How does a Home Energy Tune uP work ?
The first step to reducing your home's energy useage is to have an energy audit (Home Energy Tune uP) performed on your home. The energy consultant will collect data on yourhome and using computer software provide you a Home Energy Tune uP report. The report provides the home owner the following information:
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Energy Efficiency Improvement Opportunities.
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Annual Energy Savings for each Improvement.
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Estimated cost for each energy improvement or upgrade.
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Identify Improvements that save more than they cost.
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Provide detail information of each building component as it relates to energy savings.
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Provide list of Energy Contractors.
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Additional Energy Efficiency Measures (Lifestyle changes)
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Guidance on Indoor Air Quality.
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Financing Energy Efficiency.
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Energy Efficiency Tax Credits.
Make an Informed Decision
Finally the home owner has the information needed to make an informed decision on which energy improvements are cost effective.
What information is used to calculate your home's energy savings? The inspector will collect and CNC Energy Services software will analysis the following information:
| Home Characteristics: |
Type, Age, Size and Orientation of Home |
| Heating/Cooling Systems: |
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| Heating System: |
Type of System, Fuel Type, Age, Efficiency |
| Central Air Conditioners |
Type, Age, Size, Efficiency |
| Room Air Conditioners |
Type, Age, Size |
| Distribution System |
Duct leaks, length of Un-Insulated Ducts or Pipes, Thermostats |
| Air Seal Up |
Air leakage of home and fireplaces |
| Insulation: |
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| Ceiling |
Insulation R-value and Type, Size, Roof and Ceiling Type, Floored or Finished Attic, Radiant Barrier, Color of Roof |
| Wall |
Whether Insulated, Size of Walls, Feasibility of Insulating |
| Partition |
Whether Insulated, Size of Walls |
| Knee Wall |
Whether Insulated, Size of Walls |
| Basement Wall |
Whether Conditioned Basement is Insulated, Size of Walls to be Insulated, Size of all Basement Windows |
| Floor Insulation |
Floor Type, Insulation R-value, Area, Joist accessibility |
| Windows/Skylights |
Size, Number, Orientation, Frame Condition, Glazing |
| Insulating Shades |
Size, Number, Orientation |
| Solar Film/Shade |
Size, Number, Orientation |
| Appliances: |
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| Water Heater |
Type, Age, Size, Condition, Fuel Type |
| Laundry |
Age, Size, Condition, Type of Washing Machine or Dryer |
| Kitchen |
Age and Condition of Refrigerator and Freezer |
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Implement the recommended improvements and upgrades.
After your home's data has been analyzed, the Energy Tune uP report identifies the improvements and upgrades which save more money than they cost. The “No Brainers”.
This will be dependent upon the payback period you choose. If you are financing a 30-year mortgage, the report will recommend improvements with a 30-year payback period or less. If you are financing a 10 year mortgage, the report will only recommend improvements with a 10-year or less payback period.
Once you know which improvements you wish to make, arrange for energy contractors to make the improvements and upgrades. CNC Energy Services provides a list of energy contractors in their report. Additionally, your inspector can help you find quality contractors for a fair price.
Finally pay for the improvements using an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). Remember the improvements must be made by an Energy Consultant who provides a report with cost effective recommendations. And don’t forget to claim any state or federal tax credits you qualify for. Check with your accountant or tax planner.
The cost of a Home Energy Tune uP report is $229 as a stand alone service. When combined with a Standard Home Inspection or Property Evaluation the fee is $129.
Click here to learn about Energy Dollars
Click here to learn about reducing your homes Energy Cost
Click here to return to Energy Savings page from Energy Tune uP Page
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