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08/24/2016 08:30 AMHomeowners have just one more week to schedule a home energy assessment for $99; the price goes up to $124 on Thursday, Sept. 1. When a typical homeowner will save $200 a year off him or her energy bills, payback for the investment in energy-efficiency is just one-half a year.
Each home assessment conducted by New England Conservation Services Group includes about $1,000 worth of free services; when the firm’s home visit is completed, each homeowner can expect the group’s energy-savings measures will save them $200 per year (based on a typical home of about 1,800 square feet built in the 1980s).
The home energy assessment program is supported with a state-mandated surcharge added onto each Eversource monthly bill, so every homeowner with an electricity bill already supports this program financially.
For any homeowner or renter whose family income is low enough to qualify, the cost of the home energy assessment visit is free. A two-person family with a maximum income of $43,326.74, for example, would qualify for a free energy assessment visit.
The Westbrook Ad Hoc Energy Committee reports that in 2014, 59 Home Energy Assessments were completed in town and in 2015, 60 were conducted. That means there are still many more Westbrook homes that are eligible for this Home Energy Solutions program.
“We’re looking to build on the 2015 [Home Energy Assessments] campaign and hope to double resident participation this year,” said Energy Committee Chairman Chris Ehlert.
The energy assessment home visit starts with a blower-door guided air sealing and duct sealing test. With the blower in place, the team can walk through the house and identify locations around doors and windows and under sinks through which air is leaking. Any leaks or cracks that are discovered can then be filled on the spot with caulk and/or insulation to eliminate the leak source.
The team also goes through the home to exchange older inefficient light bulbs with new energy-efficient compact fluorescent (CFL) and Light-Emitting Diodes (LED) light bulbs. To achieve increased water-savings, the team can also install for free items like free low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, and hot water pipe insulation wraps.
In addition to these services, the energy experts will also evaluate the residence to determine if attic insulation and/or appliances are inefficient and therefore, eligible for upgrades that could yield credits or rebates; assess whether upgrades to replace windows and heating equipment could also yield credits or rebates.
Ehlert said that as long as a homeowner or renter calls to schedule a home energy assessment appointment before Sept. 1, they will qualify for the $99 charge, even if the visit is in September.
To schedule a Home Energy Assessment visit by New England Conservation Services Group, call 877-389-7077.