There are three ways to get a home energy audit in California: hire a certified assessor, qualify for a utility program that assesses your home at no cost, or do a basic walk-through yourself. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) says a professional assessment costs about $250 to $600 or more.
Which route fits depends on your income and how detailed a report you want. Here's what the official sources said on October 9, 2026.
What 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. It adds that many contractors charge a reduced rate if you hire them to make the upgrades the report recommends.
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 equipment such as a blower door and an infrared camera.
What Happens During a Professional Audit?
The assessor measures how much air leaks between the inside and outside of the house, usually with a blower door test and an infrared camera scan done together. They may also inspect your heating and cooling systems, test for natural gas leaks and check ventilation.
The blower door is a powerful fan mounted in a doorway that lowers the pressure inside the house so leaks show up. The DOE says to make sure the assessor uses a calibrated blower door, which measures the amount of leakage, not just where it is. The DOE says the assessor should then provide a report of findings and ideas for improvements.
How Do I Find a Certified Assessor?
The DOE recommends checking with your electric or gas utility, your state or local energy or weatherization office, or ENERGY STAR. It describes certified assessors as usually licensed contractors with experience installing heating and cooling systems, windows and lighting.
Before the visit, list any problems you've noticed, such as drafty rooms or condensation, and have recent energy bills ready to share.
Can I Get a Free Energy Audit in California?
Yes, if your household is income-qualified. California's big utilities run Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) programs for homeowners and renters. In SCE's and SDG&E's programs, a contractor visits or assesses your home after you qualify, then any approved upgrades are installed at no cost.
| Program (official page, October 9, 2026) | How the assessment works |
|---|---|
| SDG&E ESA | A contractor completes an in-home assessment and provides upgrade options |
| SCE ESA | After income qualification, a contractor walks through the home to see which upgrades fit |
| PG&E ESA | No-cost home improvements for income-qualified customers; the home must be at least five years old |
| CSD Low-Income Weatherization Program | No-cost solar and energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households |
SDG&E's ESA income limits for June 1, 2026, to May 31, 2027, run from $39,900 for one person to $139,300 for eight. PG&E's ESA phone line is 1-800-933-9555. Our California insulation rebates guide covers which programs pay for insulation once the audit is done.
Can I Do a Home Energy Audit Myself?
Yes, a basic one. The DOE suggests a walk-through that checks where air leaks are common, such as around outlets, window and door frames, baseboards and attic hatches, and checks whether caulking and weatherstripping are in good condition.
On a cool, windy day, close all exterior doors, windows and fireplace flues. Then turn on exhaust fans and pass a lit incense stick along likely leak spots, as the DOE describes. If the smoke is drawn into or out of the room, you've found a leak. The DOE Energy Saver Guide says sealing uncontrolled air leaks can save 10% to 20% on heating and cooling bills.
Is There Still a Tax Credit for an Energy Audit?
No. Before it ended, the 25C credit allowed up to $150 for a home energy audit of your main home, but IRS Fact Sheet FS-2025-05 says the 25C credit ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025.
So in 2026, the main ways to lower the cost are a contractor's reduced rate when you also hire them for upgrades, or a no-cost ESA assessment if you qualify.
Official Sources
Audit costs and methods come from the DOE, and program details from each utility's or agency's own page, all checked on October 9, 2026.
- DOE Consumer Guide to Home Energy Assessments, with cost, techniques, preparation and DIY steps
- DOE Energy Saver Guide, with audit length and air-sealing savings
- SDG&E Energy Savings Assistance
- SCE Energy Savings Assistance
- PG&E Energy Savings Assistance flyer
- CSD Low-Income Weatherization Program
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home energy audit cost in California?
The DOE puts a professional home energy assessment at approximately $250 to $600 or more, and many contractors charge less if you hire them for the upgrades. Income-qualified households can get an assessment at no cost through their utility's ESA program.
Who does home energy audits in California?
Certified energy assessors, who the DOE says are usually licensed contractors experienced with heating and cooling, windows and lighting. Your utility or local weatherization office can point you to one. For ESA customers, the utility's authorized contractor does the assessment.
Does an energy audit include a blower door test?
A thorough professional assessment usually does, often together with an infrared camera scan, according to the DOE. Shorter audits of about an hour may skip the specialized equipment, so ask what's included before you book.
Planning upgrades after your audit? See the verified rebates for your address with the free rebate calculator.