There are a variety of incentive programs to assist and motivate consumers to become more energy efficient and they are available in many different forms through various sources. Not all of them, however, will benefit the home owner using them under all conditions and caution is advised.
The “Free” Energy Audit is a marketing tool used by product manufacturers or service providers as a means of providing a sales presentation for their wares at no initial expense to the home owner. One or two people will come to the home and perform an “energy audit” that will result in a predetermined need for whatever it is they are selling. The expenses that are incurred by the company in providing the “free energy audit” are incorporated into the price of the product or service which is not always the most cost effective or necessary means available to the consumer toward addressing their efficiency issues. For example, how likely will a window salesman’s “free energy audit” recommend to the consumer that he first apply his funds and efforts toward air sealing and insulation when it can be shown to provide a better solution for less cost?
Some energy providers will provide rebates for consumers to use more of their product. You may find a local electrical provider that will offer a $50 or $75 cash award to someone who will swap out their gas water heater for an electric water heater which will not necessarily reduce their energy use or associated costs.
Low cost loan programs are also available to help consumers finance upgrades to their homes with the intent that the energy savings derived from the improvements will (among other benefits) pay for or toward the repayment of the loan. These are excellent programs when consumers use professional and certified Building Analysts and energy auditors to provide unbiased and accurate recommendations as to how the loans should be applied for the greatest return on their investment. However, when loans are applied toward purchases recommended by salesmen without regard to the actual return on investment for overall home efficiency the results can be financially disastrous.
Most state and federal tax credits and deductions are written with built-in safeguards to ensure consumers are properly directing their efforts and using qualified persons to help them, but consumers should still use their independent and unbiased professional Building Analyst to help them ensure that the work provided by the contractor will produce the intended result.
Never seek energy efficiency recommendations from anyone who can gain financially from his recommendations.
Always use an independent and unbiased professional Building Analyst to assist you in determining what steps to take to improve your home’s comfort levels, healthy environment and energy efficiency. For more information, visit .