Start with your energy story
Collect recent utility bills, note seasonal changes, and list rooms or systems that feel uncomfortable. Record heating and cooling equipment, water heating, insulation you can safely see, and appliances that run for long periods.
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends an energy evaluation as a first step because it helps identify which improvements may be most useful for a particular home.
Walk through common leak points
- Check visible gaps around doors, windows, attic hatches, baseboards, vents, and utility penetrations.
- Look for damaged weatherstripping or caulk and note rooms with drafts or uneven temperatures.
- Inspect accessible filters and equipment clearances according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Write down questions for a qualified professional instead of opening combustion equipment or electrical panels.
DOE’s Consumer Guide to Home Energy Assessments describes these observations as part of a broader assessment, not a substitute for one.
Turn observations into a plan
Prioritize actions by comfort, safety, expected impact, cost, and how easy they are to verify. Use Watt & Wall calculators to quantify individual loads or material quantities, then ask a qualified contractor or energy auditor to review complex changes.