12.6 Putting it all together: The Final Report to a Homeowner

Note:
The following example reports are both old, so some of the recommendations may not be the most modern appliances and prices. Be aware some of the tax incentives may no longer be valid, however they do give you a good sense of what items would be included in and audit report.

Example 1: DOE Better Buildings Sample Report

HomeEnergyScore.gov - Smithville AK - Sample Report (PDF)

This simplified report demonstrates the Home Energy Score system—a 1-to-10 rating (with 10 being most efficient) developed by the U.S. Department of Energy. The fictional Smithville home received a score of 2, indicating significant energy waste and substantial opportunity for improvement.

Report breakdown:

• Page 1: Presents the overall score and estimated savings. Implementing the auditor's recommendations could save $541 annually and raise the home's score to 6.
• Pages 2–5: Detail the home's characteristics (year built, square footage, bedrooms/bathrooms) and audit findings. For instance, the blower door test measured 4,200 CFM₅₀—a high air leakage rate confirming extensive opportunities for air sealing. Additional sections describe the condition of attic insulation, windows, and HVAC systems.
• Page 6: Prioritizes improvements into two categories:
  • "Repair Now" – Cost-effective fixes with quick payback (e.g., adding attic insulation, sealing and insulating ductwork).
  • "Replace Later" – Major equipment upgrades (e.g., furnace, air conditioner, water heater) recommended only when existing units near end-of-life—ensuring investments align with natural replacement cycles.

This tiered approach helps homeowners budget wisely: address leaks and insulation first (low cost, high impact), then plan for efficient equipment replacements later—maximizing savings without premature spending.

Example 2: Comprehensive Audit Report -
Envivity Energy Solutions, State College, PA

Envinity - State College, PA - Sample Report (PDF)

This 24-page report demonstrates a professional-grade audit with rich visual documentation—including infrared thermograms, equipment photographs, and detailed energy-use graphics. Unlike the streamlined DOE example, this format provides deeper technical analysis while still prioritizing homeowner-friendly explanations.

Report highlights:

• Page 4: Compares the homeowner's actual utility costs against regional benchmarks for similar homes. The data reveals significantly higher heating expenses—signaling inefficient equipment, inadequate insulation, or substantial air leakage.
• Page 5: Introduces the HERS Index (Home Energy Rating System), the residential efficiency standard used for new construction and major retrofits. This home scored 112—meaning it performs 12% worse than a code-minimum new home (HERS 100). To achieve ENERGY STAR certification, the home would need to reach a score of 85 or lower (where lower = more efficient).
• Page 8: Presents blower door results confirming excessive air leakage—quantified as a high CFM₅₀ value that exceeds best-practice thresholds.
• Page 9: Features infrared images that visually pinpoint problem areas: cold air infiltration around the back door, unsealed attic hatches, and leaky ductwork—making abstract data instantly understandable.
• Page 11: Lists prioritized recommendations with estimated costs and simple payback periods (e.g., "Sealing ducts: $400 investment → $120/year savings = 3.3-year payback"). This financial framing helps homeowners identify which upgrades deliver the fastest return—a practical application of the payback analysis we covered earlier in this course.
• Pages 20–23: Offers no-cost behavioral tips to reduce energy use immediately—such as adjusting thermostat setbacks, using ceiling fans strategically, and managing plug loads. These actionable habits require zero investment but can yield 5–10% savings right away.