An energy audit is a structured investigation of how a home uses energy and where an improvement may be worthwhile. This course teaches a first household review, not a professional diagnostic inspection.
Begin with a question you can investigate: where is discomfort occurring, what does the bill measure, and what information would help choose a next step? A shopping list is premature because a product is a proposed solution, not evidence of the problem.
You will assemble a starter plan using supplied fictional cases; no home access, equipment purchase or private bills are required. A professional assessment can add measurements and a more detailed improvement report (U.S. Department of Energy, 2021).
Try the supplied case
Hypothetical case: Morgan rents a townhouse. The sitting room feels cold at 8 p.m.; the electricity bill increased. Morgan has one hour and permissionAuthorization for a stated action, distinct from ability or affordability.
Example: A renter’s observation permission does not authorize alteration. to observe accessible rooms, but not to modify the building.
Write a first audit questionThe specific household concern and decision the first review is meant to clarify.
Example: When does the sitting-room discomfort occur, and what changed on the bill? and one thing this review cannot establish in the goal section.
Compare your response
First question: when and where does the sitting room feel cold, and what changed in the billed electricity period? This review cannot establish the amount of hidden air leakage.
The question keeps the comfort complaint and bill change open for investigation. It does not assume that windows need replacement. Check that your wording identifies an observable problem and a limit.