Energy Efficiency Questions for Your Home Inspector

Published on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 in Electric

In the market for a new home? Add energy efficiency to your must-have list! It can have a huge impact on your bills and overall comfort.

There are three questions you should ask your home inspector.

What is the age and condition of the HVAC system?

HVAC systems are one of the most energy-intensive appliances in your home.

They typically last 15 to 25 years, getting less efficient as they age, and can cost $5,000 to $10,000 to replace.

How old is the water heater?

Like HVAC systems, water heaters use lots of energy and lose efficiency as they get older.

While they’re slightly less expensive on average—about $900 to $3,000—they don’t usually last as long. Water heaters typically need to be replaced after about eight to 12 years.

Are insulation levels sufficient?

Insulation is an important part of your home’s comfort level.

If your home is poorly insulated, indoor air will escape faster and your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature.

Poor insulation also means more sound from outside can enter your home. Not fun if you have noisy neighbors!