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Anyone ever have a energy efficiency consultation performed on their home?

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ScottFern

ScottFern

Diamond Member
I recently bought a home in the northwest suburbs of Chicago and I can't help but think how do I use less electricity and less water?

I have thought about the usual....upgrading shower head to a low flow unit, getting an energy efficient water heater (existing one is 8 years old), and replacing the Air Conditioner (Unit is 18 years old). But I can't help but think I am missing some more cost effective yet just as good tips and tricks to button up my house to be as energy efficient as possible.

Does anyone know of a company or green consultant that will come out and evaluate my home and make suggestions on the best ways to help with this?
 
Contact your utilities. They will usually help you and may be able to provide someone or a list of their recommended advisers.
 
In addition to appliances, don't forget

Windows ... are they 18 years old too? Also, are they single pane or double pane. If single pane, do you have storm windows?
Can be a huge source of waste when it comes to climate control

Doors ... do you have "storm doors" or "screen doors", if you have a patio door, is it double or single pane, does it have a storm door? While not as guilty as windows, doors can be pretty bad...

Insulation ... Hopefully when your inspector came, he checked the amount of insulation in the attic and let you know it's R value ... additional insulation in the attic as well as the walls will make the home more efficient...

Yea, most of this is probably common sense already ... but just mentioning in case....

As far as efficiency experts/consultants ... I can't help you there, but good luck!
 
Call the utility. Mine is progress energy and they have plans to upgrade your whole home if needed. I had a home where they upgraded the insulation, windows and installed a new central unit and I got a rebate, tax credit and discount on the monthly bill. They also financed it all and just tacked it onto the monthly bill.
 
BurnItDwn said:
In addition to appliances, don't forget

Windows ... are they 18 years old too? Also, are they single pane or double pane. If single pane, do you have storm windows?
Can be a huge source of waste when it comes to climate control

Doors ... do you have "storm doors" or "screen doors", if you have a patio door, is it double or single pane, does it have a storm door? While not as guilty as windows, doors can be pretty bad...

Insulation ... Hopefully when your inspector came, he checked the amount of insulation in the attic and let you know it's R value ... additional insulation in the attic as well as the walls will make the home more efficient...

Yea, most of this is probably common sense already ... but just mentioning in case....

As far as efficiency experts/consultants ... I can't help you there, but good luck!
Click to expand...

Roof and Windows were replaced less than two years ago and I believe the windows are double pane.

I will try and contact ComEd and see if they know of anyone who does this type of consultation.
 
Yes, I have had consultations in the past. They usually find a LOT of problems ... followed by a huge estimate to "fix" them.
 
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