Home Evolution -  Home & Energy Inspections

 

   
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Energy Assessments

Figuring out what areas of your home need to be upgraded or updated to make it more energy efficient is the first step toward lower utility bills and higher comfort.  A professional energy auditor will help you test your home to determine what the most cost-effective improvements will be.  Energy audits typically cost a few hundred dollars, but through Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program, you can have your home audited for free!
 
Here are some projects your energy auditor might recommend. 
  • ENERGY STAR Appliances: The widespread availability and affordability of ENERGY STAR appliances makes it possible to upgrade to the most energy-efficient models on any budget. Water heaters, washers, dryers and electric heaters are just some of the appliances that offer opportunities to save on utility bills when you upgrade to an ENERGY STAR certified model.
  • Air Sealing: Keeping homes snug and tight means taking care to use weather-stripping to seal doors and windows from wintry blasts, preventing costly drafts.
  • Insulation: Layering on the insulation in attics to prevent valuable heat loss is vital in a Northern climate, along with choosing durable roofing materials that serve as an insulating buffer while resisting the punishing extremes of ice and snow. The government Department of Energy recommends R49 — R60 attic insulation in the region.
  • Energy-Efficient Windows: Vinyl replacement windows, double-paned and extra thick with a low U-factor, can also offer added protection from the cold. Fiberglass windows are an even greener alternative to vinyl windows since they use recycled material.
  • Wind Energy: If your home is already super efficient and you would like to do more, you may want to consider a renewable energy system like a home wind turbine.
Energy Rebates and Tax Credits in Milwaukee

Home Efficiency Upgrades: Wisconsin is ahead of the curve in terms of supporting and encouraging energy savings among its residents. The state offers a whole bevy of incentives and rebates, many under the umbrella of its Focus On Energy program. Included in Focus On Energy are rebates, discounts, cash-back programs and tax credits for energy-efficient heating and cooling appliances and construction methods. Some ENERGY STAR appliances are eligible for rebates as well.

Renewable Energy Systems: Milwaukee residents can take advantage of a Solar Thermal Incentive offered by WE Energies with a rebate for buying solar water heater appliances. The federal government also offers a Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit equal to 30 percent of the cost of renewable energies such as wind, solar and geothermal.
Stay Tuned: The federal government is working to offer additional energy efficiency incentives through a program known as "Cash for Caulkers," or HOME STAR. Congress is currently hammering out the details, but the program has bi-partisan support and will hopefully pass soon.

Check out all energy rebates and tax credits in Milwaukee.
 
Home Energy Resources from EnergySavvy
1. Home Energy Report: How efficient is your home? Find out how to improve your home's efficiency and comfort, without spending tons of money, with EnergySavvy's free online home energy report.
2. Energy Rebate and Tax Credit Directory: EnergySavvy's guide to energy rebates and tax credits can help you find all the energy tax credits and rebates that are available locally for you.
3. Energy Contractors: If you've got a project in mind to make your home more energy efficient and comfortable and you'd like to talk with an energy expert about it, we can help. We focus on the relatively small group of contractors nationwide who really understand home energy auditing and energy retrofits.
4. Educational Content: Home energy efficiency is complicated stuff. It's not just as simple as laying some insulation in the attic. We've put together a library of easy-to-read topics that cover the basics of energy efficiency. And if you have a question about anything, you can ask one of our energy experts using our "Ask an Expert" feature.
 
Preparing for an Energy Assessment
Before the energy auditor visits your house, make a list of any existing problems such as condensation and uncomfortable or drafty rooms. Have copies or a summary of the home's yearly energy bills. (Your utility can get these for you.) Auditors use this information to establish what to look for during the audit. The auditor first examines the outside of the home to determine the size of the house and its features (i.e., wall area, number and size of windows). The auditor then will analyze the residents' behavior:
  • Is anyone home during working hours?
  • What is the average thermostat setting for summer and winter?
  • How many people live here?
  • Is every room in use?

Your answers may help uncover some simple ways to reduce your household's energy consumption. 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 cameras, furnace efficiency meters, and surface thermometers.
 
 
Call us today at 414-377-4579  to book your home inspection!

 

 

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414-377-4579

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