Free Home Energy Audits in DC
I wanted everyone to be aware of these free energy audits. Several states across the U.S. do them and I’ve heard a lot of success stories. You can’t go wrong with free…
greg
Free Home Energy Audits Available to DC Residents
Washington, DC – With air-conditioning season just around the corner and energy costs on the rise, the District Government is again offering free energy audits to single-family homeowners. The DC Department of the Environment’s Home Energy Rating System (HERS) program identifies a home’s energy deficiencies and provides homeowners with cost-effective, energy improvement recommendations.
“I hope our residents will take advantage of the free audits,” said George Hawkins, Director of the DC Department of the Environment. “We have found that many consumers don’t consider energy conservation because they’re not sure what to do. The HERS program will give homeowners new insight.”
The HERS Program will send a RESNET certified Auditor to evaluate a home’s existing energy condition, including walls, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, hot water heating, heating and cooling mechanical systems and other related aspects. Once the home audit is complete, a detailed HERS improvement analysis report is provided to the homeowner. Recommendations range from no-cost behavioral changes to major improvements to reduce energy loss in the home.
District residency and DC homeownership are the only program eligibility requirements. To schedule a free HERS audit, interested residents should call Willie Vazquez at 202.671.3304 or LaKeisha Estep at 202.673.6733.
To learn more about the HERS program, visit ddoe.dc.gov.
January 19th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
Good post. For the basics on what a home energy audit should entail, see http://greenhomesamerica.wordpress.com/2008/10/08/home-energy-audits/. Note that a home energy rating has limitations. A rater *may* use a blower door–maybe not. Few use infrared camera. And only an experienced practioner with the right equipment can check for combustions safety issues. This should be included in every audit. Remember, too, that audits don’t save any energy or make you more comfortable. Improvements measures–installed properly–are were the changes and benefits come from!
Thanks!
Mike