Posts from — July 2010

I’ve heard people say that energy audits are an “extra” they can’t afford.

I’ve heard others say that audits are just for people who want to be PC and super-green, but for the rest of us they’re not worth the money.

I’ve heard others say they’d rather turn their a/c up or their heat down than get an audit and do weatherization…because it costs too much money.

Sigh.

Here’s the thing: energy audits aren’t just for the wealthy, or for people who want to waste their money just to be “green,” or for those who can’t suck it up and live with the discomfort of the summer’s heat or the winter’s cold. They are for anyone who wants to SAVE money over time, LIVE a more energy-efficient and cost-effective life, and be COMFORTABLE in their home.

Here’s a fact: an energy audit + subsequent weatherization costs less over a period of 2-3 years than doing nothing. And after that 2-3 years you are making the money you would have been spending.

So if that’s how rich, greeny-green people live comfortably in their homes, I guess that’s who audits are for.

Here are some posts that detail the savings that will happen if you get an audit and weatherize:

• Real world example #1: Duct testing/sealing and payoff
• We *knew* we were a good idea…and now CNN Money confirms it
• Performance Energy Rebates + Energy Audit + Duct cleaning = HUGE steal for customers looking for energy efficiency

All that said, if you or someone you know is living paycheck-to-paycheck, you MAY qualify for the state low-income weatherization program. To qualify you need to be making less than 200% of poverty level (for a family of 4, this us under $44,100/year). Here’s the link to information about this program in NC.  Each county or group of counties handles the program through a different office, so be sure to look up your county to find out who to contact.