We found no official price data for home energy audits in the Bay Area. The best official figure is national: the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) puts a professional assessment at about $250 to $600 or more.
So treat the range as a starting point and get local quotes. Here's what drives the price and how to lower it.
How Much Does a Home Energy Audit Cost?
DOE's Consumer Guide to Home Energy Assessments puts a professional assessment at approximately $250 to $600 or more. That is a national figure, not a Bay Area one. The DOE adds that many contractors charge a reduced rate if you hire them to make the upgrades the report recommends.
Ask each auditor for a written quote that says which tests are included.
Why Do Audit Prices Vary So Much?
Mostly because of what's included. The DOE Energy Saver Guide says some audits take about an hour, need no specialized equipment and are relatively inexpensive. More thorough assessments take about four hours and use diagnostic equipment.
| Audit type (DOE Energy Saver Guide) | Time | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Basic audit | About an hour | No specialized equipment |
| Thorough assessment | About four hours | Specialized equipment, such as a blower door and infrared camera |
DOE's consumer guide says the two most common techniques, the blower door test and the infrared camera scan, are often done together. It says to make sure the assessor uses a calibrated blower door, which measures the amount of air leakage and not just where it is.
Is There a Tax Credit or Rebate for an Audit in 2026?
Not a federal one. Before it ended, the 25C credit allowed up to $150 for a home energy audit of your main home. IRS Fact Sheet FS-2025-05 says the 25C credit ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025.
That leaves the contractor's own discount. The DOE notes many contractors reduce the audit fee when you hire them for the recommended work, so ask about it before you book.
Can I Get Energy Help at No Cost in the Bay Area?
Possibly, if your household is income-qualified. PG&E's Energy Savings Assistance program provides qualified customers with home improvements at no cost, for renters and owners in homes at least five years old. The phone number is 1-800-933-9555.
PG&E's flyer lists income guidelines by household size, valid through May 31, 2027. Our California home energy audit guide covers how audits work and how to find a certified assessor.
Official Sources
The cost range and audit methods come from the DOE, and the program details from PG&E and the IRS, all checked on October 10, 2026.
- DOE Consumer Guide to Home Energy Assessments, with the $250 to $600 range and audit techniques
- DOE Energy Saver Guide, with audit length and equipment
- PG&E Energy Savings Assistance flyer
- IRS: Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, the 2025 audit limit for a credit that ended after December 31, 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home energy audit cost in the Bay Area?
No official source publishes a Bay Area price. The DOE's national figure for a professional assessment is approximately $250 to $600 or more, and many contractors charge less if you hire them for the upgrades.
What's included in a professional energy audit?
A thorough one typically includes a blower door test and an infrared camera scan, often done together, according to the DOE. The assessor may also inspect your heating and cooling systems, test for natural gas leaks and check ventilation.
Has the home energy audit tax credit ended?
Yes. The 25C credit, which allowed up to $150 for an audit, ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025, according to IRS Fact Sheet FS-2025-05.
Planning upgrades after your audit? See the verified rebates for your address with the free rebate calculator.