If you’re someone who’s been looking for ways to make your home (or office space), more energy efficient, then you may have read that one of the first things that you should do is have an energy audit conducted. Whether you choose to do it yourself (Energy.gov is one website that has DIY tips) or you would prefer to hire a professionally licensed energy auditor, it’s important that you know what is required in order to make sure that a complete job was done.

That’s why we wanted to share with you some of the common mistakes that energy auditors tend to make, along with some helpful suggestions on what you can do to avoid them. Check these out below:

Not doing a thorough audit. By far, one of the biggest mistakes that a lot of energy auditors make (especially new ones) is not being thorough during the auditing process. Although they might be tempted to skip over a window or appliance, that could be the very thing that is wasting energy. So, if you hire a professional auditor, make sure to ask them if they are doing everything that were trained to do. And if you conducting your own audit, don’t overlook each and every item on the audit list.

Overestimating energy savings. When it comes to professional auditors, something that people who hire them are going to expect them to do is give tips on ways that they can save energy in their home or office space. So, whether it’s installing LED light bulbs, getting some automatic faucets, or purchasing some energy efficient appliances, whatever recommendations they make, it’s important that they thoroughly assess just how much energy you can actually save. That way, you will feel like they are helping you to make wise investments rather than simply buying more items for your home.

Not knowing how long the improvements will last. Something else that it’s important to do in an audit is to be realistic about how long eco-friendly improvements will last. For instance, if a professional auditor suggests that you get a new HVAC unit, even if it is an Energy Star one, it will still probably only last you about 10 years. Being that they literally cost thousands of dollars, make sure that your energy auditor provides accurate details about their shelf life.

Failing to take the state of the house or office into consideration. If you were going to read an Ambit Energy LinkedIn Profile about mistakes that auditors make when it comes to energy conservation , something that they’re probably going to mention is the fact that while a lot of energy auditors tend to make good suggestions on how to save energy, sometimes they don’t take the age or size of a home or office into consideration first. After all, what a 1200 sq. ft. home needs is going to be very different than what a 5,000 sq. ft. one does. Everything must be factored in before providing solid recommendations.

Not keeping good records. When a new professional auditor is trying to build up a clientele, word of mouth is going to go a long way. That’s why they need to keep a good set of records when it comes to the people they have worked with. They need to make sure to take pictures (with their client’s permission, of course) and also that they get documented testimonials. By doing so, they’ll be well on their way to being a successful energy auditor in their area.