Home Energy Checkup: Prep Your House for Fall and the School Year

As summer turns to fall and the school year looms, now is the time to prepare your home for the upcoming season. A comprehensive home energy audit lays the foundation for a cozy, efficient home that supports your family’s routines while saving* you money. At PosiGen, we’re dedicated to helping families thrive through affordable, effective energy upgrades combined with solar power. Here’s why and how a fall energy checkup can transform your home and how PosiGen’s energy efficiency services fit into your autumn checklist.

Why a Home Energy Checkup Matters

A home energy checkup (or energy audit) is a systematic evaluation of how your home uses and loses energy. With rising energy prices, an energy audit can reveal issues that—if addressed—may cut your home’s annual energy costs by up to 30%. (1) These savings* can make a real difference, especially in the back-to-school season when household expenses can spike. The U.S. Department of Energy underscores that professional audits can uncover inefficiencies homeowners often miss, from air leaks to outdated systems, and empower you with actionable solutions for better comfort and savings. (1)

Step 1: Inspect Insulation and Air Sealing

Proper insulation and air sealing are critical for maintaining steady indoor temperatures and reducing heating or cooling demand. Gaps or worn insulation force your HVAC to work harder, raising costs and leaving your family less comfortable. The U.S. Department of Energy highlights that improving insulation and sealing air leaks can decrease heating and cooling costs by up to 15%. (2)

PosiGen’s Solution:
Our teams assess attic and wall insulation and seal up draft-prone spots like doors, attic hatches, and windows—using sustainable materials. These energy upgrades create a tighter building envelope, resulting in steadier comfort and noticeable savings.*

Step 2: Evaluate Heating and Cooling Systems

For most households, the HVAC system accounts for a significant portion of home energy use. Inefficiencies like dirty filters or leaky ducts can add up to hundreds of dollars in unnecessary costs annually. Annual tune-ups and filter changes are recommended by the U.S. Department of Energy, and duct sealing alone can improve HVAC efficiency by more than 20%. (2)

PosiGen’s Solution:
We offer  HVAC assessments and identify and seal duct leaks. This helps your system perform reliably and efficiently—keeping your family comfortable through every cold snap.

Step 3: Seal Drafts and Upgrade Windows

If your home feels drafty in fall or winter, air is escaping through doors and windows. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that drafts, if not fixed, can account for 25-30% of heating and cooling energy use. (2) Weatherstripping, caulking, and—when necessary—modern, energy-efficient windows all cut energy loss and raise comfort.

PosiGen’s Solution:
We weatherize homes by sealing around doors, windows, and attic accesses to keep expensive conditioned air inside.

Step 4: Assess Water Heating Efficiency

Water heating can be the third largest source of energy consumption at home, taking up about 18% of utility costs. (2) Easy steps like keeping water temperature at 120°F, insulating pipes, and checking for appliance age and leaks can yield measurable savings.*

PosiGen’s Solution:
We evaluate your water heater and piping, add insulation where needed, and suggest high-efficiency upgrades if your system is outdated. These quick energy upgrades help prevent energy waste—without sacrificing hot showers.

Step 5: Upgrade Lighting and Appliances

Outdated lighting and appliances quietly drain electricity, especially as shorter days mean more indoor time. Swapping to LED bulbs and ENERGY STAR® appliances saves significant energy; the Department of Energy confirms that you can save $100 annually by just switching out your five most-used bulbs, and hundreds more with efficient appliances. (2)

PosiGen’s Solution:
Our energy checkup includes a survey of all home lighting and appliances, helping families easily transition to efficient alternatives—often with the added benefit of rebates.

Step 6: Install Smart Thermostats and Controls

Automating your home’s temperature can pay off in both comfort and cost. Smart thermostats allow families to customize settings, prevent waste, and enable savings* without sacrificing coziness. According to energy.gov, these devices can reduce heating costs by up to 10%. (2)

PosiGen’s Solution:
For an additional fee, our technicians may install and program smart thermostats, integrating them seamlessly with your family’s schedule and maximizing hands-off savings.

Step 7: Consider Solar Power—The Ultimate Energy Upgrade

Nothing delivers higher energy savings* than a properly designed solar system. Solar panels can offset up to 100% of your household electricity needs, slash your carbon footprint, and provide budget certainty—critical in uncertain times. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reports that solar energy can save homeowners hundreds to thousands of dollars annually, reducing carbon emissions and dependence on the grid. (3)

PosiGen’s Solution:
We are leaders in making solar affordable and simple, offering a lease solution specific to your home that combines with integrated energy upgrades for maximum impact. Our experts guide you every step, from permitting to maintenance, so you reap year-round rewards.

Step 8: Schedule a Professional Audit for Precision

While DIY walkthroughs catch some energy issues, only professional diagnostics—such as blower door tests and infrared imaging—diagnose all the invisible pain points. The U.S. Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR recommend certified audits for homeowners committed to real, long-lasting improvements. (1)

PosiGen’s Solution:
Our comprehensive audit is the gold standard for finding every opportunity for energy savings in your home, giving you a crystal-clear roadmap for upgrades.

Want to learn more? Read more about our energy efficiency audit upgrades.

The PosiGen Approach—Affordable Comfort for All

At PosiGen, we believe every family deserves a safe, comfortable, and affordable home. Our process is straightforward:

• The best way to explore savings is to schedule a no-obligation consultation.
• Personalized Report: Get prioritized recommendations with transparent cost and benefit analysis.
• Hassle-Free Implementation: We handle everything—from insulation to Smart thermostats to solar panel installation.
• Ongoing Support: Your PosiGen team monitors systems and stands behind all upgrades with reliable support.

Benefits of PosiGen’s Home Energy Checkup and Upgrades

• Lower Utility Bills: Implementing professional recommendations and energy upgrades regularly saves families between 5%–30% on energy costs, confirmed by the Department of Energy. (2)(4)
• Greater Comfort: Proper insulation and air sealing eliminate drafts, stabilize temperatures, and improve air quality. (2)(4)
• Environmental Leadership: Each efficiency measure and solar panel helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint, contributing to community sustainability. (3)(4)
• Peace of Mind: With expert guidance, you enjoy proven results and a prioritization of the biggest possible returns.

Back-to-School Energy Efficiency Tips from PosiGen

• Teach your children to turn off lights and devices when not in use.
• Place study desks near windows for natural light (reducing daytime bulb use).
• Use smart outlets and power strips to stop energy drain from idle chargers.
• Keep entryways weather-stripped—reducing heat loss when kids are coming and going.
• Schedule laundry and dishwashing for full loads during off-peak utility hours. (1)(2)

Get Started With PosiGen—Prep for a Cozy, Efficient Fall

As your calendar fills with school nights, sports, and family routines, let us prepare your home for maximum comfort and efficiency. Your home energy checkup with PosiGen is the quickest path to potential savings,* cozier living, and a smaller environmental footprint. Book your consultation and discuss tailored energy upgrades today. You focus on what matters this fall—we’ll handle the rest.

You can learn more about energy efficiency upgrades by reading our 5 Simple Energy Upgrades That Can Lower Your Bills Year-Round and 5 Simple Upgrades To Make Your Home Energy Efficient blogs.

* Individual savings will vary based on your utility rate, energy consumption habits, solar system equipment installed on your property, tax incentives eligibility, weather, and other factors. Individual savings estimates are based on your solar energy production, your solar kWh rate, potential tax incentives, your utility kWh rate at the time of purchase and projected increase in the utility rate (based on historical data and national averages). Estimates do not take into consideration other changes in utility rates. Such changes could affect your overall estimated savings.