Howie from Connecticut asks: “My wife received an e-mail the other day about an in-home energy audit   Below are excerpts from the email.  Are you familiar with this program or others like it that say they can help with energy efficiency and saving money on heating and cooling bills?”

• We perform In-Home Energy Audits (on behalf of various Power Companies).  This great program was created to save you money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable. How do we do that?
• We spend time removing leaky drafts and by caulking, foam insulation and adding weather-stripping
• Check your duct work to make sure they are working properly and repairing them when needed
• Replace light bulbs, shower heads and aerators.
• If you are ready to replace older heating equipment, windows, and appliances; or add insulation we have rebates from the utility companies so those upgrades will cost you less.

Please call to schedule your appointment or for more information. There’s a $75.00 co-pay but that does not compare to the over $700.00 value of the audit plus the year over year savings you will have after our visit.  The audit typically takes 4 hours.

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Howie, This would be a good opportunity even if it weren’t getting colder where you live.  The in-home energy audit is something any homeowner, or renter who pays for their utilities, should consider.

We are not familiar with this particular group but are aware and support these types of in-home energy audit programs.  Over the years, friends of ours have had these home energy audits performed and had only positive experiences.  

Recently, for example, a friend had heard about a program through his local Power Company where they would subsidize an In-Home Audit, just as it was described in your email.  He took advantage of the offer and the professionals came out to give them a full audit.  Programs asking for a $75 fee have since replaced free in-home energy audits.  The time spent in your house and the information and advice you receive should be well worth the money paid for your energy audit.

If the group that contacted you do what is typical, they will come in and do a full "energy audit" of your house and find where you are losing heat and wasting electricity or fuel needed to heat (or air condition) your house.  The home energy audits that I have heard of, take 3 or so hours and are worth it.  

In addition to suggesting things to save on lighting bills and hot water bills, my friend said that his 15-year-old house had severe leakage issues.  The recommendations that are made could include replacing some showers with low-flo shower heads and simple caulking work to seal your doors and window sills.  Or, the bigger projects that could be recommended include insulating our attic or basement or possibly getting new windows.  

They should give you estimates of each possible energy saving project, big and small, and even tell you which projects qualified for local or federal government tax credits or rebates.

There is no obligation to say yes to any of their recommended projects and there should be no obligation to use any of the contractors they suggest if you go ahead with any one or more energy saving projects.
 
I am sure the group that comes to perform the in-home energy audit makes their money when someone saying yes to any of the projects recommended to save me money. Regardless, if they do the job right, you will find ways to save money on your heating or AC bills.  My friend knew that his home needed insulation in the attic before they walked into his home, so he was ready and willing.

Although, I would always suggest to someone to speak to the contractor and get a reference before they come to your house to start work, I have only heard very positive experiences with these home energy audits and would expect you to have the same.

Best of luck and if you have more questions, don't hesitate to Ask The Contractor.        Thanks, Bruce

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