We get email inquiries every day asking about what we do and how much we charge for our energy audits. Here's some basic information...
Home Green Home performs complete energy audits as recommended by the federal government’s Energy Star program and by the State of Missouri Department of Natural Resources. The audit it is a 3-4 hour process that includes a number of very important tests:
1) We use a "Blower Door" to depressurize your house. This computer instrumented procedure enables us to find and quantify air leaks that rob your home of energy.
2) Thermal photography allows us to see inside your walls and figure out where energy is being lost. That makes it easy to devise a cost-effective plan for improvement.
3) Combustion efficiency tests assure that your furnace is operating properly and making the best use of your gas dollars.
4) Combustion safety testing makes sure that all of the exhaust gases (Carbon Monoxide) are safely leaving your house. You'd be surprised how many homes have furnace gases spilling back into the house. That's neither safe or healthy.
5) A thorough inspection of your house inside and outside. We go everywhere we need to including crawlspaces and attics to collect all the information necessary to devise a cost-effective plan for reducing energy use and fixing comfort problems (rooms that don't heat or cool, drafts, cold floors, etc).
Our building analysts are trained, certified, insured and experienced.
During the audit, we provide a continuous commentary on opportunities for improvement. After the audit, we provide a written report summarizing our findings that you can use as a roadmap for improving your home. We also provide an estimate of what it will cost to make the suggested improvements. The report is prioritized based on projected payback from reduced energy bills. Of course we also tailor our recommendations to resolve comfort concerns such as rooms that won’t heat or drafts.
There is no question that an energy audit is the important first step for reducing energy use. Conventional wisdom such as simply replacing windows or adding insulation is often not the best course of action. Energy audits provide objective information that focuses improvement dollars in the best direction.
You should know that energy audits qualify for a Missouri income tax deduction when performed by a licensed energy auditor (which we of course are) - that saves some more $$$. The deduction also covers recommended improvements. A federal tax credit is also available for some recommended improvements.
Assessments of a home up to 3000 sq. ft. with one furnace and one water heater are $400.00. Homes up to 5000 sq. ft. with 2 furnaces and/or hot water heaters are $500.00. Homes larger than 5000 ft. or those with additional HVAC or water heating systems are quoted individually.
To get answers to your questions or to set up an appointment you can contact Marc Bluestone by phone at 314-644-1570 or by email at marc@homegreenhome.us . You can also learn more at www.homegreenhome.us.
