There are many ways your home uses energy, the majority of which goes towards heating, cooling and hot water. Most homes can see There are many ways your home uses energy, the majority of which goes towards heating, cooling and hot water. Most homes can see major improvements by air sealing and proper insulation. Sealing the envelope of your home against air infiltration (air leaking into the house from outside) and air exfiltration (air leaking from inside the house to the outside) helps reduce your energy expenditure for heating and cooling. Plus getting rid of drafts will make your home much more comfortable.
What is a Home Energy Assessment?
A comprehensive home energy assessment (also called an energy audit) is the first step towards improving a home’s efficiency and reducing energy bills. The East Hampton Green Homes program has partnered with Green Team Long Island and PSEG-LI to offer homeowners FREE home energy assessments. An energy assessment can check your home for:
- Air infiltration and ventilation
- Heating and cooling equipment efficiency
- Carbon monoxide levels and/or moisture problems
- Insulation levels, air leaks, and drafts
- Heating and hot water system efficiency
- Central air conditioning efficiency
- Distribution system/ductwork
After your home assessment, you will receive a detailed report with recommendations for money-saving energy efficiency upgrades. A Building Performance Institute (BPI) accredited contractor will test your home for air leakage. They will look for opportunities to improve your home’s insulation, heating and cooling system, windows, appliances and lighting, and suggest what improvements can be made. Green Team LI has earned certification through BPI, a national resource for building science technology that sets standards for assessing and improving the energy performance of homes. BPI-accredited Home Performance Contractors use the most advanced state-of-the-art equipment to test the home and identify energy efficiency improvements.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Green Jobs Green New York (GJGNY) Program is currently offering financing on 5, 10 or 15-year loans for homeowners who want to make the recommended energy efficiency improvements. The principal on the loan can be paid back over time from monthly savings on your utility bill through an On Bill Recovery Loan arrangement or through a Smart Energy Loan. Ask your contractor for more details. This financing will be offered to loan applicants until available funds are exhausted. To be eligible for the financing offer, loan applicants must have the work done by a NYSERDA approved, participating contractor.
