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Professional Home Energy Assessment

One of the best ways to get a handle on your energy usage is to do a home energy assessment, often referred to as an “energy audit.” If you are looking for some quick information, check out this list of most common problems that result in higher energy bills and maintenance costs.

  1. Inadequate insulation – allows heat (and cold) to flow through walls, ceilings, and floors

  2. Air leakage – leaks hidden in your walls, attic, basement & garage allow warm or cool air to escape and bring in cold or hot outdoor air in its place

  3. Inefficient heating systems – older technology or newer, minimum-efficiency furnaces cost more to operate than modern, high-efficiency systems

  4. Inefficient central air conditioning system – older, inefficient units cost more to operate than modern, high-efficiency systems; improper installation and over-sized A/C systems can reduce efficiency even more

  5. Ducts – duct problems include leakage into attics & garages (sometimes up to 40%), uneven room temperatures, and low air flow; all of these increase your energy bills

  6. Improperly vented appliances – can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide fumes

Room by Room


Professional HOME ASSESSments

If you have specific concerns such as uneven room temperatures or high bills, finding a professional Home Energy Auditor may be the best option. A professional auditor has many tools and techniques for assessing your home’s energy efficiency including:

Home Assessment Tests
  • Infrared cameras – to help identify gaps in your insulation

  • Blower door test – to uncover energy dollars that are escaping outside through leaks

  • Duct test – to measure your duct system leakage and efficiency

 

It’s important to find a certified Home Energy Auditor to ensure you are getting a quality audit. Check out one of the nationally-recognized trade organizations to find a certified contractor in your area: Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) & Building Performance Institute (BPI).

 

finding a good contractor

Finding someone you trust to help improve your home can be stressful. Horror stories abound. Selecting an experienced, capable contractor is critical to a successful energy-efficient project. Here are some tips for finding the right professional:

Step 1

Ask friends, neighbors and family members and/or check out one of the nationally-recognized trade organizations to find a certified contractor in your area. See Resources and Links for more information.
Step 2 Make appointments for at least three contractors to come by your house to provide a cost and time estimate.Expect the contractor to spend significant time at your house, taking measurements, discussing options and explaining exactly how the job will be done.
Step 3 Confirm the contractor is 1) licensed and insured 2) familiar with local and state regulations and codes 3) experienced with energy efficiency projects of a similar scale to yours.
Step 4 Ask for at least three references. Contact every reference and ask specific questions about the work performed and resulting energy savings. Keep in mind that the references will be the contractor's most satisfied customers, so any dissatisfaction they express could be a red flag.
Step 5 Put everything in writing before the work gets started. Keep this document, which should specify  the project cost, model numbers, job schedules and warranty information.

Hire the best contractor for the job, with price as just one consideration along with references, experience, and communication skills. If your contractor does a good job, refer him to others. Your friends and family members will be more likely to make energy-efficiency improvements if you can refer a contractor who can do the job.


consumer resources

Energy StarThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy (DOE) have teamed up to offer a veritable treasure trove of information on the ENERGY STAR website. Whether you are shopping for a new, energy efficient refrigerator or researching do-it-yourself options, this site is a reliable and comprehensive source on saving energy. Also, check out our page on other valuable resources & links.

Remember: don’t wait until your appliances or other big-ticket items break to think about replacing them – do the research in advance! Making a quick, last minute decision could cost you a lot in the long run.

Tasteful Flourish