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Home Energy Audit Checklist: DIY Envelope and HVAC (Free Printable PDF)

Fillable DIY home energy audit for air leaks, attic, ducts, HVAC, water heat, lighting, and appliances. Print blank or save a filled PDF.

Inspections Fillable form · 9 sections · 52 checks Download filled or blank PDF and CSV Cross-checked against ENERGY STAR, DOE Energy Saver, and EPA · Last verified Sep 16, 2026

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Fill this on screen, then download a PDF or CSV. Download a blank copy to complete by hand. Answers stay in this tab only. The next visitor sees a blank form. This is an ENERGY STAR and DOE style DIY walk of a US house: air leaks, attic, ducts, HVAC, water heat, lighting, and appliances. It is not a BPI or RESNET professional audit, not a blower-door or ACH50 test, and not a climate-wide R-value Pass or Fail. Mark N/A on systems the house does not have. Mark Skip on lines you did not do this visit.

  • 9 sections
  • 52 checks
  • Blank for each visitor

Form details

Property

This is a DIY energy walk, not a licensed home inspection, not a BPI or RESNET audit, and not a municipal energy-code test. Record the systems on site so later stations can be marked N/A. Recommended attic R-values change by climate zone. Do not mark one R-value or ACH50 number Pass or Fail for every house.

10 fields
Property

ENERGY STAR duct lines apply to forced-air heat or cooling. Mark the Ducts section N/A if the house has no ducts.

DOE Energy Saver and ENERGY STAR treat tank wrap as a storage-tank item. Mark tank-wrap lines N/A on a tankless unit.

ENERGY STAR: ducts in an attic, crawlspace, or garage are common energy wasters. Mark Ducts N/A if there are no ducts.

DOE and ENERGY STAR smoke or draft checks work best on a cool, windy day. Note wind, rain, or a still day.

Inspection station

Air leaks

Walk the envelope first. ENERGY STAR and DOE: the largest leaks are often hidden, not just at windows. Mark N/A on a fixture the house does not have. This is not a blower-door or ACH50 score.

10 items
Air leaks

Visual leak walk at windows, doors, outlets, baseboards, plumbing, and the attic hatch

DOE Energy Saver and the DOE assessment guide: check walls, ceilings, windows, doors, lighting and plumbing fixtures, switches, outlets, attic hatches, and service entries. Note gaps and failed caulk or weatherstripping.

Visual leak walk at windows, doors, outlets, baseboards, plumbing, and the attic hatch: Done, Skip, or N/A

Joints where materials meet: foundation to wall, chimney to siding, and similar seams

DOE Consumer Guide: look where brick and wood meet, between the foundation and walls, and between chimney and siding.

Joints where materials meet: foundation to wall, chimney to siding, and similar seams: Done, Skip, or N/A

Paper or light test on exterior windows and doors

ENERGY STAR and DOE: shut a door or window on a piece of paper. If you can pull it out without tearing, there is a leak. Light shining through a closed edge is also a leak.

Paper or light test on exterior windows and doors: Done, Skip, or N/A

Weatherstripping and door sweeps intact, and doors close tightly

DOE Energy Saver: weatherstrip doors and windows. ENERGY STAR Home Energy Check-Up: if a playing card fits between the door and jamb, add weatherstripping or a sweep.

Weatherstripping and door sweeps intact, and doors close tightly: Done, Skip, or N/A

Foam gaskets behind exterior-wall outlets and switches

DOE Energy Saver: install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on walls. ENERGY STAR: outlets and switches on outside walls are common leak sites.

Foam gaskets behind exterior-wall outlets and switches: Done, Skip, or N/A

Smoke or damp-hand draft check with combustion appliances off

ENERGY STAR and DOE: close windows, doors, and fireplace flues. Turn off gas furnaces and water heaters if you can. Run bath and kitchen exhaust. Smoke that wavers at a gap is a leak. A cool draft on a damp hand is the same clue.

Smoke or damp-hand draft check with combustion appliances off: Done, Skip, or N/A

Fireplace damper closes, or an unused flue is sealed when cold

DOE Energy Saver: check that fireplace dampers close. A warped metal flue can leak year-round. Do not block a flue you still use for fire.

Fireplace damper closes, or an unused flue is sealed when cold: Done, Skip, or N/A

Plumbing, wiring, cable, and dryer or bath-fan penetrations sealed

DOE and ENERGY STAR: caulk or foam where pipes, ducts, and wires pass through walls, floors, and ceilings. FEMP: plumbing penetrations, chimney gaps, and recessed lights are often worse than the windows.

Plumbing, wiring, cable, and dryer or bath-fan penetrations sealed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Recessed lights and ceiling fixtures checked for gaps to the attic

ENERGY STAR attic sealing: recessed lights and chaseways are major leaks. Note IC or airtight labels if you can see them. Do not bury a non-IC fixture in insulation.

Recessed lights and ceiling fixtures checked for gaps to the attic: Done, Skip, or N/A

Window or through-wall air conditioner sealed, covered, or removed in the off season

DOE assessment guide lists wall or window-mounted air conditioners as leak sites. ENERGY STAR: a room unit should fit tightly. Cover or remove it in winter so heated air does not leave the house.

Window or through-wall air conditioner sealed, covered, or removed in the off season: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Attic

This is an audit look, not the full insulation inspection. ENERGY STAR joist-level clues are not a climate-zone R-value Pass or Fail. Walk joists or boards, not drywall. Stop if you see vermiculite. Mark N/A if there is no attic.

8 items
Attic

Attic entered or viewed from the hatch, or the reason you stayed out

ENERGY STAR: use boards, a flashlight, gloves, and a dust mask. Walk joists, not ceiling drywall. Difficult access, wet insulation, or knob-and-tube are reasons to hire a professional instead of finishing the walk.

Attic entered or viewed from the hatch, or the reason you stayed out: Done, Skip, or N/A

Insulation present and looks even, with no large bare spots

ENERGY STAR quick check: if insulation sits at or below the joists, you probably need more. If it is well above the joists, adding more may not be cost-effective. Even depth matters. Do not convert that clue into one house-wide R-value Pass or Fail.

Insulation present and looks even, with no large bare spots: Done, Skip, or N/A

Attic hatch or pull-down stairs insulated and weatherstripped

ENERGY STAR and DOE: the attic entrance is a large hole in the air and insulation plane. A bare hatch is a leak and a thin spot. Mark N/A if there is no hatch.

Attic hatch or pull-down stairs insulated and weatherstripped: Done, Skip, or N/A

No wet, matted, or moldy insulation or framing

ENERGY STAR: wet or damp insulation points to a roof leak. Moldy or rotted rafters or joists need a professional before you add insulation or seal more holes.

No wet, matted, or moldy insulation or framing: Done, Skip, or N/A

No vermiculite, or vermiculite noted and left undisturbed

EPA: vermiculite is pebble-like, usually gray-brown or silver-gold. Assume it may contain asbestos. Do not disturb it. ENERGY STAR: do not disturb vermiculite unless a lab has tested it. Mark N/A if none is present.

No vermiculite, or vermiculite noted and left undisturbed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Kitchen, bath, and dryer exhaust go outdoors, not into the attic

ENERGY STAR: vents that dump moist air into the attic are a hire-a-pro item before more sealing or insulation. They are both a moisture defect and an air leak.

Kitchen, bath, and dryer exhaust go outdoors, not into the attic: Done, Skip, or N/A

Large attic holes noted: chases, dropped soffits, kneewalls, wiring, plumbing, and the flue

ENERGY STAR: plug the big holes first. Dirty insulation is a clue that house air is moving through. Flues need high-temperature sealant and a metal dam, not foam. Building codes usually keep 1 inch off a metal flue and 2 inches off masonry. That is a clearance note, not an ACH50 score.

Large attic holes noted: chases, dropped soffits, kneewalls, wiring, plumbing, and the flue: Done, Skip, or N/A

Soffit or eave intake not buried under insulation

ENERGY STAR: keep soffit vents open with baffles. Little or no attic ventilation is a reason to hire a professional. This walk does not calculate a ventilation rate.

Soffit or eave intake not buried under insulation: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Ducts

Mark the whole section N/A if the house has no ducts. ENERGY STAR: a typical forced-air house loses about 20 to 30 percent of the air in the ducts. This is not a duct-blower leakage test.

7 items
Ducts

Accessible ducts in attic, crawl, basement, or garage inspected

ENERGY STAR: ducts in unconditioned space are hard to see but worth a look. Skip hidden in-wall runs you cannot reach.

Accessible ducts in attic, crawl, basement, or garage inspected: Done, Skip, or N/A

Joints sealed with mastic or foil tape, not cloth duct tape

ENERGY STAR Seal and Insulate DIY Guide: turn the system fan on and feel for leaks. Seal with mastic or metal foil tape. Household duct tape is not a lasting seal.

Joints sealed with mastic or foil tape, not cloth duct tape: Done, Skip, or N/A

Insulation on unconditioned-space ducts, not torn or missing

ENERGY STAR DIY Guide: if ducts are bare or the wrap is torn, seal first, then add insulation rated at least R-6. That is ENERGY STAR's wrap rating, not a climate-wide house R-value Pass or Fail.

Insulation on unconditioned-space ducts, not torn or missing: Done, Skip, or N/A

Register boots sealed where they meet the floor, wall, or ceiling

ENERGY STAR: connections at vents and registers are common leaks and disconnects. Seal the boot to the finish.

Register boots sealed where they meet the floor, wall, or ceiling: Done, Skip, or N/A

Flexible ducts not kinked, crushed, or sharply bent

ENERGY STAR duct-sealing page: tangled or kinked flex duct is a sign the system is wasting energy and starving rooms.

Flexible ducts not kinked, crushed, or sharply bent: Done, Skip, or N/A

Air coming from each supply register with the fan on

ENERGY STAR Home Energy Check-Up: little or no air at a register can mean a leak or a disconnect. Hire a contractor if whole rooms are dead. This is not a measured airflow balance.

Air coming from each supply register with the fan on: Done, Skip, or N/A

Return grilles open, and no obvious gaps at the air handler or filter slot

A leaky return or a missing filter-door gasket pulls in attic or garage air. Note what you can see. A duct-blower number is a professional test, not a line on this form.

Return grilles open, and no obvious gaps at the air handler or filter slot: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

HVAC

Owner lines first. Gas, oil, refrigerant, and heat-exchanger work is licensed. ENERGY STAR: check the cooling system in spring and the heating system in fall. Mark fuel or equipment lines N/A when that system is not installed.

8 items
HVAC

Filter inspected this month and replaced if dirty

ENERGY STAR: inspect, clean, or change the filter once a month. Home Energy Check-Up: replace it if it looks dirty, or at least every 3 months. DOE Energy Saver: monthly or as needed. A dirty filter raises energy use and can damage the equipment.

Filter inspected this month and replaced if dirty: Done, Skip, or N/A

Supply and return registers not blocked by furniture or rugs

ENERGY STAR Home Energy Check-Up and low-cost tips: keep registers clear so air can move. Blocked vents make rooms uncomfortable and can stress the system.

Supply and return registers not blocked by furniture or rugs: Done, Skip, or N/A

Outdoor condenser or heat-pump area clear of leaves, dirt, and debris

ENERGY STAR Home Energy Check-Up: remove leaves, dirt, and debris from outdoor equipment. Dirty outdoor coils make the system run longer.

Outdoor condenser or heat-pump area clear of leaves, dirt, and debris: Done, Skip, or N/A

Programmable or smart thermostat installed and used for away and sleep setbacks

ENERGY STAR and DOE FEMP: a programmed thermostat saves energy when you are away or asleep. DOE Energy Saver: heat pumps need a control that will not force expensive backup heat. This form does not set one national occupied temperature as Pass or Fail.

Programmable or smart thermostat installed and used for away and sleep setbacks: Done, Skip, or N/A

Heating system has a recent professional check, or one is scheduled for fall

ENERGY STAR: have a contractor do a pre-season heating check in the fall. DOE FEMP: furnace or heat pump professional maintenance each year. Burner, heat-exchanger, and gas-pressure work is not DIY.

Heating system has a recent professional check, or one is scheduled for fall: Done, Skip, or N/A

Cooling system has a recent professional check, or one is scheduled for spring

ENERGY STAR: check the cooling system in the spring, before contractors get busy. Coil cleaning and refrigerant charge are contractor items.

Cooling system has a recent professional check, or one is scheduled for spring: Done, Skip, or N/A

Gas or oil appliances noted for a professional draft check if you plan major air sealing

ENERGY STAR attic sealing: sealing the house can make naturally vented furnaces and water heaters backdraft. Hire a Home Performance contractor to test draft before and after major sealing. Mark N/A on an all-electric house.

Gas or oil appliances noted for a professional draft check if you plan major air sealing: Done, Skip, or N/A

Room air conditioner fits tightly, or is covered or removed in winter

ENERGY STAR: a loose window unit leaks outdoor air. Insulate or cover it from outside in winter, or take it out. Mark N/A if there is no room unit.

Room air conditioner fits tightly, or is covered or removed in winter: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Water heat

DOE Energy Saver, DOE FEMP, and ENERGY STAR all use 120 F as the usual safe setting. Follow the water-heater OEM if a dishwasher or other appliance needs hotter water. Mark tank-wrap lines N/A on a tankless heater.

7 items
Water heat

Water heater set to 120 F, or a hotter OEM or dishwasher exception noted

DOE Energy Saver: 120 F is considered safe for most people. DOE FEMP: warm setting, 120 F, also reduces scald risk. ENERGY STAR Home Energy Check-Up: turn the thermostat to 120 degrees. Check the dishwasher manual before you drop a setting that the washer needs.

Water heater set to 120 F, or a hotter OEM or dishwasher exception noted: Done, Skip, or N/A

Storage tank not warm to the touch, or a wrap added only if the OEM allows it

DOE Energy Saver: if the tank is warm, consider a blanket and follow the manufacturer. ENERGY STAR and FEMP also mention an insulating jacket. Do not cover the T&P valve, controls, burner, or flue. Mark N/A on tankless equipment.

Storage tank not warm to the touch, or a wrap added only if the OEM allows it: Done, Skip, or N/A

Accessible hot-water pipes insulated

DOE Energy Saver: insulating hot-water pipes cuts standby loss and can let you keep a lower tank setting. FEMP: insulate hot-water pipes. Do not invent one pipe R-value as Pass or Fail on this walk.

Accessible hot-water pipes insulated: Done, Skip, or N/A

Any added insulation kept clear of the T&P valve, access panels, and flue

A covered relief valve or blocked draft diverter is a safety defect, not an energy win. Leave manufacturer access plates usable.

Any added insulation kept clear of the T&P valve, access panels, and flue: Done, Skip, or N/A

Hot-water faucets not dripping

DOE Energy Saver: repair leaky faucets promptly. One drip per second wastes a large volume of heated water over a year.

Hot-water faucets not dripping: Done, Skip, or N/A

Low-flow showerheads or faucet aerators in place, or listed as a next step

DOE Energy Saver and ENERGY STAR: aerating, low-flow fixtures cut hot-water use. ENERGY STAR notes a 2.5 gallon-per-minute showerhead as a common low-flow rating, not a plumbing-code Pass or Fail on this form.

Low-flow showerheads or faucet aerators in place, or listed as a next step: Done, Skip, or N/A

Approximate water-heater age and fuel noted if replacement is being considered

DOE Energy Saver: most storage tanks last about 10 to 15 years. Look for ENERGY STAR on heat-pump, high-efficiency gas, tankless, and solar models when you replace. This line is a note, not a forced replacement score.

Approximate water-heater age and fuel noted if replacement is being considered: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Lighting

Start with the bulbs you use for hours each day. ENERGY STAR LEDs are the current owner swap. This is not a lighting-design calculation.

5 items
Lighting

Highest-use bulbs replaced with ENERGY STAR LEDs

ENERGY STAR: replacing the five most-used fixtures or bulbs can save about $40 a year. Certified LEDs use up to 90 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer. DOE FEMP: start with bulbs used several hours a day.

Highest-use bulbs replaced with ENERGY STAR LEDs: Done, Skip, or N/A

Remaining incandescent or halogen bulbs listed for replacement

ENERGY STAR Home Energy Check-Up: look for old filament bulbs. CFLs also save energy, but LEDs are the usual replacement now. Write room names in Notes.

Remaining incandescent or halogen bulbs listed for replacement: Done, Skip, or N/A

Lights off in unused rooms, or timers or occupancy sensors considered

DOE Energy Saver and DOE FEMP: turn lights off when you leave. Timers, photocells, or occupancy sensors cut hours of use. This is a habit check, not a wiring inspection.

Lights off in unused rooms, or timers or occupancy sensors considered: Done, Skip, or N/A

Outdoor lights on a photocell, timer, or motion control so they stay off in daylight

DOE FEMP and ENERGY STAR: outdoor lighting left on all day wastes energy. A photocell or timer is the usual owner fix.

Outdoor lights on a photocell, timer, or motion control so they stay off in daylight: Done, Skip, or N/A

Recessed cans that leak air listed for airtight or IC-rated upgrades

ENERGY STAR and DOE treat leaky recessed lights as both an envelope leak and a lighting item. Note rooms. Do not add insulation on top of a non-IC fixture.

Recessed cans that leak air listed for airtight or IC-rated upgrades: Done, Skip, or N/A

Inspection station

Appliances

These are owner use and replacement notes. ENERGY STAR and EnergyGuide labels matter when a unit is near the end of its life. This is not an appliance repair diagnosis.

7 items
Appliances

Refrigerator door seals tight, and the unit is not crowded by a heat source

DOE Energy Saver: keep door seals airtight and keep the box away from ovens, dishwashers, and sun. A failed gasket is a daily energy leak. Do not invent one fridge temperature as Pass or Fail unless you actually measured it.

Refrigerator door seals tight, and the unit is not crowded by a heat source: Done, Skip, or N/A

Second refrigerator or freezer necessity reviewed

DOE Energy Saver: a spare fridge in a garage or basement is often an old, expensive load. Recycle it if you do not need it year-round. ENERGY STAR: recycle the old unit when you replace it.

Second refrigerator or freezer necessity reviewed: Done, Skip, or N/A

Dishwasher run full, with air-dry if the cycle exists

ENERGY STAR: scrape, do not pre-rinse, and run a full load. Use air-dry when the machine offers it. An ENERGY STAR dishwasher also cuts hot-water use when you replace the unit.

Dishwasher run full, with air-dry if the cycle exists: Done, Skip, or N/A

Clothes washer run full, and cold water used when the load allows

ENERGY STAR: hot water is most of a washer's energy. Full loads and cold-water detergent cut that load. Mark N/A if laundry is not on site.

Clothes washer run full, and cold water used when the load allows: Done, Skip, or N/A

Dryer lint trap cleaned, and the outdoor vent is not crushed

ENERGY STAR: clean the lint trap before every load. A blocked outdoor vent makes the dryer run longer and is a fire and moisture risk. Use a moisture sensor if the dryer has one.

Dryer lint trap cleaned, and the outdoor vent is not crushed: Done, Skip, or N/A

TVs, computers, and chargers on switched power strips, or unplugged when idle

DOE Energy Saver and ENERGY STAR: electronics still draw standby power. A switched power strip is the owner shutoff. Unplug chargers and small adapters you are not using.

TVs, computers, and chargers on switched power strips, or unplugged when idle: Done, Skip, or N/A

ENERGY STAR or EnergyGuide noted on appliances that are near replacement

DOE Energy Saver: every appliance has a purchase price and a lifetime energy price. Compare EnergyGuide kWh and look for ENERGY STAR on refrigerators, washers, dishwashers, and similar products. This line is a shopping note, not a required replacement.

ENERGY STAR or EnergyGuide noted on appliances that are near replacement: Done, Skip, or N/A

Form details

Findings and sign-off

List the highest-value next steps. This worksheet is not a licensed inspection report, not a BPI or RESNET audit, and not a blower-door certificate. Time signed is the clock time you finished, not the audit date in the header.

5 fields
Findings and sign-off

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References

  1. DIY checks: air leaks, attic joist clue, light, paper, and smoke tests - ENERGY STAR
  2. Attic air sealing: bypasses, hatch, flues, exhaust into the attic, vermiculite, and combustion safety - ENERGY STAR
  3. Duct sealing: 20 to 30 percent loss, mastic or foil tape, and register boots - ENERGY STAR
  4. Heating and cooling maintenance: monthly filter and spring or fall contractor check-up - ENERGY STAR
  5. Seal and Insulate DIY Guide: hidden attic leaks and duct wrap rated at least R-6 - ENERGY STAR
  6. Home Energy Check-Up: 120 F water heat, filter interval, thermostat setbacks, registers, and lighting - ENERGY STAR
  7. Low- to no-cost tips: ENERGY STAR LEDs, smart thermostat, vents, power strips, laundry, and dishwasher - ENERGY STAR
  8. Recommended home insulation R-values by climate zone (targets vary; not a house-wide Pass or Fail) - ENERGY STAR
  9. Energy Saver guide: DIY vs professional audit, air sealing, 120 F water heat, tank and pipe wrap, lighting, and appliances - U.S. Department of Energy
  10. Consumer Guide to Home Energy Assessments: DIY leak walk vs calibrated blower-door test - U.S. Department of Energy
  11. Home Energy Checklist: 120 F water heater, tank blanket, annual HVAC service, LEDs, and programmable thermostat - DOE FEMP
  12. Protect your family from asbestos-contaminated vermiculite insulation - U.S. EPA

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These checklists are provided for general reference only. Always verify the steps against local codes, a licensed inspector or a qualified contractor before relying on them, especially for safety-critical work.