Energy Audit

This is part of our Take Control & Save program with our partner, Associated Electric Cooperative.  The program is designed to increase the purchase and installation of high-efficiency products in member’s home.  The home energy audit and weatherization measure is a multi-faceted program designed to improve the energy efficiency of the member’s home.  As part of the program and to ensure that the members participating truly want to make the improvements, VVEC will begin charging $50.00 to the member for an energy audit.  This audit has a value of over $300.00.  The member may even qualify for Weatherization Assistance from the government under the Stimulus Plan.  See our previous issue regarding this or call your local Community Action Resource office for further details on assistance.

The energy audit will consist of the following steps:

1. A blower door test or infrared camera locating places of air leakage and energy loss.
2. Inspection of rim joists, windows, doors, recessed lighting, electrical outlets and switches for air leaks.
3. Documentation of all air leaks as candidates for sealing.
4. Check of the heating system filter.
5. Check the heating/air conditioning ductwork for air leaks if accessible.
6. Check the temperature setting on the water heater.  (Recommended temperature setting is a range of 120- 140 degrees.  If an Energy Star dishwasher is not present, the upper end of the range is recommended.)
7. Providing a water heater wrap.
8. Providing a hot water pipe wrap from the top of the water heater up to 10’ if accessible.
9. Providing a low flow shower head.
10. Inspect attic and wall insulation and determine if any additional insulation is needed.
11. Inspect crawl space and basement, if present, for any energy efficiency opportunities.
12. Determine the presence of CFL lightbulbs, and leaving 5 bulbs for the homeowner to install.

Our partner, Associated Electric Cooperative will provide the energy weatherization kit for the member which will include the water heater wrap, hot water pipe wrap, 5 CFL’s insulation kits for electrical outlets and wall switches, a low flow shower head, caulk and weather stripping.