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The best way to save fuel is not to use...

Q. How do I know if my home (facility) needs an energy audit?

 

A. Following are a few of the critical questions to answer:

·         Was the house built prior to 1990

·         Can you feel breezes or drafts in any rooms

·         Are some rooms colder than others

·         Are you living in a small house and using more than 300 gallons of fuel oil a year

·         Do you constantly adjust the thermostat to stay warm or cool

·         Is the house comfortable
Q. How does your audit differ from free services offered by the free audits offered by the utilities? 

A. An AWS audit is far more detailed. A complete audit based on Department of Energy specifications should include a blower door test, thermographic scan, a measurement of insulation in all critical areas and a safety test once the upgrades are completed. AWS also offers contract management services.
Q. The Federal Government is making  millions of dollars in weatherization money available to the states, how do I know if I am eligible for any of the money? A. In NH and Maine the Community Action Programs distribute those funds but you must qualify for Fuel Assistance to qualify for a free home audit and upgrades. If you believe you qualify then call your local Community Action Program for details.
Q. There are many advertisements for window replacements that claim replacement windows will solve most if not all weatherization problems, is that correct?

A. New windows are certainly a help but can be very expensive. Make sure the brand of windows meet all the Department of Energy specifications for replacement windows. However, we feel that insulation, energy efficiency and properly caulked windows and doors offer the highest return on investment. Set back thermostats, ceiling fans and other lower cost improvements can also have a major impact on managing your energy cost and a far less expensive top install.
Q. What is the expected reduction in energy cost and what assurance do I have that I will achieve that cost?

A. Historically the average energy cost reduction is 30-40% and these numbers are used by the Federal Government to justify the huge investment in weatherization across the country. From a total return standpoint the cost of fuel is a major contributor and as we have seen over the past year these costs can fluctuate greatly. Upgrading your home to maximize energy utilization is an investment that keeps on paying back. The best measurement is to track actual consumption; have I purchased less oil or gas for example. Am I more comfortable at the same temperature?
Q. How is return on investment (ROI) calculated and how do I calculate the the ROI?

A. AWS will calculate the ROI for you based on the the upgrade cost and your current expenses. As an exercise use $2500 as the cost to upgrade and measure the return on investment against the same amount of money invested in a CD or the stock market.
   Q. Are installation costs covered by the tax credits?

 A:

A. Installation costs ARE COVERED for:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems

Biomass Stoves

Water Heaters (including solar)

Solar Panels

Geothermal Heat Pumps

Wind Energy Systems

Fuel Cells

The tax credit for HVAC, biomass stoves, and non-solar water heaters is 30% of the total cost (product + installation) up to $1,500. The law specifies installation costs include: "expenditures for labor costs properly allocable to the onsite preparation, assembly, or original installation of the property."

The tax credit for solar water heaters, solar panels, geothermal heat pumps, wind energy systems, and fuel cells* is 30% of the total cost (product + installation), with no upper limit. The law specifies installation costs include: "labor costs properly allocable to the onsite preparation, assembly, or original installation of the property and for piping or wiring to interconnect such property to the home."

Installation costs are NOT covered by the tax credit for:

Windows

Doors

Insulation

Roofs 

The tax credit for windows, doors, insulation and roofs is for 30% of the cost of materials only, up to $1,500. 

*The tax credit for fuel cells is 30% of the cost, but limited to $500 per .5 kW of power capacity.

Q. I am thinking of buying a home should I require the seller to do an energy audit in addition or as part of a home inspection?

A. As practical matter we believe it is a good idea to do so. The owner should be able to supply you with the cost of energy for the past twelve months. If the house is tight then you can figure that your cost should be about the same provided your lifestyles are similar, the number of people in the house etc. However, the audit will alert you to any problems and the cost to fix them. If you can reduce the energy cost then that money can go to the mortgage,savings etc.
Q. Why should I choose AWS over an insulation or window replacement contractor?

A. There are few companies that have certified auditors and AWS has no product to sell. We do offer contract management services and have relationships with contractors that we have trained and worked with over many years. Our reputation is on the line with every job we do and rely on recommendations from satisfied customers to grow our business.
Q. What safety concerns are addressed during the audit?

A. AWS will look for hidden health and safety problems in your home such as mold, asbestos wrap, lead paint etc. In addition, we will test your heating system for efficiency and the home for combustion back draft problems which result in carbon monoxide emissions.

Affordable Weatherization Solutions® is a wholly owned subsidiary of MPJ Environmental Partners, LLC, PO Box 1720, Dover,NH 03821.

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