Energy Issues And You

Energy prices are rising and will continue to.  For literally decades an impressive  US economy caused an insensitivity to the fact that waste and inefficiency costs colt hard money money!   Now, home and business owners must make their homes more energy efficient to protect their finances.  The best way to get started on this new track is to:

• have an energy audit or inspection of their home to help pinpoint energy dollars that could be saved.  This should be done for:
  • Existing homes
  • New home
  • Homes under construction.  Your greatest opportunity ever is to team with an auditor during construction!
• install energy efficient appliances - like Energy Star rated appliances
• upgrade to energy efficient windows or installing window treatments (like solar film or shades)
• add solar energy technology to your home or business
• lowering/raising thermostat temperatures to use less energy      
• install more energy efficient heating or cooling systems
• switch to alternative fuel sources or green power sources
• find help from their utilities to pay their bills

A Home Energy Tune-uP^® or a HERS Rating?

Rating the energy efficiency of homes has been used primarily by home builders who want to market their new homes as being energy efficient. This rating system has not been readily adopted by owners of existing homes and their REALTORS® because older homes are less energy efficient, and therefore, get lower grades. Older homes typically score somewhere between 40 and 70, depending on their age, whereas new homes should score at least 80.  The Energy Star rating demands a minimum score of 86.

Tune-uP, developed by CMC Energy Services, was designed specifically for owners of older homes who want to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes, rather than grade them.  The main advantages to a Tune-Up are:

• a higher level of detail, which offers quick access to low-cost financing

• a lower price tag

• more home inspectors to do the energy audits

Tune-uP is an excellent choice for owners or buyers of older homes or light commercial buildings, whereas rating remains the choice for builders of new homes.

 The Home Energy Tune-uP^® Report includes:

• An Inventory of all energy using systems and appliances, including condition and replacement dates.   
• Cost effective recommended upgrades. < each for savings energy>
• Estimated cost of installation for each recommendation.
• Identifying the group of recommendations whose energy savings exceed the cost when financed.
• Financing options.
• An explanation of each recommendation.
• A discussion of low-cost or no cost improvements.
• Resources to help find contractors and suppliers for implementation.

The Home Energy Tune-uP^® helps Homeowners and Home Buyers

• Save an average of 25% on your energy bill ($450/year);
• Find out which improvements to make – the Tune-uP report will estimate the savings and costs of each potential upgrade;
• Increase the comfort of your home – no drafts; better temperature control;
• Increase the value of your home – each dollar spent on Tune-uP-recommended improvements will increase the future sales value by more than a dollar.

Call (804) 744-0380 to schedule a Home Energy Tune-uP^®

 The Four Easy Steps Of Home Energy Tune-uP^®

 1. INSPECTION

• A certified energy inspector examines and measures the home and finds all opportunities for energy savings.

2. DETAILED ANALYSIS

• Specialized software produces a Report which shows savings and costs for energy efficiency improvements and provides tips on ways to save more energy and reduce your energy bills.

 3. IMPLEMENTATION

• The Report provides access to a database of contractors, a direct line to an energy expert, and access to other energy products and services.

 4. FINANCING

• The report lists the improvements that, when financed, will save more than they cost. It includes information on the Streamlined (k) Limited Repair Program by which homebuyers and homeowners can finance up to an additional $35,000 into their mortgage for energy-efficiency improvements identified by their home inspector.