Free Home Energy Audit in New York
A home energy audit is a thorough inspection of your home’s energy use. It identifies where energy is being wasted, spots health and safety issues, and recommends specific fixes to lower your bills and improve comfort. In the New York Weatherization Assistance Program and related state initiatives, this audit is required before any weatherization work begins. It ensures upgrades are targeted, effective, and prioritized based on cost savings.
Our program partners with certified professionals to provide this audit at no cost to eligible low-income households, making it accessible for those who need it most.
Our Partners
Why Get a Home Energy Audit?
Many New York homes lose energy through drafts, poor insulation, inefficient heating systems, or outdated appliances. An audit gives you clear, data-driven insights:
- Lower energy bills Homes weatherized after an audit typically save 20-30% on heating and cooling costs
- Improved comfort. Eliminates drafty rooms, uneven temperatures, and excessive humidity
- Better health and safety Detects issues like carbon monoxide risks, mold potential, or poor ventilation.
- Prioritized upgrades. Recommendations are ranked by savings potential, so you get the most value from limited program funds.
- Qualifies you for free upgrades The audit directly leads to no-cost weatherization measures under New York's programs.
Eligibility for a Free Audit and Weatherization
- Household income at or below 60% of New York State median (automatic if you receive HEAP, SNAP, or certain public assistance).
- Homeowners or renters (with landlord approval for rentals).
- Single-family homes or small multifamily buildings.
- Priority often given to households with elderly, disabled, or young children.
What Happens During the Audit?
A certified Building Performance Institute (BPI) auditor visits your home for 2-4 hours. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Initial walkthrough: The auditor inspects your attic, basement, walls, windows, doors, heating/cooling systems, appliances, and lighting.
- Diagnostic testing: Uses specialized tools like blower door test, infrared camera to run the audit.
- Energy use review: Discusses your utility bills and household habits to understand patterns.
- Safety checks: Looks for hazards like gas leaks, knob-and-tube wiring, or moisture issues.
- Report generation: You receive a detailed report with findings, recommended measures, estimated savings, and priority list
Ready to Lower Your Bills and Improve Your Home?
Don’t wait—energy costs rise every winter. A free audit is your no-risk starting point.
Not sure if you qualify? Call our team for a free consultation—no obligation.
How the Audit Connects to New York Programs
Weatherization Assistance Program
This federally funded program, administered by NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), provides a free audit and full upgrades at no cost to households at or below 60% of state median income (for example, $59,640 for a family of 4 in 2025). You qualify automatically if you receive HEAP, SNAP, or certain public assistance benefits.
EmPower+ (NYSERDA)
This state program offers free or heavily subsidized audits and energy efficiency improvements for low- to moderate-income households (up to 80% of area median income in many cases). It includes options for heat pumps, electrification upgrades, and additional rebates to help transition to cleaner energy.
Residential Energy Assessment Program (NYSERDA)
Available to all owners of 1-4 unit homes in New York, this program provides a no-cost audit that identifies opportunities and connects you to available incentives, rebates, or financing for recommended upgrades.
Common Measures Recommended After an Audit
Based on audit results, eligible homes may receive no-cost installations such as:
- Air sealing (caulking, weatherstripping)
- Attic, wall, and floor insulation
- Heating system repairs or tune-ups
- Efficient lighting and appliances
- Ventilation improvements
- Hot water system upgrades
