Arlington Home Energy Audit Checklist

Wondering where your Arlington home is losing comfort and money? A home energy audit can pinpoint the leaks, drafts, and underperforming systems that drive up bills. If you want a smarter plan for upgrades, an audit gives you a clear roadmap with real numbers. Below is a homeowner-friendly checklist tailored to Arlington, including what to expect, local costs, and rebates. Let’s dive in.

What an energy audit is

A professional home energy audit is a whole-house assessment that combines a visual inspection with diagnostic testing to find savings and safety opportunities. You can expect measured insights on air leakage, insulation, HVAC performance, and indoor air quality. Typical savings from recommended improvements often range from about 5 to 30 percent of annual energy use, depending on your home and chosen upgrades. Learn more in the Department of Energy’s overview of professional assessments.

According to the DOE, audits are the best first step before major investments like insulation, HVAC replacement, or solar. The written report helps you prioritize the biggest wins first.

Arlington specifics to know

Arlington sits in a mixed-humid climate, known as Climate Zone 4A. That means air sealing and proper attic insulation are high-impact, and moisture management needs attention in attics and crawl spaces. You can confirm your climate zone using this regional reference.

• Climate context: Climate Zone 4A map
• Utilities: Dominion Energy (electric) and Washington Gas (natural gas) serve Arlington and offer audits, rebates, and contractor networks. Check Dominion’s Virginia save-energy programs and Washington Gas program FAQs for current offerings.
• Local guidance: Arlington’s AIRE program provides homeowner tips and links to certified auditors.
• Typical cost: In Northern Virginia, professional audits often run about 300 to 600 dollars, depending on home size and testing level.

Helpful links: Dominion Energy Virginia programs, Washington Gas FAQs, Arlington AIRE Home Energy Audit 101, Local cost benchmark

Your Arlington energy audit checklist

Before the visit

• Gather 12 months of utility bills or download usage from your utility accounts.
• List comfort issues by room, such as drafts or hot/cold spots, and note recent maintenance.
• Clear access to the attic hatch, mechanical rooms, and crawlspace or basement.
• Flag any moisture, pest, or safety concerns for the auditor.

Diagnostic tests to expect

A comprehensive audit typically includes several tests to quantify performance.

• Blower door to measure whole-house air leakage and find hidden gaps.
• Infrared imaging to spot missing insulation and thermal bridges.
• Duct leakage testing if you have forced-air ducts.
• Combustion safety checks for gas appliances to ensure proper venting and safe carbon monoxide levels.
• Ventilation and indoor air quality review, including bath and kitchen exhaust performance.

For a fuller list of tests and why they matter, see the DOE’s guidance on professional home energy assessments.

Room-by-room walkthrough

• Attic
  • Verify insulation type and depth, and compare to Zone 4A targets. Many programs reference about R-49 for attics in this climate; your auditor will confirm what applies to your home and any current code requirements.
  • Seal common leakage points such as recessed lights, top plates, wire and pipe penetrations, and the attic hatch.
  • Check ventilation and moisture risks so improvements do not trap humidity.
  • Reference: R-value guidance example
• Ceilings and roof assemblies
  • Confirm insulation approach for flat and cathedral ceilings and whether the assembly is vented or unvented.
  • Use thermography to find cold or hot spots.
• Exterior walls, windows, and doors
  • Look for missing wall insulation in older renovations and air leaks at window and door frames.
  • Consider cost-effective steps like weatherstripping, caulk, low-e film, or storms before full window replacement.
• Floors, crawl spaces, and basements
  • Inspect rim joists and floor insulation, and check for dampness or mold clues.
  • Seal and insulate ducts in unconditioned spaces; moving ducts into conditioned areas can be a high-impact strategy when feasible.
• HVAC systems
  • Document system type, age, and efficiency, and review thermostat settings.
  • Test airflow and refrigerant charge and note any balancing issues room to room.
  • Consider duct sealing, insulation, and smart thermostat installation.
• Water heating, lighting, and plug loads
  • Check water heater age, pipe insulation, and fixture efficiency. Heat pump water heaters may qualify for rebates.
  • Inventory lights for LED upgrades and identify standby loads that suit smart power strips.

Prioritize fixes by impact and cost

• Low-cost, high-return
  • LED bulbs, weatherstripping, door sweeps, outlet gaskets, basic caulking, and water-heater pipe insulation.
  • Smart or programmable thermostats where compatible. Dominion often supports these through rebates.
• Medium-cost, strong ROI
  • Targeted air sealing, attic insulation top-up to reach the right R-value, duct sealing and insulation, and HVAC tune-ups.
• Higher-cost, strategic upgrades
  • Right-sized high-efficiency HVAC or heat pumps, wall insulation, heat pump water heater, or whole-house ventilation when needed.

The DOE recommends sequencing improvements so you seal and insulate before replacing or upsizing HVAC. See the professional assessments guide for typical steps.

Safety items first

• Resolve any combustion safety issues or carbon monoxide risks before aggressive air sealing.
• Address moisture or mold concerns so upgrades do not trap humidity indoors.

Incentives, credits, and local programs

• Federal tax credits: The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit allows credits for certain upgrades and, in some cases, for a qualifying home energy audit. The IRS requires a written report by a qualified auditor that includes the auditor’s name, certification, and business EIN or similar tax ID. Review the IRS FAQs before claiming.
• Qualified auditors: If you plan to use federal credits, choose an auditor certified by a DOE-recognized program.
• Utility rebates: Dominion Energy Virginia offers virtual and in-home evaluations, product rebates, and participating contractors. Washington Gas lists residential rebates, online tools, and income-qualified weatherization partnerships.
• Local help: Arlington’s AIRE page links to certified auditor directories and county resources.

Links to explore: IRS credit FAQs, DOE-recognized auditor certifications, Dominion Energy Virginia programs, Washington Gas FAQs, Arlington AIRE Home Energy Audit 101

How to hire the right auditor

• Ask about credentials such as BPI or RESNET and request a sample report.
• Confirm the scope includes blower door, thermography, duct testing if relevant, and combustion safety checks.
• If you plan to claim credits, verify the auditor’s certification and that the final report will include the business EIN or tax ID.
• Check whether the auditor or contractor can help submit rebates to Dominion or Washington Gas.

After the audit: smart next steps

• Tackle quick wins immediately, like LEDs and basic air sealing around doors and outlets.
• Sequence bigger projects: air sealing and insulation first, then HVAC right-sizing and replacements.
• Coordinate rebates and timing. Program windows and funding change, so confirm availability before you schedule work.
• Keep documentation for future resale. Buyers appreciate clear records of upgrades and lower operating costs.

For sellers and buyers in Arlington

If you are prepping to sell, an audit can guide low-cost improvements that boost comfort and efficiency before listing. With Compass Concierge, you can explore select pre-listing upgrades with no upfront cost and repay at closing, which helps you focus on the highest-impact items. Buyers can request recent audit reports, utility bills, or contractor invoices to understand a home’s operating costs and opportunities.

Ready to plan your audit and prioritize updates that pay off in Arlington? Reach out to discuss which steps make sense before you list or buy, and how to sequence improvements for the best return. Connect with Lauren Longshore to get started.

FAQs

What is included in a professional home energy audit?

• A whole-house inspection plus tests like a blower door, infrared imaging, duct leakage checks, combustion safety testing for gas appliances, and ventilation review, followed by a written report with prioritized upgrades. See the DOE’s assessment overview for details.

How much does an energy audit cost near Arlington, VA?

• Local benchmarks show many professional audits run about 300 to 600 dollars, with price varying by home size and testing level. Some utility programs offer low-cost or virtual options. Reference: Northern Virginia cost snapshot.

Do I really need a blower door test for best results?

• Yes. A blower door quantifies air leakage and helps target air sealing, which is often one of the most cost-effective improvements. The DOE recommends it for comprehensive audits.

Are there rebates or tax credits for audit-driven upgrades?

• Yes. Dominion and Washington Gas offer rebates for select measures, and federal credits may apply to qualifying upgrades and, in some cases, a qualifying audit. Review IRS credit rules and your utility program pages.

How do I choose a qualified auditor for federal credits?

• Select an auditor certified by a DOE-recognized program and confirm the final report will include the auditor’s name, certification, and business EIN or tax ID. See the DOE’s recognized certification list.