What Is a Home Energy Audit and Why Do NH Buyers Care?
- Jim Johnson
- Nov 20
- 2 min read
🏡 What Is a Home Energy Audit and Why Do NH Buyers Care?
In Central New Hampshire — where winters are long and heating costs can be high — buyers often look closely at a home’s energy efficiency. One of the best ways to evaluate this is through a home energy audit.
Whether you’re buying or selling in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, Ashland, or the surrounding areas, understanding how an energy audit works can help you make smarter decisions.
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What Is a Home Energy Audit?
A home energy audit is a full evaluation of how efficiently a home uses and loses energy.
An auditor checks:
Insulation levels
Air leaks and drafts
Windows and doors
Heating system performance
Hot water efficiency
Attic and basement heat loss
Ventilation
Overall energy consumption
These assessments can be basic walkthroughs or advanced tests using infrared cameras and blower door equipment.
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Why Energy Audits Matter in New Hampshire
Because NH winters can be extreme, energy efficiency has a huge impact on:
✔ Heating bills
✔ Comfort
✔ Long-term maintenance costs
✔ Carbon footprint
✔ Overall home value
Homes in rural areas — especially older properties — often have hidden air leaks, missing insulation, or outdated heating systems.
An audit can reveal problems before they become expensive.
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Common Issues Found in NH Energy Audits
✔ Drafty windows
✔ Poor attic insulation
✔ Unsealed rim joists
✔ Inefficient boilers or furnaces
✔ Heat loss through doors and chimneys
✔ Old water heaters
✔ Cold basements or uninsulated crawlspaces
Fixing these can reduce heating costs significantly.
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Do Energy Audits Increase Home Value?
Yes — improving efficiency can boost value, especially in cold-weather states like NH.
Buyers often pay more for:
✔ Updated heating systems
✔ Proper insulation
✔ Weatherized windows
✔ Modern energy-efficient upgrades
Homes that show low heating costs are highly attractive in the Plymouth-area market.
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Q&A
Q: How much does a home energy audit cost in NH?
A: Basic audits range from free to $150 through utility programs; advanced audits typically cost $200–$600.
Q: Should buyers get an audit before closing?
A: It’s optional, but many buyers schedule one right after moving in to identify priority improvements.
Keywords
nh energy audit, new hampshire home efficiency, plymouth nh heating costs, campton nh real estate tips, thornton nh energy savings, rumney nh winter home prep, central nh home insulation
Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent
58 NH Route 25A
Wentworth, NH 03282
P: (857) 249-7392
Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services
Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com
Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com
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