The original type and quality of construction as well as weather conditions, age, and maintenance history all greatly effect what energy conservation steps will work best and are good investments for you.
The accurate and complete data from a good home energy audit will enable you to prioritize and optimize energy efficiency investments so you get the most home energy savings.

A qualified Home Energy Auditor has the specialized training and experience to know what to look for; given local conditions and the specific characteristics of your home.
Professional tools include a calibrated blower door, infrared camera, duct pressure tester, furnace efficiency meter, laser surface thermometer, etc.
The Auditor will know the most cost effective solutions and the best insulation materials to meet the specific energy conservation needs of your home.
The Auditor has the knowledge needed to reduce the chance of costly errors.
An independent Home Energy Auditor is the most reliable way to achieve predictable, cost effective, and high energy efficiency gains with your energy conservation investment.

Home Energy Auditors are all over the map.
Energy conservation is a booming business. It has attracted people who are not fully trained. Some Internet courses offer "Energy Auditor Certificates" for $250. and a few hours of online "training".
Ask for a resume of training and experience. Ask for and check references. Talk to three or more Home Energy Auditors before making a decision.
Ask for and read a sample report on a home of the same general type as yours from each Home Energy Auditor you are considering.
Confirm if the energy auditor specializes in retrofit insulation on homes, new construction, or commercial properties. They are very different specialties.
Ask for a list of professional memberships. Be cautious of any Home Energy Auditor who is not a member of at least one national professional organization. Check the organization websites.

The price of the Home Energy Audit report is not the main point.
ANY good home energy audit will more than pay for itself in insulation installation and energy savings by getting the right things done, in the right way, with the right materials.
And, the report will help prevent potentially expensive problems.
$400-$800 is a typical range for an independent well trained top tier professional Home Energy Audit. Prices will vary depending on the size, type, and location of your home.

What about free and very low cost home energy audits ?
Some insulation contractors will do audits for free as way to get work. Some companies like Lowes will charge a very low fee such as $99.
Some of these low cost home energy audits can be very useful.
Just understand that the agenda of the low cost Home Energy Auditor is to find the specific jobs they like to do; and then to sell you on his employer doing the work.
The reports they produce will not be as complete or impartial as one from an independent top tier Home Energy Auditor.

A very detailed examination of your home including outside, inside, attic, basement or crawl space, etc. that will typically take several hours.
A comprehensive written report with specific recommendations for all energy conservation issues including cost comparisons of suitable materials. Photos and charts are typically included.
They often will provide a list of local insulation contractors who the Home Energy Auditor thinks are competent and trustworthy.
The top tier home energy auditors will not do the insulation installation and other energy conservation work. Nor, will they direct you to one contractor.

The better prepared you are, the better your results will be.
Have your utility bills for the last year ready. Your local utility will normally have them available online.
Make a list of all comfort or other energy efficiency issues such as uneven heating, drafts, moisture on windows or walls, ice dams, etc. Write down your questions.
Read. Even a few hours with one of the recommended books will help you get the most from your energy conservation money.

A Home Energy Audit is NOT a good job for a DIY homeowner.
A competent audit requires specialized tools and training. Errors can be very expensive. And, it is a lot of hard work.
The job requires knowledge of a wide range of common construction issues and problems; and the best energy conservation materials for solving specific energy efficiency problems, given a set of local conditions.
Errors can be very expensive. Moisture, ventilation, and even fire hazard issues are common.
Serious money is often spent on DIY or contractor insulation installation that does not achieve the energy efficiency savings it should have.
If you want to do DIY insulation installation, then a good Home Energy Audit is the best first step.
You can improve your home energy conservation by doing the Quick Energy Efficiency Tips on Insulation.com without an energy audit.

Service Magic is an excellent way to get a good selection of screened, customer reviewed, and qualified Home Energy Auditors.
Talk to three and decide which one is best for you !

A Home Energy Audit is not required to save money on energy conservation.
However, a good home energy audit clearly is the best way to get the accurate, complete, and impartial information you need to achieve cost effective energy conservation and comfort for your home.
Your improved home energy efficiency will give you energy conservation and financial savings every month for many years.