Home » Business » What Consumers Should Know About Home Energy Audits

What Consumers Should Know About Home Energy Audits

Sedona AZ (June 11, 2013) – With the summer heat upon us, many might be considering a home energy audit to ensure cooling costs stay at a minimum. However, popular services like energy evaluations, home energy assessments, and home energy consultations can be confusing due to the many options offered.

solar panels

Home energy audits should only be performed by a Building Performance Institute (BPI) credentialed contractor or Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Home Energy Professional says BBB

“I am sure that you, as well as many individuals in our communities, have recently received telemarketing calls offering a “free energy audit,” said Anthony Palermo,Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office Community Relations Specialist. “Well, our BBB has developed information for consumers on this topic – so they know what questions to ask – and what to do to protect their wallets.”

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) encourages consumers to educate themselves before considering an offer from a company that claims to be eligible for big energy savings.

Energy audit” is a rather loose term undefined by most companies in the solar industry. Nonetheless, government agencies and local utility companies – such as APS and SRP – refer to an energy audit as a comprehensive evaluation of how a home uses energy.

“Because home energy audits have become more common in recent years, consumers should be aware of what an audit entails, in an attempt to avoid scams,” said Matthew Fehling, BBB President/CEO.

Home energy audits should only be performed by a Building Performance Institute (BPI) credentialed contractor or Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) Home Energy Professional. The cost of an energy audit can vary based on size of the home and whether or not local utilities sponsor specific programs, but it’s usually not free. The audit can take several hours to perform and provides consumers with a customized assessment report of the energy usage in the home. A BPI certified contractor or RESNET Home Energy Professional could identify areas of energy waste and recommend energy efficiency improvements tailored specifically to the home.

To help consumers avoid scams, BBB provides the following list of items that should be included in a home energy audit:

● A homeowner interview to identify primary concerns and goals regarding the home’s energy use and comfort levels.

● Test for leaks in walls and ceilings by using diagnostic equipment (blower door testing).

● Check for leaks in the AC duct system.

● Evaluation of insulation levels in the attic.

● Combustion safety tests.

● HVAC testing.

● General survey of lighting and appliances.

● Customized assessment report of the energy use in the home and recommendations specific to the need of the home.

BBB offers the following tips for consumers considering a home energy audit:

● Consumers should ask the company to provide a copy of their BPI certification or RESNET information prior to their arrival.

● Be aware of “bundled services.” After reviewing the recommendations with the contractor, a proposal should be presented. Make sure the proposal is broken down in labor and material costs for the work that is expected to be completed.

● Confirm with your utility company that rebates offered are valid and contact a tax advisor regarding federal or state tax credits. Be aware that tax credits only apply to specific technologies. Visit www.dsire.org or www.energystar.gov for more information on energy tax credits.

● Know the difference between home energy consultations and home energy audits. Home energy consultations are essentially a sales consultation. The company may ask questions regarding general comfort, but usually does not inspect the home or provide any comprehensive report of the home’s energy usage. Consumers should use the consultation as an opening to an energy audit, and it is recommended not to consider the purchase of solar upgrades without doing a full energy audit first.

Home energy audits can help a homeowner make an informed decision by offering comparative costs and benefits of upgrading to a higher efficiency air conditioning unit vs. investing in a solar hot water.

Beware of energy saving claims such as “will lower your utility bill by 40%” or “savings up to 50% on your electric and gas.”

Ask your utility company if they cold call or use telemarketing for their energy audit programs. Anyone claiming to represent a utility company is likely misrepresenting themselves. Contact your BBB at 602-264-1721 or visit www.bbb.org/complain to report misleading companies. 

For more information on an APS Energy Audit, contractor referrals or general questions, contact APS at 877-850-8358 or go to www.aps.com/checkup.

For more information on an SRP Energy Audit, contractor referrals or general questions, contact SRP at 602-889-2656 or go to www.savewithsrp.com.

For more information on Southwest Gas efficiency rebates, contact Southwest Gas at 1-800-654-2765 or visit www.swgasliving.com/efficiency/az.

 

For the best in Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

For the best in Arizona news and views, read www.SedonaEye.com daily!

 

Leave a Reply

Copyright © 2008-2017 · Sedona Eye · All Rights Reserved · Posts · Comments · Facebook · Twitter ·