Home Energy Audit

What Does a Home Energy Audit Cover?

A comprehensive home energy audit goes beyond a simple star rating. An accredited auditor assesses every aspect of your home’s energy use to build a complete picture of where energy is consumed, where it is wasted, and what changes will deliver the biggest savings. A typical audit covers:

• Building envelope — Insulation levels in walls, ceiling, and floor; window types and condition; air tightness and draught sources; roof colour and material.
• Heating and cooling systems — Type, age, efficiency rating, and condition of all heating and cooling equipment including split systems, ducted systems, gas heaters, and evaporative coolers.
• Hot water system — Type (electric, gas, solar, heat pump), age, capacity, and estimated running cost.
• Lighting — Type and quantity of light fittings, opportunities to switch to LED.
• Appliances — Major energy-consuming appliances including refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and cooking equipment.
• Solar and renewable energy — Existing solar PV system performance, battery storage opportunities, and potential for additional generation.
• Occupant behaviour — Thermostat settings, usage patterns, and simple behavioural changes that can reduce consumption.

Who Should Get a Home Energy Audit?

A home energy audit is valuable for a wide range of homeowners and situations:

• High energy bills — If your electricity or gas bills seem unreasonably high, an audit can pinpoint exactly where the energy is going and recommend the most cost-effective fixes.
• Comfort issues — Homes that are too hot in summer or too cold in winter despite running heating and cooling systems often have building envelope issues that an audit will identify.
• Before renovating — An audit before a renovation helps you prioritise energy improvements and potentially incorporate them into your renovation budget.
• Before selling — Understanding and improving your home’s energy performance can increase its market appeal and value.
• Accessing government programs — Some rebate and upgrade programs, such as the Victorian Energy Upgrades program, may require or recommend an energy audit as a first step.
• Environmental motivation — Homeowners wanting to reduce their carbon footprint benefit from an audit’s prioritised recommendations.

The Home Energy Audit Process

When you request a quote through ESD Consultants, we connect you with an accredited energy auditor in your area. Here is what to expect:

1. Initial consultation — The auditor discusses your goals, reviews your energy bills, and schedules the on-site visit.
2. On-site assessment (2–4 hours) — The auditor inspects the building envelope, measures insulation, tests for draughts, assesses all systems, and may use thermal imaging to identify heat loss areas.
3. Analysis and modelling — The auditor analyses the collected data, models energy consumption, and calculates the potential savings from various upgrade options.
4. Report delivery (5–10 business days) — You receive a detailed written report including current energy use, a prioritised list of recommended upgrades, estimated costs, and projected annual savings for each recommendation.

Home Energy Audit Costs

The cost of a home energy audit depends on the level of detail and the size of the property:

• Basic walk-through audit: $300–$500
• Comprehensive audit with thermal imaging: $500–$800
• Detailed audit with blower door test: $800–$1,200

Many homeowners find that the savings identified in the audit pay for the cost of the assessment within the first year. For more pricing information, see our energy rating cost guide.

Common Recommendations from a Home Energy Audit

Based on thousands of audits conducted by assessors in our network, the most common and impactful recommendations include:

• Ceiling insulation — Adding or topping up ceiling insulation is typically the single most cost-effective improvement, saving $200–$500 per year.
• Draught sealing — Sealing gaps around doors, windows, and exhaust fans costs as little as $200–$500 and can save $100–$300 annually.
• Hot water system upgrade — Replacing an old electric storage system with a heat pump can save $400–$800 per year.
• LED lighting — Switching to LED throughout the home typically saves $100–$200 per year.
• Window improvements — Adding window film, heavy curtains, or upgrading to double glazing can significantly reduce heating and cooling loads.

For existing homes, also consider a full energy assessment or a NatHERS assessment to obtain a formal star rating. Use our Energy Rating Calculator for a quick preliminary estimate, or find a consultant in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Services

• Energy Assessments for Existing Homes
• NatHERS Assessment
• Victorian Energy Upgrades Program
• Find an Auditor Near You