A Homeowners Perspective
1. What are the reasons you wanted to do the audit? What motivated you? There were several reasons. I've lived in the house since 1986 and never added insulation. I had read that the amount of insulation recommended had increased. A neighbor down the street told me that when they added insulation to their attic last summer their AC use went down. I had been reading a lot of articles about how helpful an audit could be. First, it could show me where the problems were and also give me ideas about how to fix the problem areas. I understood an audit prioritized the problem areas and if I was going to correct things, I wanted to know where to put my money for the most effective outcome.
I wanted to spend less money on heating and cooling and also had environmental reasons for doing the audit.
2. What concerns did you have about doing an energy audit? I was concerned about the cost, the length of time to do it and how to find a reputable company.
3. Was there something that you found surprising about the process? Before, after or during?
I was pleased at how careful the rep was in my home. He was very clean, very professional. He explained everything to me on the phone prior to my setting the appointment and when he came he did everything he said he would. The process was thorough both in questions he asked and how he carried them out. I was surprised that he did not tell me immediately to replace old windows. But, instead advised insulation in the attic, and to fix a number of small air leaks.
I was also surprised to learn about air leaks from vents, and lighting into the attic.
4. What were the major areas of deficiencies? The attic was the biggest. I had some areas where there was no insulation in a couple of places, and too little insulation everywhere else. I also had a door and large basement window with an air leak.
5. Were fixing the deficiencies easy? Weather stripping fixed the door and the window. I hired a company to add insulation which corrected the attic floor leaks. Villa recommended a company to help me with this, and having the recommendation made it easier for me.
6. Are there any deficiencies you were not able to resolve? No. Even though the rep did not push new windows, and in fact, said my storm windows were doing a good job, I will probably consider replacing some of the windows next year.
7. Would you recommend the company that did your energy audit? Yes, absolutely. They gave me a print out of what would be used for tax rebate when I paid my bill. They were also prompt in responding and very courteous on the phone.
If you are considering an energy audit for your home and have questions, give Jeff a call at 410-349-3282 or send him an email to
jhall@villabuildersinc.com.
