Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Smart Houses

My goal as a new home-owner is going to be making my home "SMART". 
I'm talking energy efficiency smart. This is going to require some work since our home is 103 years old with original windows, doors and perhaps the original attic insulation (which could be non-existent). In order to make our home efficient we have contacted Green Madison to schedule a Home Energy Audit.  http://www.cityofmadison.com/greenMadison/residents/index.cfm

Green Madison Provides the following services (taken from the website):
  • Personal assistance—FREE, optional energy advocate guides you through the process and gives you tips for saving energy in your home.

  • Proven testing—Professional energy consultant tests your home's energy efficiency and safety and provides personalized solutions.
  • Quality improvements—Local, approved contractors make recommended energy improvements to your home. Trained energy consultants double check the work.

  • Incentives—Financial incentives and a low-interest loan make it work within your budget.
Green Madison helps you coordinate with a consultant to provide the Home Energy Audit.  After the audit is complete you get a report card with suggestions on how to make your home more energy efficient.   The average cost of an audit is ~$400 but Green Madison will pay $200 when you coordinate with them.  

We're just in the beginning stages. We have our audit scheduled later in February.  I'm interested to see the suggestions that come back from our consultant.  If we implement some of the suggested changes and reduce our energy costs by a certain percentage point we can get reimbursed for portions of the contracting work. 

Focus on Energy is another program that will provide incentives for meeting energy efficiency goals.  City of Madison residents are eligible for incentives from both Green Madison and Focus on Energy! I'll update this when I have learned more about the process! 





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