I just booked one for my house.
Basically, I wanna know how the best ways to insulate and draft-proof my creaky old 1930s house.
Anyone gone through this process? Was it useful for you?
I thought this was going to be something about Scientology.
I have friends that did and they found it useful.
Everything from which windows just needed sealing to changing out light bulbs in many areas and insulating the electric Hot Water Tank. They also added weather stripping to one door.
They were also told to beef up their attic insulation and add a programmable thermostat. (I need to do the attic trick still)
They reduced heating oil use by 20% and their electric bill by 15%. They figured the upgrades they did were paid for in the first year.
They have yet to change out their windows; they are saving for this more expensive fix. Ditto retiring the old Refrigerator.
YMMV,
Jim
Damn you. Salmon roll out the nose!
Had one, no. However as a senior in high school I had to learn how they’re done for my physics class (we had a lab once a week for a quarter with a guy who does them for real). There’s an awful lot of math involved - probably not for you personally to do, huh? - but if you follow through with making the changes, you’re bound to save money. After you spend some.
So what type of company does these? I’ve been thinking about getting one done, but I’ve no idea where to ask.
In the US, some utilities will do them for free. I know in my old home, the Gas company offered a free audit. It might be worth looking into. Try the local Electric Company also.
Jim
Our electric company offers the audit every autumn. The catch is that you do have to pay for whatever upgrades you choose. If you’re a senior-age homeowner, you get a discount.
We had done years ago when we were desperately poor and lived in a rental unit. (We’re not as poor now, but still live in the same place.) Because of our income level at the time, ours was free–offered through the city, I believe. They came through and checked insulation, door seals, etc., then made a lot of changes. They blew insulation into the attic, added weatherstripping to all doors which lead outside, and created an air-block type door for the outside basement doors (which were metal and had so many gaps that we could feel the air blow through the basement).
They also made quite a few recommendations (like replace the old dinosaur oil heater/water tank in the basement, and install new windows and blow insulation into the walls), but the landlord didn’t want to invest the money into making the replacements.
Not exactly the same but, I used to live in an apartment building made up of four 2 bedroom apartments. On what may have been the 4th of July or one of those cookout type holidays we neighbors were discussing our bills. My bill was significantly higher than everyone else’s. After an audit by PG&E it turned out my apartment also ran the security lights and sprinklers. Turned out to be worth a free months rent.