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The 4 Steps To an Energy Tune-uP® Defined
Step 1: Inspection
- To reduce utility bills, the first step is to find
out where you are wasting energy.
- To do this, you need a residential energy
inspection—which should be done by a certified energy inspector, from Cedar
Hill Home Inspection, who has no financial interest in the improvements
recommended. Contact Cedar Hill Home Inspection to
schedule your Energy Tune-uP®
- The Cedar Hill Home Inspection will examine, measure,
and evaluate the factors that affect energy use in your home, e.g., size of
the home, efficiency of appliances, insulation, draftiness of rooms, and
efficiency of heating and cooling systems (HVAC).
Step 2:
Detailed Analysis
- The information gathered during the energy audit is
analyzed using specialized software to produce a comprehensive Home Energy
Tune-uP® Report. The Report shows which energy-efficiency
improvements would reduce energy costs and make the home more comfortable. The
analysis takes into account regional variables such as local weather,
implementation costs, and fuel prices.
- The Report contains estimates of the savings, costs
and payback for each energy-efficiency recommendation. It identifies the group
of improvements that, if financed, will save more on energy bills than it
costs. These are the improvements that everyone can make since they require no
out-of-pocket cost when financed.
- The detailed Recommendations section
enables contractors to provide preliminary cost estimates without a visit to
your home. It also explains how to get the best energy savings from these
improvements by listing related no-cost low-cost measures that you can take.
See
a Sample Tune-uP Report
Step 3:
Implementation
Contractors.com
By entering your zip code and the type of service you are interested in, you
will be able to access contractors in your area. You also have the option of
submitting a bid to Contractors.com. Up to four local contractors will contact
you to provide estimates for your project. Visit
www.contractors.com
The Contractors.com service will provide:
- A list of contractors in your area
- Access to review contractor profiles
- Reviews of service ratings and testimonials provided
by past clients
- Links to contractor web sites
- Ability to submit projects to obtain free estimates
from contractors
Building Performance Institute
BPI has certified contractors who take a whole-house approach. Visit
www.bpi.org
NATE
Approved HVAC contractors. Visit www.natex.org
CMC Energy Services
Provides a technical expert to advise you and answer your questions about the
Home Energy Tune-uP® energy inspection performed on your home. Call
Our Expert (866) 843-5500.
Step 4: Financing
Energy improvements are unique because they reduce energy bills
thereby increasing disposable income.
Financing energy efficiency improvements as part of your home mortgage is the
best way to go. You have the advantage of (1) low monthly payments due to a
30-year term and a relatively low interest rate; and (2) interest that is
deductible from your income tax.
The improvements listed in the Improvements that Save More than they Cost
section of the Tune-uP Report will automatically qualify for financing since
they increase the value of the house without reducing disposable income.
- The FHA Streamlined (k) Limited Repair
Program is intended to facilitate uncomplicated rehabilitation and/or
improvements to a home for which plans, consultants, engineers and/or
architects are not required.
- The Streamlined (k) program includes the following
energy-efficiency improvements:
- Replacement or upgrade of existing HVAC systems;
- Weatherization, including storm windows and
doors, insulation, and weather stripping;
- Purchase and installation of appliances,
including refrigerators, freezers, and washers/dryers.
- It has no minimum repair cost threshold.
- It has a maximum mortgage amount for repair costs
of $35,000.
- It can be issued by any FHA lender.
- It does not require a rating.
- See
HUD Mortgagee Letter 2005-50 for details of the program.
- The unsecured Fannie Mae Energy Loan
for $1,000 to $20,000 is available from some lenders. The approval for this
loan is fast and simple. The Energy Loan’s 10-year term and interest rates are
generally better than those offered by contractors or suppliers, though not as
good as the Streamlined (K).
- Some electric or gas utilities offer financing for
energy efficiency improvements, as well as rebates for energy efficient
appliances and heating and cooling systems. Check your utilities website for
more information about financing and rebates that may be available. See the
Energy Star Rebate Locator
Energy Loans, Incentives, and
Initiatives
Nationally
Indigo
Financial Group
USDA - Energy Initiatives
Sign uP for your Energy Tune-uP® from Cedar
Hill Home Inspection
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