Energy Audits & Weatherization

Posted on 03. Feb, 2009 by admin in Programs

What is Energy Auditing?

Energy Audits are a crucial first step in increasing the energy efficiency of your home or place of business, which lowers your energy costs and your impact on the environment.

Energy Auditing is the process by which trained professionals measure the energy efficiency of your home or place of business, using industry certified and accredited standards. An inspection typically takes between two and three hours and includes a variety of tests designed to understand how your home is performing. There is a baseline set of inspections and tests that let you and your home guide us toward other applicable tests.

The data we gather can be entered into a RESNET (www.natresnet.org/) accredited computer program and translated into a rating score. Because a rating quantifies the energy performance of a home, the rating score provides an easily understandable means to compare more efficient homes by their relative energy efficiency.

A HERS rating results in a score that is based on national standards produced by RESNET. A HERS index of 100 is what a standard built-to-code new home would score, while a net-zero energy home would score a 0. Older, existing homes may score a higher number than 100, as they were not built to modern day codes. You will receive current usage and systems ratings in a comprehensive report (called a Home Energy Rating, or HERS), as well as recommendations for ways to improve your energy efficiency including projections on how much energy and money each improvement would save.

After the inspection is complete we will send you a report, via e-mail or paper mail, fully documenting our findings and making recommendations for improving your home. An estimate of your home’s energy costs will also be provided in the report. Additionally, Veterans Green Jobs may bid on the recommended improvements to your home, along with providing you a list of other highly skilled contractors.

Who Benefits from Energy Audits?

Current homeowners who want to upgrade the home’s energy efficiency can use the energy rating to evaluate and pinpoint specific, cost-effective improvements.
An energy rating allows homebuyers to easily compare the energy performance of the homes being considered.
People building new homes are often required by law to obtain a HERS rating (which can be done using blue prints) and will allow you to project what energy usage and costs of your new home will be and make informed, ecologically responsible building decisions. HERS ratings are also an important component of receiving LEED for Homes or Energy Star certification. A HERS rating is also essential for receiving the $2000 Federal Energy Efficiency Tax Credit for new construction.

11 Responses to “Energy Audits & Weatherization”

Raymond Morley

08. Feb, 2009

I know this is where our country is going!
Please send me information on what I need to do to get into the H.E.A.T. program.
Robert Watson

15. Feb, 2009

I am a veteran (Viet Nam era). I am unemployed and going broke. I am a good teacher, but need to learn what to teach. My wife and I live in Raleigh, NC. I do not have GI education benefits remaining. I used them for a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. What study materials can I receive to help start a business and maybe start a website for green jobs.

Robert Watson
Craig Burton

23. Feb, 2009

I would like to join and learn more about green jobs. I’m a 20 year Army veteran and will transition out of the military in May 2009
emily

24. Feb, 2009

Hi Craig. For anyone wanting to learn more about Veterans Green Jobs Training Programs, including the HEAT program, please fill out this brief information request form (under Veterans Green Jobs Academy on this website) or at http://veteransgreenjobs.org/veterans-green-jobs-academy-apply.

This will give us the basic info we need to send you more information and application forms for the programs that you might be interested in.

Thanks!
Jeff

05. Mar, 2009

I can’t believe this is happening, it’s like a dream come true! I am a veteran and just recently started my own consulting firm…and struggling. I would love to get into the HEAT program. This fits so perfectly with my experience and future plans…I’m dying to learn more!
emily

08. Mar, 2009

Jeff – I’m really glad you found our programs. The best way to get hooked into the HEAT program is to fill out the “Information Request Form” on our website @ http://veteransgreenjobs.org/veterans-green-jobs-academy-apply. You can also email training@veteransgreenjobs.org to ask specific questions.

Welcome aboard!
Allen M. Abrahams

26. Mar, 2009

I am “on the grid” and receive energy from a gas & electric company. In upstate NY where I live, NYSE&G provides my energy. They provide an energy efficiency inspection of your modular home. This energy audit is free and depending on your income, may qualify you for free weather striping, insulation and even storm windows and structural improvements through government grants (all arraigned through the utility company). I can call them and they do everything else.
I was under the impression this was a nationwide program for quite a few years to get older construction, primarily private residencies, to their maximum efficiency. This is definitely one job that will be around for a while, and will remain as efficiency inspections (energy audits) are written into building codes.
Gregory Heyward

01. Apr, 2009

This is what we veterans need. We need to be on the cutting edge of this program. We understand all to well what it take to keep our country strong. I am glad that I have found a place that is looking into the future. Thank you for looking out for the veterans.
Tom McNabb

01. Apr, 2009

I think it’s about time that America has woken up and realized that her Veterans are a valuable resource to be tapped into. We Veterans can do anything, all we need is someone to teach us and we can take the ball and run with it!! This Green Job’s initiative is just the right ticket!!
james

28. Apr, 2009

I ‘m very interested in the H.E.A.T. program, please send info on how to enroll.
emily

29. Apr, 2009

Hi James,

The next step is to fill out the “Request More Info” form (link under Veterans Green Jobs Academy” on our home page. We’ll then be in touch with you and have a good idea of which program might be best for you. We have a very small staff but are doing our best to respond to every application in a timely manner!

Low-Income
Home Weatherization

Denver/JeffCo and
San Luis Valley

Employing military veterans and civilians to provide free home weatherization upgrades to income-qualified homes.
Veterans Green Corps

Outdoor Conservation

Training recently returning military veterans in outdoor conservation & environmental restoration.
Go Green Warehouse

Open to the Public

Selling new and used home improvement materials at up to 75% off retail – and supporting our veteran training and employment programs.