Local Home Inspection, Audit, and Rating Services in Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Estes Park, Boulder, Longmont, Larimer, and Weld 970-430-1819 Why is an ASHI Certified Home Inspector also your best choice for an Energy audit? A home inspector’s report will cover the condition of the home's heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components. A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. But that only tells you part of the picture. The true cost of home ownership also includes the cost of energy used the maintain comfort. An Energy Audit is a inspection of your homes mechanical sytems and thermal envelope, using an innovative whole-house approach to improving the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. A home energy rater (HER) is trained in the highly technical field of home energy performance testing and building science. Home inspectors, are experts in all areas of home construction and performance. They have the ability to put all the pieces of the home energy conservation puzzle together.  I am home inspector with 11 years experience inspecting all types of buildings and a graduate of the prestigious Kansas Building Science Institute Home Energy Rater Training and Certification Program. A diagnostic Energy Audit includes: • Heating system test and evaluation • Cooling system test and evaluation • Water Heating system inspection • Ducting system inspection • Insulation and Ventilation inspection • Door and Window evaluation • General Air-Sealing inspection (interior and exterior) • Appliance and Lighting efficiency evaluation • Blower Door Testing • Infrared scan of the interior of the home • An in-depth Energy Audit Report Following the Audit, I will recommend improvements as part of your report. These may include measures such as: air-sealing, duct-sealing, adding insulation, installation of energy-efficient lighting, and if needed, new HVAC equipment or windows. The best solution for most homes often includes a combination of several improvements. Implementation of the suggested improvements will result in savings on your annual energy bill. And, many of the improvements will be simple items that could be performed yourself. Save Money on Your Energy Bills A RESNET Certified home energy professional is trained to pinpoint the areas of your home where energy is being wasted and used inefficiently. More importantly, the report will prioritize cost-effective improvement opportunities that will pay financial dividends every time your utility bill arrives. Increase Your Comfort When you implement home improvements recommended by a RESNET Certified professional, you will literally feel the difference. Air sealing the building shell, sealing leaky air handler ducts, adding insulation, or replacing that old furnace or air conditioner will make your home a more pleasant place to be. Increase Your Home's Resale Value For every $1 decrease in annual energy costs, the market value of a home increases by $20, according to a study published in the Appraisal Journal. If you decrease your energy costs by $300 per year, the value of your home increases by $6,000. RESNET Certified professionals can verify measurable results of the improvements performed. Improve Your Home's Marketability With rising fuel costs, home buyers are seriously considering the house's operating expenses. Measures to lower utility bills are valuable home improvements that reap dividends month after month. A home buyer will also have confidence that the house has been optimally maintained when you show it was audited by a RESNET Certified professional and retrofitted by a RESNET Qualified EnergySmart Contractor. You're more likely to make a faster sale for a higher price. Uncover Hidden Problems A home energy audit involves a thorough inspection of your home, which can uncover hidden structural and safety problems before they cause major damage. For example, improper ventilation can cause mold or mildew growth, which you may not discover until it becomes severe and costly repairs are required. A RESNET Certified professional can prevent problems before they affect your health or damage your home. Help the Environment By using less energy, you reduce the amount of pollution and greenhouse gasses that are created in the production of electricity and the fuels we burn. You can feel good about the energy (and money) you're saving because you're doing your part for the environment. Take Advantage of Government Incentives While you don't necessarily need a home energy audit in order to take advantage of government tax incentives and rebates, your RESNET Certified professional can show you which cost-effective improvements make the most sense for your home. With the recommendations from your energy audit report and tax incentive information, you can make the right decisions as to which measures will pay the biggest return on your investment - and have the government help you do it.