Whole Home Improvements... The more you do, the more you save!Energy experts recommend taking a comprehensive, whole home approach when looking to boost comfort and keep your energy bills in check. The Whole Home Improvements path with ENERGY STAR® helps you do just that by looking at your home as a system.
It starts with a home energy assessment. After the assessment, you'll receive a clear road map of recommended improvements, cash incentives, and expert guidance to help you use energy smarter. Homeowners who receive an energy assessment typically see utility bill savings of 20 percent or more. Plus, you'll qualify for the highest incentives. Consider it your reward for getting the most comfort out of your home and taking a comprehensive approach to saving energy.
Homeowners can receive an energy assessment performed by a certified contractor who will then recommend upgrades specific to your home’s needs. At the time of the assessment, you will also be eligible to receive free direct installation of energy efficient equipment, such as LED bulbs and faucet aerators. If you choose to move forward with the recommend upgrades, Focus on Energy will provide cash-back rewards, up to $2,250.
What improvements may be made?Qualifying homeowners will receive a home energy assessment. As part of the evaluation, the program consultant will review the home as an entire system and show you how it is using, and possibly misusing, energy. The consultant will also conduct a safety test to verify that combustion appliances, such as the furnace and hot water heater, are not exhausting carbon monoxide into your home.
A home energy assessment helps pinpoint where your home is wasting energy, what you can do to save money and enjoy greater comfort, and determines the best order to complete improvements. It’s performed by a trained and certified Trade Ally contractor who will also look at health and safety issues that may be present. Energy assessments may vary in scope and typically range between $200-$400 dollars. Final scope and cost often depend upon the age, size, and condition of your home. If you qualify for Tier 2 incentives, the assessment fee is reduced to a $50 co-pay.
Depending on the results of the home energy assessment, your home may receive one or more of the following energy efficiency improvements:
- Insulation. Adding insulation to the attic, walls and crawlspaces helps reduce energy use and increase comfort.
- Heating and cooling system updates. Replacing an inefficient furnace, boiler and/or central air conditioner will save energy and reduce energy costs.
- Sealing air leaks. Sealing air leaks will reduce the cold drafts caused by unwanted holes in the home's structure and may improve indoor air quality.
- Energy saving products. Installing water-saving faucet aerators and shower heads, as well as ENERGY STAR qualified compact LED light bulbs, saves energy.
- ENERGY STAR qualified appliances. Replacing old inefficient refrigerators and freezers with ENERGY STAR qualified models will use a fraction of the energy.
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Focus on Energy.