top of page

HomeBoost DIY Energy Audit Kit: How You Could Save 10% or More on Household Energy Bills

  • Writer: Real Estate Investment View
    Real Estate Investment View
  • Jun 25
  • 5 min read

Updated: Jun 26

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, please see my disclosure.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For more information, please see my disclosure.

What if you could cut your energy costs by 10%—without investing in pricey renovations or hiring a professional? The HomeBoost DIY Energy Audit Kit, also known as the BoostBox, is designed to make that possible. With simple guidance and smart tools, this evaluation kit helps you discover exactly where your home is wasting energy so you can fix it and start saving. 


Whether you’re a renter, a first-time homeowner, or just looking to get more out of your utility costs this year, we’ll discuss how the BoostBox is a game-changer in home energy in this blog. 


Key Takeaways:


  1. The BoostBox Makes DIY Energy Savings Simple: The BoostBox offers a user-friendly way to discover where your home is losing energy—no professional needed. It includes tools like guided checklists and a smartphone thermal camera to help homeowners take action quickly.

  2. Thermal Imaging Reveals Hidden Concerns: One of the kit's most valuable tools is the thermal camera, which visually highlights drafty windows, insulation gaps, and inefficient appliances. This makes it easy to pinpoint specific problem areas and focus on essential upgrades.

  3. You Could Save 10% or More on Utility Bills: By addressing basic energy inefficiencies like improving insulation or sealing leaks, most users report noticeable savings. Government information supports potential annual savings of 10–30% with basic upgrades.

  4. Rebates, Incentives, and Resale Value Add Even More Value: Completing a DIY audit may unlock access to utility rebates, tax credits, or even boost your home’s resale value—especially when improvements are certified or documented.


What is the BoostBox DIY Energy Audit Kit?

The BoostBox is part of HomeBoost’s initiative to bring professional-grade energy evaluation tools right to your doorstep. It’s a self-guided kit that allows you to assess how your home uses energy—-no inspector or contractor needed. 


Inside the kit, you’ll find:


  • A smartphone-compatible thermal camera

  • Reporting templates or a mobile app to track results

  • A user guide with step-by-step actionable tips and checklists to track results

  • Optional extra light meters or draft detectors (varies by region) 


The BoostBox is perfect for homeowners who want a hands-on and practical way to reduce energy use without the upfront expenses of hiring an expert. 


Using the Thermal Camera: Identify Where Your Home is Losing Heat 

The thermal camera is the star of the BoostBox kit. This device connects to your smartphone and provides you with an instant infrared view inside your home. 


The thermal camera allows you to:


  1. See missing insulation inside attics or walls

  2. Detect cold air coming in around doors and windows

  3. Discover uneven cooling or heating across rooms

  4. Spot electrics or appliances that generate unnecessary heat


The thermal camera from HomeBoost is a powerful yet easy-to-use tool that maps energy loss visually—so even first-time users can make sense of each finding. 


What Can The BoostBox Help You Evaluate?

The HomeBoost DIY Energy Audit Kit gives you a clear way to evaluate how your home uses and loses energy. It walks you through primary areas that affect your utility bills, from outdated appliances to drafty windows. 


With each section of the checklist, you'll uncover where small improvements can lead to significant savings. The goal is to help you understand where energy is being wasted so you can take simple steps to fix it. 


Doors and Windows

Check for broken locks, poor sealing, or warped frames that let outside air in. Even tiny air leaks can significantly affect your cooling and heating expenses.


Appliances

Identify energy-hungry or older appliances that could be driving up your utility bills. The kit includes a checklist to compare your existing appliances with ENERGY STAR recommendations.


HVAC and Ventilation

Check for inconsistencies in cooling or heating performance in each room. Look for blocked vents, duct leaks, or outdated filters. 


Insulation 

Inspect the effectiveness of wall, basement, and attic insulation. Use the thermal camera to detect poorly insulated sections or cold spots.


Electronics and Lighting 

Evaluate your lighting efficiency, especially in high-use areas. The DIY audit kit also includes tips for managing electronics and reducing phantom energy loss.


Can You Really Save 10% or More?

Yes! Many studies and energy organizations—including the  U.S. The Department of Energy, have reported that basic energy improvements (such as upgrading insulation or sealing leaks) can result in energy savings of 10% up to 30% annually


The HomeBoost program claims that most households that use the BoostBox see a noticeable reduction in energy use, even more so when improvements are made within the first month of the audit.  


Additional Benefits: Incentives, Rebates, and Resale Value 

In addition to helping lower monthly bills, using the BoostBox can also help you qualify for rebates and other financial incentives. Many government programs and utility companies offer support for making energy-efficient upgrades. 


Your home could qualify for: 


  • Tax incentives for qualifying energy-efficient improvements (e.g., under the Inflation Reduction Act) 

  • Local utility rebates on insulation, HVAC systems, or appliances

  • Higher home resale value, even more so when property upgrades are certified or documented


Some programs even offer cash back or gift cards for completing the audit and submitting your findings. 


Understanding Why DIY Energy Audits Matter 

As energy expenses increase and climate goals become more urgent, having access to DIY energy tools is more crucial than ever. This year, more homeowners are taking control of their energy usage with smarter and more affordable kits like BoostBox


Platforms like HomeBoost are also helping level out the playing field, offering subsidized or free kits to households that qualify, making energy efficiency more accessible for everyone. 


How to Start Your Own Audit or Get a BoostBox 

Getting a BoostBox or similar DIY kit is easier than you might think. However, if the BoostBox isn’t available in your area, you can still find similar tools online or through community resources. 


Here’s how to get started:


Step 1: Check your local utility provider - Search their home audit or energy efficient program pages

Step 2: Ask your public library - Some libraries do lend out complete audit kits or thermal cameras 

Step 3: Visit the HomeBoost website - (if available in your state) 

Step 4: Buy a smartphone thermal camera - Shop Amazon for brands like Seek Thermal or FLIR


What to Do With the Results:


  • Focus on easy fixes (installing weather stripping, sealing windows) 

  • Track with upgrades save you the most money

  • Look for rebates on bigger improvements like energy-efficient HVAC units or insulation

  • Repeat the audit next year or season to monitor upgrades 


Conclusion 

The HomeBoost DIY Energy Audit Kit is a powerful and straightforward tool that makes home energy efficiency more accessible for everyone. With smart technology like guided checklists and thermal cameras, it empowers homeowners to find and fix energy waste themselves—and potentially save big each year. 




Comments


bottom of page