FAQ’s
How much money will I save after making improvements? Each home is different, but we have found that savings of 20 – 30% can often be achieved in a cost effective way.
I already know my home is inefficient? This may be true, but do you know how to fix it? The assumption that windows or insulation are the best place to start can be an expensive mistake. The results of an energy audit focus your improvement money where it will do the most good and eliminate the risk of spending money on products or services that return little benefit.
I have an all brick home, so how can an energy audit help me? There may be some limitations to making your home more efficient, but there are almost always opportunities for improvements in areas we can access like basements and attics and to your heating and cooling systems. Also, since we focus on lifestyle habits, we may be able to help reduce utility expenses my evaluating what’s going on inside the home as well.
Isn’t it dangerous to make my house too air tight? Every house needs a certain amount of air exchange, but the reality is that most houses have too much air exchanged with the outside, meaning too many air leaks. The potential problems of not having enough air exchange to the outside is why having a blower door and combustion safety test performed on your home is so important before you start air sealing. Also it is important that the tests be repeated after significant air sealing. If you are working with a contractor that proposes to reduce air leakage without first testing (blower door AND combustion safety) then it should be a red flag that they are not well trained in building science.
I know my windows are leaky, so shouldn’t I start with replacing my windows? Windows are rarely a cost effective solution to reducing energy use. Since replacing windows will be one of the most expensive improvements you make, there are other things you can spend your money on to get a greater return on your investment. An energy audit will thoroughly test the performance of your home and make useful and cost effective recommendations for improvements.
