Residential Energy Auditor
Alternate Title: Home Energy Assessor, Weatherization Auditor, Energy Rater,
Residential Energy Auditor

Residential Energy Auditors conduct onsite energy audits and assessments and perform energy modeling to determine the current and desired energy performance, safety, and durability of single family buildings.

A Residential Energy Auditor is a specialized consultant who helps assess and improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings—in essence, a building inspector who focuses on energy efficiency measures. They provide homeowners with specific and actionable recommendations to improve the home's level of energy efficiency, increase comfort, support health and safety, and create cost-savings on utility bills. Residential Energy Auditors also assess a site for additional health and safety concerns including, but not limited to moisture, mold, and asbestos.

Residential Energy Auditors begin by visiting a home and conducting a visual inspection. They talk with homeowners and discuss their comfort level in the home as well as how much they spend on their utility bills. Residential Energy Auditors perform tests such as blower-door tests to locate air leaks and determine how much energy a home might be losing through the building envelope. Energy Auditors also use digital thermometers, air velocity monitors, light meters, and other tools to help them analyze energy use in the home. After the visual inspection and on-site tests are complete, Residential Energy Auditors prepare a report that includes the inspection and test results as well as recommended energy efficiency upgrades and improvements and possible financial incentives. The audit report includes potential cost savings calculations for particular upgrades and might compare minor versus major upgrades, for instance adding weather stripping to single pane windows compared to replacing windows completely with dual-pane glass. Energy Auditors must provide cost-savings to justify the expense of energy efficiency upgrades.

Education is a key component of a Residential Energy Auditors job as a customer's level of awareness varies when it comes to the factors that impact their home's energy use. Energy Auditors have the ability to motivate customers to reduce energy usage, increase sustainability, and invest in energy efficiency upgrades.

Advancement Routes

Sector

Residential & Multifamily Construction & Retrofitting

Salary Range

$43,000-$106,000; $22-$53/hr

Required Education & Training

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Preferred Education & Training

Two-year degree, vocational or technical school training

Recognized Certifications:
RESNET HERS Rater, BPI Building Analyst Technician (BA-T), BPI Building Analyst Professional (BA-P) or BPI Energy Auditor

Work Experience

1-3 years

Skills & Requirements

  • Knowledge of the tools and techniques used in residential energy audits
  • Knowledge of sustainability, energy efficiency, and green building principles, particularly related to heating, cooling and ventilation (HVAC) systems
  • Strong understanding of the residential construction and maintenance industry
  • Experience with energy modeling tools and software
  • Ability to work safely with hand and power tools
  • Outstanding customer service skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
  • Ability to multi-task and juggle multiple priorities
  • Demonstrate an attention to detail
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
  • Ability to maintain a professional appearance
  • Proficient with computers, phones, and other office equipment
  • Ability to work at heights and on ladders
  • Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to work in confined spaces, attics, & basements
  • Valid driver's license and insurable driving record
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