How to Do an Energy Audit in 60 Minutes (Simple Weekend Project)

Professional energy audits can cost you $100 to $1,650—but what if you could uncover the same energy-wasting culprits for free? With just one hour this weekend, you can become your home's energy detective and start saving money immediately.

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Your heating and cooling bills are probably your biggest energy expense, but sneaky air leaks and phantom power drains are quietly stealing your cash right now. Those drafty windows and door frames? They're costing you 10 to 25 percent of your heating costs. Meanwhile, devices that stay plugged in can drain up to 10 percent of your electricity bill even when you think they're "off."

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Here’s what might shock you: some HVAC systems waste up to 30% of the energy they consume through leaky ductwork. The good news? The U.S. Department of Energy reports that simply sealing air leaks can save the average household 10 to 20 percent on heating and cooling bills—that's up to $166 per year!

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Get Ready: What You Need Before You Start

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Spending 15–20 minutes gathering the right materials will make your 60-minute energy audit much more effective.

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• Start with your utility bills — collect at least 12 months of electricity, water, and gas usage.
• Make a list of problem areas—such as drafty rooms or persistent condensation.
• Gather basic documents—building plans, equipment manuals, and maintenance history provide useful context.
• Close all windows and doors—and keep conditions consistent for more accurate testing.

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6 Simple Checks That Reveal Energy Waste

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These six quick checks uncover real opportunities for savings. Each one takes just a few minutes, and with Meltek’s data and appliance usage tracking, you’ll know exactly how these changes are impacting your bills.

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1. Hunt for air leaks using your hand, a paper test, or incense smoke.
2. Check attic insulation—if it's level with or below joists, it's time to add more.
3. Test fridge seals with a dollar bill for airtightness and energy efficiency.
4. Adjust water heater settings to 120–130°F. Meltek will show you if your energy use drops afterward.
5. Inspect ductwork for gaps or tears that could be leaking warm or cool air.
6. Replace dirty HVAC filters to help your system run efficiently.

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Turn Your Discoveries Into Real Savings

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Time to take action! Here’s how to turn your audit findings—and Meltek’s data—into a monthly energy bill that’s easier to handle.

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Start with quick, no-cost fixes:

• Seal air leaks with weatherstripping or caulk.
• Set your water heater temperature correctly.
• Schedule HVAC maintenance and track results.

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Tackle bigger improvements next:

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Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, homeowners can now receive 30% tax credits for clean energy upgrades. Meltek enables you to create an action plan based on your energy habits and peak usage times.

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This weekend, go beyond checklists—use Meltek to turn your insights into sustained savings. Whether you're sealing air leaks or timing your next appliance upgrade, you’ll always get your reward.

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Your energy-saving journey starts now—with your own audit checklist and Meltek by your side.

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