You are entitled to a free/reduced-cost audit provided by NYS – click here for details.

When you get the “free” audit, the auditing company will be reimbursed by NYSERDA from Federal Stimulus funds. Because the reimbursement is less than half of what it costs to deliver a premium audit, the audit will be part of the company’s sales process and the auditor will also be a salesman, with the company expecting to make up the loss leader money of performing the audit on the sale of products and services. This is the NYSERDA “One Stop Shopping” philosophy.

It was impossible for me to restructure my independent audit process to deliver quality audits, without becoming a salesman too. If you want independent, non-sales oriented information and advice, I provide the following services, to those within 40 miles of Northway Exit 11. Call 899-2400 to schedule Home Energy Advisor visit.

Blower Door Analysis – I measure the house, calculate the volume, conduct a blower door test, look for major leaks, and calculate your house leakage rate relative to the Building Airflow Standard (ASHRAE 62-89). Approximately 2.5 hours at your home; $200.

Walkthrough Assessment – inspect your home with you to assess key items, including: basement, exterior walls (with IR camera) and attic insulation; space heating system; water heating; appliances; and doors & windows. I provide you with direction and priorities for addressing your specific situation. Approximately 1.5 hours at your home; $150.

Informal Audit – Combination of the two above services at the same time, plus combustion safety testing. Approximately 4.5 hours at your home; $300.

Premium Independent Audit – Informal Audit plus collect additional home details and a solar access survey; at my office – develop a computer energy model of your home; validate the model based on past heating bills; develop an improvement plan, with rough cost and payback details; and, a review session back at your home to go over the model results and recommendations. Approximately 6.5 hours at your home (two visits), plus 4 hours modeling and report development; $700.

Second Opinion – Review completed NYSERDA audit report, walk through your home to understand your situation and objectives. I discuss the various recommendations, pros & cons of various approaches, and help you map out your priorities and plan. Plus, I will recommend another contract for a second price, if you want. Approximately 2 hours at your home; $175.

Electrical Usage Analysis – Review all electric use, measure most 120 & 240 appliance operational and phantom current draw. I will develop an estimated annual usage report, based on these measurements and your usage estimates. Approximately 3.5 hours at your home, plus 2 hours analysis & report development; $400. Without the office analysis and report, $300.

Submetering – install either reused house electric meter or water meter to measure a portion of your household usage. This is often helpful in better understanding where your electricity is going or how much hot water your family uses. This is done on a time and material basis and can vary quite a bit. I can give you a rough estimate after we talk and you send me a couple of pictures.

Solar Access Survey – evaluate you home for solar hot water, electricity and space heating. This is an initial survey to discuss your options and general potential, without any sales pressure or interest. Approximately 2 hours at your home; $175.

Site Assessment & Plan Review – Thinking of building a solar home or making significant improvements? I can meet with you at your home or site to review your plans and ideas. $85 per hour, at your home; 2 hour minimum.

Blower Door Test – I measure your house leakage (CFM50) and provide that measurement to you. No house measuring, calculations or leakage search. Approximately 1 hour at your home; $125. If I am already at your home for another service, the cost of this test is $75.

Problem Analysis – Analyze, investigate and discuss your home issue. Make recommendations and provide assistance, as needed. $85 per hour, at your home; 2 hour minimum.

Call 899-2400 to schedule Home Energy Advisor visit.