Energy Audit Options
Home Energy Check-Up®

• Requires 10 to 30 minutes to complete.
• Co-op members receive two free CFL’s for completing the audit.
  
• User may print out up to 80 pages of recommendations to improve their home energy usage.
  

Home Energy Evaluation

• Initiated by concern with regards to energy usage in home.
• Usage history is reviewed and discussed.
• Member completes an Energy Usage Self Assessment (EUSA) and returns it to Consumers Energy for review.
• Follow-up phone consultation or visit to discuss usage and options.
  

Thermal Imaging – Insulation Check [Fee $75]

• Checks for thermal problems related to insulation of a home.
• Checks heat loss/gain around windows and doorways.
• Can help identify moisture problems in structure of a home.
• Provides color photos of problem areas.
• Recommend combining with Blower Door Test.

Blower Door Test – Air Infiltration of Home [Fee $150]

• Checks for areas where air leaks into or out of the home.
• Identifies locations to tighten up the home with caulk or weather strip.
• Evaluates exterior doors and windows for leaks.
• Good to combine with Thermal Imaging and/or Duct Blaster Test.

Duct Blaster – Furnace Ductwork Integrity Test [Fee $150]

• Checks for leaks in furnace ductwork which results in lost energy.
• Great for new homes still under construction where ducts are accessible.
• Evaluates ductwork in “unconditioned” space, such as crawl spaces and attics, where any leaks are considered 100% lost energy.
• Good to combine with Blower Door Test.

HERS – Home Energy Rating System [Fee $500]

• Consumers Energy has one of the few certified raters in Iowa.
• Provides a review of technical specifications of a home.
• Used to qualify for Energy Tax Credit (ETC)–Builders only.
• Used to qualify for utility rebates/incentives for nonconventional home construction such as icynene/foam insulation, vaulted ceilings, etc.
  
• Provides home improvement analysis (REM-Rate).
  
• HERC (Home Energy Rating Certificate)—used to help sell a home.

Energy Star® Rating –E★Star [Fee $550]

• Nationally recognized energy efficiency certification.
• Used to qualify for utility rebates or incentives.
• Used to qualify for EE & EI mortgages.
• Energy Star® certificate can be an asset in selling a home.
• New home must be inspected prior to drywall for thermal bypass checklist.
• Blower Door and Duct Blaster Test after completion of construction.

Energy Tax Credit – (ETC) [Fee $500]

• HERS rating using REM-Rate software that provides certificate for Builder’s Tax Credit that is available through 2008.
• Home construction must be completed and audit performed prior to filing taxes for year of construction.
• Other Home Energy Check-Up® options may also be recommended.