What Is a Home Energy Audit and How Can It Benefit Louisiana Homeowners?

It’s surprising how much energy a house can waste without anyone noticing. Everything from small air leaks to thin insulation contributes to higher energy bills each month.

A home energy audit in Shreveport or Bossier City is basically your home’s health check-up. It shows where power is slipping away, how your HVAC is really performing, and what you can fix to keep more of that money in your pocket. 

In this guide, we’ll cover what happens during an audit, the different audit types, typical costs in Louisiana, common issues we find locally, and how to prepare—so you know exactly what to expect and what’s worth fixing first.

Prefer to skip ahead and start saving sooner? Call the Bossier City HVAC experts or the Shreveport HVAC experts SBC Cooling + Heating to schedule your home energy audit today and turn wasted energy into lower utility bills and better comfort.

Call (318) 465-0853

What Happens During a Home Energy Audit?

Most energy audits start out simple. A technician walks through your home, look at windows, doors, and insulation, and listen to your feedback about rooms that never seem the right temperature. They will also use a combination of tools to run tests, like a blower door test that gently pulls the air out of your house so leaks show up right away. With infrared imaging, energy auditors can literally spot cold spots inside your walls and ceilings.

Auditors also check out the ductwork and run an HVAC efficiency test to see if your system’s wasting energy while it runs. By the time they’re done, you’ll have a detailed report showing where the problems are and how much you can save by fixing them.

Different Kinds of Energy Audits

Not every audit is comprehensive. A basic walk-through is good for finding obvious issues like missing weatherstripping. A comprehensive audit uses tools and testing for pinpoint accuracy.

If you’re handy and enjoy tackling your own projects, you can do a small DIY energy check and look for drafts, peek at your home’s insulation, and use a handheld thermal scanner. But to really understand how your home performs in Louisiana’s humidity and heat, hiring a certified professional is the best way to get all of the information you need. We have high-grade commercial tools and understand how to perform a complete and thorough energy audit.

Energy Audit Costs in Louisiana

The energy audit cost in Louisiana usually falls between $150 and $400, depending on your home’s size and the equipment used. Some utilities or parish programs offer rebates or discounts, especially if you follow through with upgrades. Many homeowners earn that money back within a year thanks to lower power bills and fewer HVAC repairs.

What Auditors Usually Find

We see many of the same issues pop up again and again across Shreveport.

• Attic or wall insulation that’s too thin or old.
• Drafty doors and windows let air sneak in.
• Leaky ducts that waste cooled air before it reaches your vents.
• Aging HVAC units with outdated SEER ratings.

All of these inefficiencies can steal your home’s comfort and cash a little at a time. When you put them all together, your system is working harder than ever to keep up and your energy bills rise. 

How an Audit Pays Off

Once the leaks and gaps are fixed, the difference is noticeable right away. Better insulation and sealed ducts can cut your energy use by up to 30%. A well-tuned HVAC system runs quieter and more evenly, and those hot or chilly spots around the house start to disappear.

One of the biggest energy audit benefits people don’t expect is how much steadier and more comfortable their homes feel. It’s not just about how much cheaper your energy bills are. 

Getting Ready for the Audit

Before your appointment, grab a stack of energy bills from the last year so your auditor can see your usage pattern. Jot down notes on which rooms feel drafty or damp, and during what season. It’s also helpful to clear a path to your attic, crawl space, and HVAC equipment so they can test everything properly. A few minutes of prep helps you get more useful results.

Picking the Right Auditor

Finding the right energy auditor is just as important as the audit itself. Here are some questions to ask to put your mind at ease and make sure you get the best help possible.

• What are your credentials? Look for RESNET or BPI certification to ensure proper training and testing standards.
• What kind of tools and tests do you use? A quality audit should always include a blower door test and infrared camera scan.
• What is your local expertise? Louisiana’s humidity and older insulation materials take a practiced eye to evaluate correctly.
• What is included in my energy audit? Confirm whether you’ll get a written report, recommendations, or a follow-up visit.
• What is your energy audit cost in Louisiana? Your auditor should always offer transparent, upfront pricing you can trust.

These simple checks keep the process clear and help you get results you can trust.

Call SBC Cooling + Heating Today to Make Your Home More Efficient

For most Shreveport homeowners, a home energy audit is the first real step toward lasting Louisiana energy savings. You’ll find out where you’re wasting energy, learn which fixes matter most, and build a plan that fits your budget. Once those improvements are done, your home runs smoother, your air feels cleaner, and your utility bill finally makes sense. 

If you’re ready to make your home more energy-efficient, give us a call. SBC Cooling + Heating offers heating and cooling maintenance checks, new HVAC installations, repairs, and so much more. We’re here to help you save money while living more comfortably in the home you already love. Schedule your appointment today!

Call (318) 465-0853