October 23, 2026

Hello Friends,

I'm one of those people who like it really warm in my house. In fact my gas heating bill is almost as high as my electric! This year I decided to do something about it!

I actually called my utility company instead of just grumbling. Turns out they offer a free home energy audit, no strings, no sales pitch, no catch I could find anywhere in the fine print. Someone came out, walked the whole house with a little gadget that found drafts I couldn't feel with my own hand, and handed me a weatherstripping kit before he even got to the clipboard part.

He found a cold air leak around my attic hatch that was quietly costing me close to $30 a month, pointed me toward a rebate on a smart thermostat, and was back in his truck in under an hour. Mind you this was all free! He gave me a short, specific list of what to fix first instead of a vague sense that my house was "probably losing heat somewhere."

Be Well,

Anisa

Please add anisa@gophercentral.com to your address book or visit here.

Why a Free Home Energy Audit Matters

Photo: Anisa checking her own attic hatch during a free energy audit that turned up a drafty leak and a lower heating bill.

Most people never request this audit because they don't know it's sitting there, already paid for through the utility bill they're complaining about. I didn't know, it was my neighbor Chloe who told me about it. Turns out small leaks around attic hatches, outlets, and old window frames don't feel like much day to day, but they add up to real dollars leaving the house every single month, especially once the heat clicks on for the season.

An auditor's job is to find those leaks fast and hand you an easy fix list, often along with free bulbs, weatherstripping, or rebate paperwork for bigger upgrades like a smart thermostat or added insulation. It costs you nothing but a phone call and an hour at home.

How To Do It

1. Check if your utility offers one.
Search "[your utility company name] energy audit" or look for "home energy assessment" on their website. Most electric and gas providers offer this free or at a token fee under $25.

2. Schedule the visit.
Pick an in-home appointment if one's offered, or ask about a mail-in or online DIY kit if an in-person visit isn't available in your area.

3. Walk the house with the auditor.
Follow along room to room and ask questions. They'll check insulation, attic access points, window and door seals, and your HVAC system.

4. Take every freebie offered.
LED bulbs, weatherstripping tape, outlet gaskets, low-flow showerheads, these are usually included at no cost and ready to install the same day.

5. Ask about rebates before they leave.
Smart thermostats, attic insulation top-offs, and air sealing often qualify for rebates the auditor can point you to directly.

6. Fix the top one or two items within a month.
Audits hand you a whole list, but tackling the biggest leak first gets you most of the savings without overwhelming your weekend.

7. Rebook in a year or two.
Houses shift and seals wear out. A repeat audit keeps you ahead of new leaks before they show up on a bill.

It's a Small Phone Call With Big Savings

The Department of Energy estimates a home energy audit followed by basic fixes can trim five to thirty percent off a typical energy bill, and this one starts with a call that costs you nothing. No ladders, no contractor quotes, no weekend lost to a project.

That's what living thrifty is all about, using what's already available to you before you reach for your wallet.

Got a tip of your own? Reply back to me, I love reading your tips and ideas!