Green Florida: Energy Auditors

Two of the region’s major utility companies, Orlando Utilities Commission and Progress Energy, spend countless hours educating homeowners and conducting audits of homes and businesses.?

And a new auditing entity, GreenTrans4mations, has been launched by three of the area’s most prolific experts on energy efficiency and green building.

Having an energy audit is a great way to get started. Naida Marquez, conservation specialist with OUC, says anyone with Internet access can conduct an audit via the agency’s interactive Web site. Or they can request a DVD that walks them through the auditing process.

“We show people what to look for,” Marquez explains. In addition, she says, an OUC auditor can visit homes at no charge and leave behind a list of recommendations—and a list of contractors—along with the estimated cost associated with each improvement suggested.

“What we try to tell people is energy saving doesn’t have to cost anything,” says Marquez, “That, and things don’t have to cost a lot to save energy faster.”

For example, she notes, many audits reveal a need for new caulking and/or weather stripping. The cost is just a few dollars but the savings are significant.

Heat always migrates toward cold. Therefore, when it’s cold outside, heat literally vanishes out the cracks around windows and doors. Conversley, when it’s cool inside and hot outside, heat is drawn into the home.

OUC will even rebate up to $75 on the purchase of caulking, weather stripping, window tinting and/or solar screening, Marquez adds.

Duct repairs are also important and can usbe done relatively easy. Marquez notes that rodents often damage ductwork by chewing through it.

Armed with some mastic (thick glue paint) and gauze, homeowners can make the repairs by themselves. Again, OUC will rebate up to $75 on repairs made to leaking ducts.

Making Progress
Progress Energy’s Home Energy Check program also includes a free inspection followed by energy-saving recommendations and other cost-effective, energy-saving measures.?

According to Tim Leljedal, Progress Energy’s corporate communications director, the agency performed 14 percent more Home Energy Checks last year than in 2007.?

He says the number of customers who participate in the agency’s energy-efficiency programs as a result of the audit program is up 46 percent.?

Part of the reason for the increase is that Progress Energy has expanded the number of energy efficiency programs it offers.

Leljedal notes that of the customers who have participated in Home Energy Checks, the greatest number were found to need duct repairs. Fixing leaky ductwork can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 30 percent, he adds.

Progress Energy also offers a generous credit for those interested in heating their water from the sun. Customers who purchase a qualified solar water heater can receive a $450 upfront credit.

In addition, Leljedal says, those who install a solar water heater in their home can qualify for a federal tax credit of 30 percent of the cost of the system, up to $2,000.

Tips from Pros
Jim Lucia, Karen Kassik (Lucia, Kassik & Monday), Greg Hardwick (Hardwick General Contracting) and Tracy DeCarlo (One Stop Green Home Certification) have teamed up to offer audits from a design and building perspective with GreenTrans4mations.?

According to Kassik, all four experts have the ability to conduct inspections of homes or office buildings to find ways to increase energy and water efficiency and indoor health.

“Once we have an inspection and a report in hand, we then meet with Greg (Hardwick) for cost estimates for the recommended changes,” she explains.

Kassik says the audit is designed for any size project, adding that recommendations could be as minor as weather stripping and caulking to as major as a complete remodel.? DeCarlo’s role is to certify the project as green if, in fact, that’s the direction of the audit.

Many repairs pay for themselves over a relatively short time. And homeowners have the peace of mind that comes from knowing they’re living economically—and responsibly.

5 Energy-Saving Tips
> Set your air conditioning thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter. Air conditioning and heating account for more than 50 percent of a typical electric bill.
> Install ceiling fans throughout your home. By doing so, you could raise your thermostat several degrees and not feel the difference. Turn fans off in unoccupied areas.
> Close those curtains. Or mini-blinds, or shutters and you’ll keep the summer’s heat out. During the winter, open your shades again and let the sun shine in.
> Close the refrigerator door. Try to decide what you want before you open it in the first place. Frequently opening and closing the refrigerator door increases your electric bill.
> Change or clean heating and air-conditioning filters monthly. Dirty filters put an unnecessary strain on the unit and can increase operating costs.
Source: Orlando Utilities Commission

Plug That Leak
> A 1/8-inch hole in a metal pipe at 40 psi (pounds per square inch) leaks 2,500 gallons of water every 24 hours.
> A leak the size of a pinhead can waste 360,000 gallons a year—enough to fill 12,000 bathtubs to the overflow mark.
> A leaking toilet can use 90,000 gallons of water in 30 days.
> A dripping faucet/hose bibb can lose up to 180 gallons a month, or more than 2,160 gallons per year.
> About one in every 20 swimming pools has a leak.
> About one in every 318 homes or buildings has a leak.
> A typical toilet leak at today’s rates can add $500 to a single water bill.
Source: Adapted from American Leak Detection