HomeBoost's Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audits

Typical in-person energy audits cost about $500 and require two- to four-hour auditor home visits. These assessments are designed to identify energy-wasting issues in the home, such as air leaks, inadequate insulation and inefficient appliances. However, as households already spend, on average, 42% of their energy budget on heating and cooling (HomeBoost, 2024), many homeowners find the cost and inconvenience of traditional audits prohibitive.

HomeBoost’s approach demonstrates how brands can leverage existing consumer technologies to democratise energy literacy. The BoostBox system, which customers use once before returning it via prepaid shipping, combines smartphone capabilities with specialised tools, including a thermal imaging camera and blacklight. The 30-minute guided assessment represents a shift from passive energy consumption to active energy management – potentially creating more sophisticated consumers who better understand their homes’ efficiency needs.

The platform’s data-driven approach, developed with energy auditors and scientists, points to an evolution in consumer expectations about home energy management. By analysing thermal imaging and local weather patterns, the service creates detailed digital reports that help people better understand their energy usage and opportunities for improvement. This increased energy literacy could boost demand for smart home technologies and efficient appliances.

HomeBoost’s planned 2025 expansion to include contractor recommendations and electrification planning resources suggests a broader industry opportunity: as consumers become more energy-literate, brands across the home improvement and appliance sectors may need to adapt their offerings to serve increasingly knowledgeable customers seeking sophisticated energy management solutions.