Home Energy Audit Report: What is it and Why is it Important?

 

The Importance of an Energy Audit Report for Increased Efficiency

Understanding Mass Save® Home Energy Audit

The Mass Save® program offers homeowners the opportunity to save money on energy costs and improve energy efficiency through a comprehensive home energy audit. Also referred to as a home energy assessment, this process evaluates your residential energy usage and provides recommendations for improvements. By understanding the details of a Mass Save® home energy audit, you can unlock the potential for significant savings.

 

Eligibility for a no-cost Home Energy Assessment Report

To be eligible for a no-cost Home Energy Assessment, you must fit the following criteria. 

• Customers must live in a 1- to 4-unit home.
• Customers must have full access to the house and the ability to install recommended instant saving products received
• Customers must be comfortable working with an Energy Specialist in person or over the phone and able to use technology such as video chat and/or emailing photos of the home.

 

The Three Vital Steps of a Home Energy Audit

The home energy audit consists of three crucial steps that work together to help you save money:

• Inspection: During this initial step, a professional energy auditor visits your home to conduct a thorough inspection. They examine the structure of your home to identify areas that may be contributing to energy inefficiency. Additionally, they evaluate your heating and cooling system, as well as your appliances and devices, to ensure they meet energy efficiency standards.
• Testing: Following the inspection, testing is conducted to assess the performance of your home’s energy systems. This includes a blower door test to detect air leaks and evaluate insulation effectiveness. Infrared cameras are also used to identify areas of energy loss within the structure.
• Report and Recommendations: The home energy audit concludes with the delivery of a comprehensive report containing data about your home and detailed recommendations. These recommendations outline necessary upgrades and provide guidance on how to save money. Additionally, the report assists you with the necessary paperwork to access rebates and discounts offered through the Mass Save® program.

 

No-Cost Assessments and Real Savings

One of the key benefits of the Mass Save® program is that the home energy assessment is provided at no cost. This initiative has been in place for years, aiming to help Massachusetts homeowners lower utility costs and improve energy efficiency. By promoting rebates and discounts on various energy-saving products, the program encourages homeowners to make environmentally conscious choices and reduce their carbon footprint.

 

Unlocking Savings Potential in Your Efficiency Report

The Mass Save® program offers various avenues for savings based on your specific needs. Your custom home energy report will list the recommended updates for your home’s unique situation and the rebates and incentives you qualify for. Examples include:

• Air sealing, insulation, and programmable thermostats

Mass Save® provides significant discounts for air sealing and home insulation upgrades. Programmable thermostats can be obtained with complete rebates, enabling you to save on heating and cooling costs.

• HVAC system upgrades

If you’re considering upgrading your HVAC system, the Mass Save® program offers up to $2,750 in HVAC upgrades. Additional savings can be achieved if your upgrade involves a heat pump.

• HEAT loan

To assist homeowners with the costs associated with energy efficiency upgrades, Mass Save® offers the HEAT loan program. This zero-percent loan can provide up to $25,000, allowing you to finance your energy-saving improvements.

 

Evaluating Time Requirements for Your Home Energy Audit Report

Concerns about the time commitment involved in a home energy assessment are valid. However, the process is designed to be efficient and convenient. You have two options for the residential home energy assessment: virtual or in-person.

• Virtual assessment

A virtual assessment can be completed in approximately one to one and a half hours. You’ll need a device to capture images of different areas in your home. Through virtual communication, a home energy assessment expert will provide recommendations via phone or video.

• In-person assessment

An in-person assessment typically takes around three hours. While it requires more time, it ensures a more accurate assessment and provides the opportunity for detailed recommendations tailored to your home.

 

What You’ll Receive from Your Home Energy Assessment

Once you complete your no-cost Home Energy Assessment, you will receive:

• Up to 100% off approved insulation improvements
• No-cost targeted air sealing
• Rebates of up to $25,000 on qualifying energy-efficient heating, cooling and/or water heating equipment (eligibility is based on findings from the Home Energy Assessment)
• The opportunity to apply for 0% interest financing through the Mass Save HEAT Loan Program for eligible upgrades
• A custom home energy report highlighting the rebates and incentives you qualify for

 

Understanding the Energy Audit Report and Its Importance

How is an Energy Audit Report Prepared?

An energy audit report is prepared following a thorough assessment of a home or building’s energy usage. Professional energy auditors conduct inspections, tests, and evaluations to gather data and analyze energy efficiency. They use specialized tools and techniques to measure energy consumption, identify areas of improvement, and provide recommendations. Based on the findings, the energy audit report is compiled, documenting the current energy performance of the property and outlining specific measures to enhance efficiency.

 

What is Included in an Energy Audit?

An energy audit encompasses a comprehensive evaluation of various aspects related to energy consumption and efficiency. The audit report typically includes:

• Energy Usage Analysis: An assessment of historical energy usage patterns, analyzing utility bills and data to understand consumption trends.
• Building Envelope Evaluation: Inspection of the building’s structural components, such as walls, windows, doors, and insulation, to identify areas of air leakage and inadequate insulation.
• HVAC System Assessment: Evaluation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to determine their efficiency, performance, and potential for energy savings.
• Appliance and Equipment Review: Examination of household or commercial appliances and equipment to assess their energy usage and identify opportunities for upgrades to more efficient models.
• Data Analysis: Utilization of advanced software and calculations to analyze collected data and identify areas with the greatest potential for energy savings.
• Recommendations: Detailed recommendations for energy-saving measures, including suggested upgrades, retrofits, behavior changes, and potential cost savings.

 

Is an Energy Audit Worth It?

Undertaking an energy audit is highly beneficial for both residential and commercial properties. Here’s why an energy audit is worth it:

• Cost Savings: Energy audits identify energy inefficiencies and offer recommendations to reduce energy waste, resulting in significant cost savings on utility bills over time.
• Improved Energy Efficiency: By implementing the recommended upgrades and modifications, properties can enhance their energy efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to sustainability efforts.
• Increased Comfort: Energy audits address issues like air leaks and inadequate insulation, leading to improved indoor comfort by eliminating drafts, balancing temperatures, and reducing humidity levels.
• Enhanced Property Value: Energy-efficient buildings have higher market value and appeal to potential buyers or tenants who prioritize sustainable and cost-effective properties.
• Access to Incentives: Many energy audit programs, including Mass Save®, offer rebates, incentives, and financial assistance to support energy-saving measures recommended in the audit report.

 

Main Steps of an Energy Audit

The main steps involved in an energy audit typically include:

• Initial Consultation: The energy auditor gathers information about the property, energy consumption patterns, and any specific concerns or priorities of the homeowner or building owner.
• On-Site Inspection: A comprehensive evaluation of the property is conducted, including the building envelope, HVAC systems, lighting, appliances, and equipment. This step involves data collection, measurements, and visual assessments. These days, this can also be done virtually, although it may be less thorough or accurate.
• Data Analysis: The collected data is analyzed using specialized software and calculations to assess energy usage patterns, identify inefficiencies, and determine potential energy-saving opportunities.
• Audit Report Preparation: The energy auditor compiles the findings and recommendations into a comprehensive energy audit report. This document outlines the current energy performance of the property, highlights areas of improvement, and provides a roadmap for energy-saving measures.
• Presentation of Recommendations: The energy auditor presents the audit report to the homeowner or building owner, explaining the findings, recommended actions, associated costs, and potential savings. They address any questions or concerns to ensure a clear understanding of the report.
• Implementation: Based on the recommendations, the homeowner or building owner can choose to implement the suggested energy-saving measures. This may involve upgrades, retrofits, behavioral changes, or the adoption of more efficient technologies.

By following these steps, an energy audit provides valuable insights into a property’s energy usage, identifies opportunities for improvement, and empowers individuals and businesses to make informed decisions for increased energy efficiency and cost savings.

 

Partnering with Revise, Inc. for Energy Savings

At Revise, Inc., we’re committed to doing everything we can to help make your home more energy efficient and educating you about your home and what you can do to maximize savings under Mass Save®. 

We’re proud to be a designated contractor under the Mass Save® program, and we’ve helped hundreds of customers save thousands of dollars while improving their energy efficiency. 

We make the process as simple as possible. Our home energy assessors are professionals who are extensively trained to evaluate your energy needs, and we’re happy to answer any questions you may have or explain anything from the assessment. We want you to understand that it’s a lot easier to increase your savings than you think, and we can show you how to do it. 

To start the process, call us at 800-885-7283 (SAVE) or visit our website, www.callrevise.com. We’ve got some great information and resources about savings there, so it’s an excellent place to start if you’re curious and you want to get some background material about how to spend less while making your home more energy efficient.