With the addition of federal tax incentives, you may want to have a more energy efficient home. What should people who are suddenly propelled into "being green" do? Hire an Energy Auditor!

Hiring an energy auditor can save many resources. Also the government may give you a tax break on the purchase of:

-energy efficient windows

-a new boiler

-solar panels

Trying to update your home to be greener without consulting with an energy auditor is like investing in your company’s 401K plan without researching it first. Don’t make that mistake!

Some Reasons why Using an Energy Auditor is Beneficial:

1. Auditors are not expensive, only costing about three hundred dollars depending on the size of your home.

2. They zero in on the problem areas and offer solutions. For instance, you might be worried about the windows when the real problem is your vents or holes in the insulation.

3. Professional auditors use special equipment like infrared cameras, large fans and electronics to diagnose your areas of improvement accurately.

4. A detailed report will be given to you that outlines the problem areas in your home, solutions to the problems, and an estimate of the cost of the upgrades and what the return on your investment will be.

All you have to do is choose the right auditor and you can be on your way to a greener home in no time. But how do you choose the right one? You can get recommendations from friends and neighbors. You should also call your local utility company or the State Environment Protection Agency. These agencies can give you recommended contractor and also might even give you the names of contractors to avoid. You should also be aware that some auditors work for the companies that are selling the services and goods they are recommending to you. You should always ask auditors for references, the industry associations they belong to, and their training certificates. You should look at the required licenses and you it’s always recommended to go on the state attorney general’s website and the Better Business Bureau to look for clues about past problems.

Competent Auditors Will:

1. Do a Blower-Door Test- During this test, a huge fan is put inside of an exterior door. Super-sensitive measuring equipment is used to analyze the airflow and identify leaks.

2. Spot Cold Joints- They do this with an infrared camera. Cold joints are where air passes through insulation.

3. Test for Duct Leaks- This is done with a test similar to the blower-door test. Also determines air duct tightness.

4. Evaluate Energy Bills- A year’s worth to be exact. They will give you easy lifestyle changes that will lower your costs.

5. Inspect Appliances- This includes air conditioners. They determine whether any of your appliances need to be replaced.

Audits typically save 12-20 percent in home heating and cooling costs. Remember, you can always improve the efficiency of your home; you just need to know where to look. That’s where an Energy Auditor comes in!