DIY Home Energy Audit Checklist (Free PDF)

Are rising utility bills and drafty rooms keeping you up at night? It’s time for a DIY home energy audit checklist, a powerful, no-cost way to identify inefficiencies and start saving money. A proper audit spotlights heat losses, inefficient appliances, poor insulation, and behavioral habits that drive up energy usage. Even better, our free downloadable PDF checklist guides you step by step to uncover these issues, and gives you the tools to fix them.

In this article, you’ll:

• Learn how to conduct a room-by-room audit
• Identify common energy-wasting culprits (like drafts, leaks, old appliances)
• Use practical tools (like infrared thermometers and smart plugs)
• Get quick-fix and long-term upgrade suggestions
• Discover tips that amplify results, like smart thermostats and insulation
• Understand what to do next after completing your audit

Already completed a basic audit? This checklist helps you drill deeper for bigger savings. Whether you’re renting or own the property, this method saves energy, enhances comfort, and reduces carbon impact, all without paid professionals. Ready to start? Let’s dive in.

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Understanding the DIY Home Energy Audit Checklist

Explain how the checklist works:

• Room-by-room focus
• Tools needed (infrared thermometer, candle/incense, tape measure, etc.)
• Structure: exterior envelope → HVAC systems → appliances → habits
• Free PDF: instant download as a printable and shareable guide

Internal link: Download our printable checklist now and follow along with this article, or view the full process in our Ultimate Guide to Home Energy Efficiency.

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Step 1: Exterior Envelope Evaluation

a. Doors & Windows

• Use the incense/candle test to detect drafts
• Use infrared thermometer to measure temperature variation
• Test window glazes and weather stripping
• Record findings on checklist
• Solution suggestions: weather stripping, double-glazing, insulated curtains

b. Walls & Attic

• Inspect insulation levels with attic hatch inspection
• Look for gaps around wires, vents, plumbing lines
• Note defects: bare pipes or exposed sheathing
• Include insulation upgrades and caulking in checklist

c. Ventilation & Drafts

• Check attic/recessed lights, floor registers, ductwork
• Pressure door test
• Add foam tape or caulking as needed

Internal link: For more DIY sealing methods, see How to Install Weather Stripping.

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Step 2: HVAC System & Distribution

a. Thermostat Setup

• Confirm location, temperature calibration, schedule programming
• Use thermostat features (smart thermostat setup)
• Add scheduling details to checklist

b. Filters & Maintenance

• Check MERV rating and dates
• Inspect ducts and seal leaks
• Include duct sealing, blower-door test note

Internal link: See tips in How Smart Thermostats Save You Money

c. Air Distribution

• Check vents, hot/cold spot mapping
• Ceiling fan reversal
• Smart vent solutions
• Add zoning suggestions to checklist

d. Heating/Cooling Systems

• Inspect condenser coils, refrigerant lines
• Heat pump defrost function, pilot light checks
• Schedule professional tune-up if necessary

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Step 3: Appliance & Lighting Inspection

a. Refrigerators & Freezers

• Check age, seals, usage temperature
• Compressor cycles and energy monitor
• Suggest replacement with ENERGY STAR units

b. Laundry & Dishwashers

• Cold water use, Eco cycles, full loads
• High-efficiency detergent
• Suggest smart plug usage for standby reduction

Internal link: Related recommendations in Top 5 Energy-Efficient Appliances for 2025

c. Lighting

• Replace bulbs with LED equivalents
• Note dimmer switches, motion sensors
• Sign off on LED upgrade in checklist

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Step 4: Water Heating & Plumbing

a. Tank Inspection

• Location, temperature setting
• Dip test or infrared check
• Add insulation wrap

b. Distribution

• Pipe insulation, insulation thickness
• Leaks and dripping faucets—checklist additions

c. Fixtures & Usage

• Flow rates, aerator maintenance, showerheads
• Install low-flow fixtures

Internal link: For outdoor winter readiness, see Winter Energy Saving Tips

d. Advanced Controller

• Recommend smart controllers (Rheem, Aquanta)
• Plan addition to checklist

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Step 5: Smart Behavior & Monitoring

a. Smart Tools

• Install energy monitors and smart plugs
• Use timers, apps, patterns
• Quote ROI from Smart Gadgets Guide

b. Household Habits

• Draft checks monthly
• Temperature habits and cycle reduction
• Checklist prompts for reminders

c. Feedback Loop

• Review utility bills, compare for SUCCESS
• Re-run checklist every 6–12 months

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Step 6: Long-Term Upgrade Recommendations

Based on checklist scores:

1. Weather-stripping, draft sealing
2. Insulation (attic, walls, floor rim)
3. Smart thermostat
4. LED lighting + smart plugs
5. Appliance upgrades
6. Water heating
7. Solar battery or solar panels

Link: Solar Panels vs Solar Roofs, Ultimate Guide to Home Energy Efficiency

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How Our Free PDF Works

Explain PDF includes:

• Printable checklist
• Space for notes/timing
• Optional scoring system
• Links back to specific guides for fixes
• Email form and download process

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Putting It All Together

• Perform audit room by room
• Prioritize fixes, create phases
• Track savings and update
• Re-check after climate change or renovation

FAQs