Quick Answer: A home energy audit is a systematic evaluation of a home’s energy use, insulation, air sealing, HVAC efficiency, and utility bills to identify where energy is being lost and what improvements would reduce energy costs. In the Bay Area, PG&E offers free home energy audits for residential customers (called the Home Energy Checkup) — you can request one through the PG&E website. A third-party certified energy auditor performs a more detailed audit ($300-$600) using blower door tests, infrared imaging, and duct leakage tests. A home energy audit before a major Bay Area renovation is valuable because it identifies: (1) where to prioritize insulation upgrades; (2) whether your HVAC sizing is appropriate; (3) duct leakage that causes hot/cold spots; and (4) what improvements qualify for PG&E rebates or federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. It’s especially useful before an ADU construction to right-size the HVAC system.
Home Energy Audit Findings and Typical Bay Area Improvements 2025
| Audit Finding | Typical Fix | Estimated Savings/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Inadequate attic insulation (below R-38) | Add blown-in insulation to R-38+ | $150 – $400 |
| Duct leakage (20%+ of conditioned air lost) | Duct sealing (Aeroseal or manual mastic) | $200 – $500 |
| Air infiltration (drafts, unsealed penetrations) | Air sealing, weatherstripping, foam sealant | $100 – $300 |
| Inefficient HVAC (< 14 SEER AC, < 80 AFUE furnace) | HVAC replacement (18+ SEER heat pump) | $300 – $800 |
| Single-pane windows | Window replacement (dual-pane ENERGY STAR) | $100 – $300 total |
| Water heater efficiency (< 0.80 EF) | Tankless or heat pump water heater | $100 – $250 |
Quartz Construction implements energy efficiency improvements identified during home energy audits — insulation, air sealing, window replacement, and HVAC upgrades — as part of whole-home renovation projects in San Jose. CSLB #1003436 | Call (650) 749-7436.
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Quartz Construction & Remodeling | CSLB #1003436 | Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Phone: (650) 749-7436
Address: 1777 Hamilton Ave #1080, San Jose, CA 95125
Hours: Mon–Sat 7am–7pm | Free Estimates
Service Area: San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Los Gatos & Bay Area
