We are scheduling home energy audits at discounted rates beginning December. The cost of the audit will be $240 and up, depending on the size and complexity of the house.  For your reference some commercial outfits charge a minimum of $600

A professional energy audit goes into great detail. The auditor does a room to room examination of the residence, the basement and the attic. He also examines past utility bills.  The audit includes a blower door test.

Before the energy auditor's visit, make a list of any existing problems, such as condensation and uncomfortable drafty rooms.  Have copies or a summary of the home's yearly energy bills.  (Your utility company can get these for you). Auditors use this information to establish what to look for during the audit.

The auditor will first examine the outside of the house, to determine the size of the house and its features (e.g. wall area, number and size of windows).  The auditor then will analyze resident behavior:
    is anyone home during working hours?
    what is the average thermostat setting in winter?
    how many people live here?
    is every room in use?
    do people smoke?
    does anyone sleep with the windows open?
    etc.
Your answers to such questions may help uncover some simple ways to reduce your household's energy consumption.

During the audit walk through your home with the auditors as they work and ask questions. They may use equipment to detect sources of energy loss, such as blower doors, infrared devices, furnace efficiency meters and combustible gas detectors.

During the blower door test all combustion (furnace/boiler, gas pilot lights, fireplaces, wood stoves) will have to be turned off.  Fireplaces must be cleared of ashes and dampers must be closed.

The audit will last 2-3 hours.  It will not affect the normal operation of the house, but during the blower door test it will be temporarily cooled down somewhat.

To request an audit of your home, please contact Paul Kando (below) indicating the days of the week and time of day (am or pm) the house would be available.  We will then schedule the audit.

Paul Kando (click to send email)
Midcoast Green Collaborative

To learn more about Energy audits:

US Department of Energy - Do it Yourself Home Energy Audits

ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick - compare your home with local equivalents

Home Energy Analyser - analyze the energy use of your home