Independence, according to Webster, is freedom from the influence, control or determination of another or others. The United States of America is no longer energy independent. With rising energy prices, you are probably becoming less so every day. Home Energy Advisors will work with you to reverse that trend.

There are four steps in the cost effective process to energy independence.

1. Identify current energy saving opportunities.
2. Analyze and quantify the cost effectiveness of these opportunities.
3. Evaluate, prioritize and select opportunities to implement.
4. Implement changes to reduce your energy dependence.

This is an ongoing process. As technologies and practices improve, there will be more opportunities to reduce the waste and use of energy in the future. The key to being cost-effective is to move through this process several times over the coming years, each time identifying and implementing only those improvements that are currently cost effective and with which you are comfortable.

Home Energy Advisors facilitates this process and educates you in the energy saving opportunities and the existing marketplace. We help you take control of your energy future.

This process works, even if you are not limiting your changes to those that “payback” in traditional terms. The process helps you focus on the changes that give you the most energy savings and carbon dioxide reduction for your money. So whether you want to aggressively become energy independent by building a new zero-energy home or dramatically improving your existing home we can help. Or, if you are only comfortable taking a few steps in the right direction, we can help make that a rewarding experience too. Call us, let’s talk…

Below are additional details for each step in our Energy Independence Process.

1. Identify current energy saving opportunities

Your home will be carefully surveyed to identify current energy saving opportunities. Some of these opportunities may include the following:

• Sun: There are many opportunities to benefit from free energy using passive solar heating, active solar hot water, photovoltaics
  electricity producing solar panels and controls
  , and/or active solar heating.
• Air Sealing: Reduce drafts that rob conditioned (heated or cooled) air and cost you money.
• Insulation: Bring your home up to or above current recommended levels.
• Furnace: Bring your heating system to Energy Star standards.
• Duct Sealing: Reduce leaks that cost you money, impair heat distribution in your home, and potentially create a safety hazard.
• Appliances: Upgrade to Energy Star standards to save water and energy.
• Lighting: Improve lighting and use less electricity.
• Windows: Typically replacement windows are not cost effective, but there are other options to improve R-Value and dramatically reduce drafts.
• Wood: Perhaps a wood or pellet stove will work in your situation. Energy costs are a little to a lot less and they are “Carbon Neutral.”

The opportunities that may provide potential energy saving to your home will be determined by considering the current structure and condition, home location and access to sun, and your personal preferences, as well as what is currently available in the marketplace.

2. Analyze and quantify the cost effectiveness of these opportunities

Your home’s data is entered into a computer model to quantify current and potential energy usage for different areas of your house. Initial estimates of the cost for energy conserving measures are obtained and entered as well. The results are analyzed and grouped into several option packages for your consideration.

3. Evaluate, prioritize and select opportunities to implement

After the computations and analysis are completed, it is important for you to evaluate the different options relative to: your desire to reduce your energy dependence; current family and financial situation; what work you can/want to do for yourself; and other factors, such as environmental considerations.

Based on these considerations, you prioritize the opportunities and select which energy saving measures to implement now and which to defer to the future.

4. Implement changes to reduce your energy dependence

Arrange for skilled and knowledgeable contractors to implement the selected energy saving changes. Monitor their work and progress. Perform any final tests necessary to assure your objectives are met and a safe environment is maintained.

NOTE: After completing the four steps, plan to repeat this process. Typically working through this process once every one to two years is a good cycle. During the time between cycles, you will be able to confirm the benefits sought in the previous cycle were obtained, you will be able to reflect on what you would like to do next, and technology will advance making more improvements possible. Unfortunately energy prices and availability may also change, making more improvements necessary.

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