How Hiring an Energy Inspector Can Save You Money

Auditors ferret out funky accounting at corporations. Can they also find the energy culprits in my home?

I thought I'd find out.

Home energy auditors come to your home and take a look at your boiler and hot water heater, pipes, windows, inside and outside walls and appliances and issue a report advising what improvements you can make in your home to lower your energy consumption and your bills.

I found my inspector through a private company called Pillar to Post, but the government's Energy Star Web site can also provide resources. And your state government or local utility might also suggest contractors or home inspectors who can help you, just as New York does.

I paid my inspector $175 for the audit, which, because I live in a small cooperative apartment building, included a look at what I could do in my unit and what we could do as a building.

Unfortunately (or luckily, depending on how you look at it), the inspector couldn't find many ways to lower our bills, though he did have suggestions for making the building more efficient and the apartments more comfortable.

Appliances

Since moving in seven years ago, we've gradually replaced all of our major appliances as they've konked out on us-with Energy Star-qualified products wherever possible.

The auditor, Anthony Christoforou, explained that the Department of Energy revamped energy and water standards for most appliances in 2000. So replacing clothes washers, refrigerators, air conditioners and water heaters made before then is almost certain to cut your electricity and water use even if you don't buy an appliance that is Energy Star-qualified, which of course is the best bet for long-term savings and environmental impact. This energy guide can tell you how much energy and money you might save by replacing Jurassic appliances and water heaters.