issues linked to leaky ductwork.
- An aging HVAC system you’re considering replacing.
If you said “yes” to even one, your home has room for improvement—and savings.
What’s Included in a Professional Home Performance Assessment?
A real audit goes far beyond a walk-through. Certified technicians use specialized tools to measure your home’s efficiency and pinpoint problem areas.
1. Infrared Camera Inspection – Seeing the Invisible
- Reveals hidden insulation gaps and air leaks around windows, ceilings, and walls.
- Shows temperature differences across surfaces that your eyes can’t detect.
2. Blower Door Test – Finding Every Last Leak
- A large fan is installed in an exterior doorway to measure air tightness.
- Exaggerates leaks so technicians can detect where conditioned air escapes.
- Provides a clear leakiness score for your home’s envelope.
3. Duct Leakage Test – Protecting Your HVAC Investment
- Pressurizes your ductwork to measure how much air is leaking.
- ENERGY STAR reports 20–30% of conditioned air is often lost through ducts.
- Fixing leaks improves efficiency, comfort, and indoor air quality.
The ROI: Why an Audit Pays for Itself
An audit isn’t an expense—it’s an investment with measurable returns.
- Provides a prioritized list of fixes (biggest savings first).
- Common improvements like air sealing or attic insulation often pay back audit costs in 1–2 years.
- Prevents wasted money on the wrong upgrades (e.g., buying new windows when the real issue is attic leaks).
Decoding Your Report: A Personalized Roadmap
After your audit, you’ll receive a detailed report, not just a handshake.
Your report will:
- Summarize test results.
- Prioritize recommendations (low-cost, high-impact first).
- Provide a roadmap for long-term upgrades, including future HVAC investments sized for your improved home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take?
Typically 2–4 hours, with access needed to attic, basement, or crawlspace.
My house is new—do I still need one?
Yes. Even modern homes often have duct leaks, insulation gaps, or envelope issues.
Can I do a DIY audit?
A DIY check helps, but without tools like blower doors and thermal cameras, you’re still guessing. A professional audit delivers hard data.
Your Next Step Toward Comfort & Savings
Stop guessing at fixes. A professional home performance assessment gives you:
- Lower utility bills
- Better comfort in every room
- Cleaner, healthier air
- A clear upgrade roadmap
Ready to see exactly where your energy dollars are going?
Schedule a consultation with one of our certified specialists today and start saving smarter.
hear what our satisfied clients have to say
Dakota and his partner called ahead of their arrival, showed up in a timely manner, were courteous and respectful of our home. This is the first time we have used our warranty and all went very smoothly. . They left usno
Unique is quick to respond, efficient, and trustworthy. We have a great relationship with our HVAC service provider! Thanks for the good work!
I recently had the pleasure of hiring Unique Heating and Cooling to install a Bosch tankless water heater in my home, and I couldn't be happier with the experience. From the moment I contacted them, their customer service was exceptional. The team was fast, friendly, and very knowledgeable about the products they offer. They took the time to explain the benefits of the Bosch tankless water heater and answered all my questions thoroughly.
Our tech, Mitch was very professional! Arrived when he said he would, explained exactly what he was doing and made sure we had no questions before he left! Highly recommend Unique!
Milo came and diagnosed the problem with the cooling. He was able to fix it and make some recommendations. Very friendly and professional.
The best heating and air company! From the phone call through the visit, they are courteous and professional. On the day of the service, they call when they are on their way with the expected arrival time. Tech covers his shoes before walking in your door. They are friendly and very professional. Best decision we made when looking to have a new heating and cooling system put in several years ago. Highly recommend this company for all heating and cooling needs
I had a great experience with this company. While doing a routine maintenance of our mini split, the technician found an issue causing a refrigerant to leak. Dakota was prompt, personable, and professional. He told me upfront my expected cost and how long it would take to fix. I highly recommend their services and plan to use them again.
Well they tried but not hard enough. I had three different technicians and all three just told me that is how it is everything looks good. But it was not good. I finally had to call the best in St. Louis and they were here for 2 hours and now I’m very happy. They used a hose to spray the unit outside and my air is running just as it should be. My unit is only 4 years old. Sometimes it pays to go with the best!
Over the last couple years, I've worked with both Dakota and Gary at Unique. They are both professional, punctual, and personable. The company itself is very accommodating and easy to work with, always out the same day if you need them. They're great with call aheads so you you don't have to sit and wait, wondering when someone will arrive. Highly recommended!
Unique Heating and Cooling did repairs to our furnace after our home was struck by lightning. They were responsive and friendly and were able to do the repair for us quickly! We liked them so much, we used them again to have a whole home humidifier installed and we love it! We will continue to use Unique Heating and Cooling and have recommenced them to all of our friends and family! Thanks Unique!!
Service areas
.avif)