As a certified energy auditor with Xcel Energy, we have conducted hundreds of home energy audits across the Denver metro area and northern Colorado. From historic homes in Capitol Hill to newer construction in Highlands Ranch, each energy audit raises similar questions from homeowners who want to understand what’s happening to their house and how to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

These are the most frequently asked energy audit questions, along with the answers we’ve learned from years of testing homes and identifying energy savings opportunities throughout Colorado.

Questions During Your Energy Audit

Why are you taping plastic over my front door?

We are conducting a blower door test, which is similar to putting your Denver home through a controlled stress test. The large fan we mount in your doors depressurizes your home to 50 Pascals, which is about the same pressure difference as a 20 mph wind coming off the Rockies. This blower door test helps me identify exactly where air leakage is occurring in your house, which is often the most significant source of wasted energy in Colorado’s variable climate.

Is that infrared camera showing where I’m losing heat?

Yes, the infrared camera reveals temperature differences that indicate heat loss, air leakage, and insulation problems. Those bright orange and red areas you’re seeing on my infrared camera show where warm air is escaping during Denver’s cold winters or where hot air is entering during those 90-degree summer days. It’s like giving your house an X-ray to identify energy problems invisible to the naked eye.

Should I be worried about that number on your blower door machine?

The CFM50 reading indicates the amount of air leaking out of your house under test conditions during the blower door test. For context, a reading over 2,000 CFM50 typically means significant air leakage like having windows cracked open 24/7 during a Colorado winter. Don’t panic, though, as most older homes we test in Denver and Fort Collins fall between 1,500-3,000 CFM50, and we can usually reduce that air leakage by 20-40% with proper air sealing.

Why are you testing my gas appliances?

Safety first! We are checking for carbon monoxide spillage and ensuring your natural gas heating appliance and water heater are venting properly. The blower door test changes the air pressure in your home, so we need to verify that combustion appliances won’t backdraft dangerous gases into your living space. This safety test is essential in Colorado, where many homes have natural gas heating systems.

Questions Right After Your Energy Audit

How bad is my house compared to others you’ve tested?

Most homes we audit in the Denver area, built before 2000 have significant opportunities for improving their home’s energy efficiency. Your house isn’t “good or “bad” as it’s more if it is typical for its age and Colorado’s building practices at the time. We’ve conducted energy audits on 1970s homes in Lakewood that were surprisingly tight and brand-new homes in Westminster with major air leakage issues. What matters most is the potential energy savings and cost-effective improvements available.

Will these improvements save me money on my utility bills?

We understand the skepticism. We are an independent certified energy auditor, not a contractor trying to sell you work. Our job is to provide you with an objective analysis of your home’s energy efficiency and prioritize improvements based on their return on investment. The energy savings calculations in your report are based on engineering analysis and Colorado’s specific climate conditions, not sales projections. Most homeowners see significant reductions in their utility bills after implementing key improvements.

Why did my neighbor’s energy audit recommend different things than mine?

Every house is unique, even in the same Denver subdivision. Age, orientation, previous improvements, and how you use your home all affect the recommendations. Your neighbor in Arvada might have already addressed their attic insulation, while yours might have air leakage issues they don’t. We tailor every home energy audit to your specific house and Colorado’s climate demands.

Can I just do the basic options and skip the more expensive recommendations?

Absolutely, and we recommend starting with the low-cost improvements. Air sealing, weatherstripping around doors and windows, replacing old light bulbs with more efficient models, and using programmable thermostats often provide immediate comfort improvements and energy savings in Colorado’s temperature fluctuations. However, don’t overlook bigger improvements, such as insulation, if your house needs them. We will rank all recommendations by cost-effectiveness, allowing you to prioritize your budget effectively.

Questions About Specific Energy Audit Findings

Why is my attic insulation only R-26 when you say I need R-60?

Building codes have evolved significantly since many homes in the Denver area were built. When your house was constructed, R-19 or R-26 might have met the code. Today’s energy costs and Colorado’s temperature extremes require R-49 to R-60 in attic insulation. The good news is that adding insulation on top of existing insulation is usually cost-effective and qualifies for Xcel Energy rebates. This improvement typically shows up immediately on your utility bills.

What does it mean that my house is ‘too tight’ for air sealing rebates?

Ironically, your home’s airtightness reading might fall just below Xcel Energy’s threshold for air sealing rebates, which requires a reading of 0.50 or higher. This doesn’t mean your house is perfectly sealed; it means the utility considers other energy efficiency improvements more cost-effective for your specific situation.

Why are you recommending kneewall insulation when I never go in that space?

Kneewalls separate conditioned space from unconditioned areas, even if you don’t actively use the space behind them. Inadequate knee wall insulation allows temperature transfer that affects the rooms you do live in during Denver’s hot summers and cold winters. It’s like having a missing piece in your thermal boundary and the whole system suffers increasing your energy consumption.

My heating system is 10 years old. Why isn’t it on your priority list?

A 10-year-old heating appliance is likely to have years of life left, even if it’s not the highest efficiency model available. I prioritize improvements that provide the best return on investment in Colorado’s climate. Fixing your building envelope first, air sealing and insulation, will make your existing heating system work more efficiently during those sub-zero Denver nights and reduce your overall energy consumption.

What about my indoor air quality – does that matter for energy efficiency?

Absolutely! Indoor air quality and energy efficiency are closely linked. Proper ventilation systems, air sealing, and maintaining your heating and cooling systems all contribute to both better indoor air quality and improved efficiency. A certified energy auditor will assess how improvements affect both energy consumption and the health of your indoor environment.

Questions After Getting Your Energy Audit Report

Should I tackle everything at once or spread the work out?

We usually recommend a phased approach for homeowners in the Denver metro area. Start with air sealing and attic insulation as these improvements work together and qualify for the best Xcel Energy rebates when done simultaneously. Then, address basement improvements and walls, and finally, consider HVAC or heat pump upgrades when your current system needs to be replaced. This spreads cost over time and maximizes rebate opportunities while delivering immediate energy savings.

How do I know if a contractor is doing the work correctly?

For air sealing projects, request before-and-after blower door test results, as the CFM50 reading should decrease significantly. For insulation work, verify the final R-value and ensure proper coverage without compression. Good contractors familiar with Colorado homes will show you photos of their work and explain how they addressed specific issues identified in your energy audit. A certified contractor should also discuss safety concerns and proper ventilation.

Why aren’t windows on your priority list when they feel drafty?

Those drafts you feel in your home might be coming from air leakage around the window frames, not the windows themselves. Air sealing the window trim and improving overall house tightness often eliminates the draft sensation without expensive window replacement. Windows are usually a lower priority due to their high cost relative to energy savings. However, it can improve comfort and reduce energy consumption when part of a comprehensive energy efficiency upgrade.

Can I do some of this work myself to save money?

Simple air sealing with caulk and weatherstripping around doors and windows, adding attic insulation, basic duct sealing, and replacing light bulbs with efficient models are often DIY-friendly projects, especially for handy homeowners in the Denver area. However, comprehensive air sealing and complex insulation work benefit from professional installation to ensure proper results and eligibility for Xcel Energy rebates. We can help you determine which projects are suitable for DIY versus professional work.

What’s the difference between the three types of energy audits?

There are typically three levels of home energy audits: a basic walk-through assessment. Our comprehensive energy audit includes a blower door test and infrared camera analysis, and an investment-grade audit for larger projects. Most Denver homeowners benefit from the comprehensive energy audit, which includes detailed testing and provides a prioritized list of improvements with cost and energy savings projections.

What are the four steps of an energy audit process?

A complete energy audit follows four key steps: First, we conduct a pre-audit analysis reviewing your utility bills and home details. Second, we perform the on-site assessment using tools such as blower door test equipment and infrared camera technology. Third, we complete a detailed analysis of all findings, determining energy efficiency opportunities. Fourth, we provide you with a comprehensive report including a prioritized list of improvements, cost estimates, and potential energy savings calculations.

Questions About Long-term Results and Maintenance

How will I know if the improvements are working?

Track your Xcel Energy utility bills month-to-month and year-over-year. Most Denver-area homeowners see 10-20% reductions in energy consumption after implementing major recommendations from their energy audit. More importantly, you should notice improved comfort, fewer drafts during Colorado’s windy days, more consistent temperatures, and less strain on your heating system during extreme weather conditions. Monitor your home energy usage and log any changes you notice.

When should I consider a follow-up energy audit?

Consider a follow-up home energy audit if you’ve completed major improvements and want verification of results, if you’re planning additional phases of work, or if your utility bills haven’t decreased as expected. Some Colorado homeowners use follow-up energy audits to qualify for additional rebate programs or to validate their improvements for home sale purposes. A certified energy auditor can conduct another assessment to measure your progress.

What maintenance do these improvements require?

Most energy efficiency improvements are low-maintenance in Colorado’s dry climate. Check caulking and weatherstripping annually around doors and windows. Maintain your heating appliance and ventilation systems according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, and monitor attic insulation for settling. Keep vents clear and outlets unblocked for proper airflow. The key is protecting your investment through basic maintenance, rather than letting small issues become big problems during Denver’s extreme temperatures.

Should I replace my old appliances as part of my energy efficiency plan?

Replacing old, inefficient appliances can be part of a comprehensive home energy strategy, but timing matters. I typically recommend addressing your building envelope first including insulation, air sealing, and improving doors and windows. Then consider appliance replacement when your current units need repair or replacement. Look for ENERGY STAR certified appliances and consider incentives for high-efficiency models like heat pump water heaters.

What training should I look for in an energy auditor?

Look for a certified energy auditor with proper training and credentials. Key certifications include Building Performance Institute (BPI) certification, RESNET certification, or similar professional training programs. A qualified auditor should have experience with blower door test procedures, infrared camera operation, and safety protocols for carbon monoxide testing. They should also be aware of the local rebates and incentives available in Colorado.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re considering a home energy audit in the Denver area or northern Colorado, we encourage you to learn more about the process and benefits. For comprehensive information about home energy audits, check out our detailed guides:

• Should You Get a Home Energy Audit?
• Home Energy Assessment Insights
• Understanding the Xcel Energy Audit Process
• How to Find the Right Energy Audit Firm

Ready to schedule your home energy audit? Contact REenergizeCO today to get started on making your Colorado home more comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective. Schedule your professional home energy audit in Denver and take the first step toward a more energy-efficient home.