Sorry, I have some good news and some bad news...........about your energy audit

I view my role during an energy audit to point out and explain the working systems and existing conditions in your home.  I do not do a formatted audit with pages of boilerplate language, charts and worthless payback estimates. I am looking for problems and considering a range of solutions.

We will ask each other questions.  I will ask you some hard questions that will challenge your existing concepts about your home and life. You will ask me to explain what I am seeing and what options you may have for upgrades.   Part of planning is for you to consider the timeline and budget and evaluate what you currently have for a home and how it can be made safer, more comfortable and energy efficient. After an audit at complicated home, a log cabin with several additions done over 20 years, the owner was a widow who was trying to decide how to handle, afford and maintain her home.  Given all the suggestions and upgrade work that I identified that should be done, she thanked me.  I was stunned as I felt sorry about all the bad news.  No, no she assured me "you helped me to see the light, I have decided to sell and build a new, smaller house." 

Sometimes new opinions, and another viewpoint can help you with your planning.  One of my more valuable assets is with my extensive experience in the HVAC heating world, I can suggest alternatives that make sense to me, and often incorporate your existing systems.  We can discuss which energy sources are best  for your situation.  Sometimes its Solar Thermal plus Wood Pellets.  Other times its LP gas space heaters, or Ductless Mini-split units with a wood or pellet stove.  Or minor changes to the existiing system.  I will explain your heating system so you will understand it!  Each situation is unique and typically I can hit on a couple of solutions that may fit the bill.  BTW, i am not feeding you the fuel of the month, I do not have any vested interest in your choice, I just give my best advice and you see if it makes sense to you. 

Many times I have heard, why didn't the home inspectior (or HVAC contractor) tell me about this issue or discuss the range of choices?  Well, I have a different point of view and sincerely have your best interest in mind.  You now will have the infrormation, go do the research and make the decesion. 

I have some good news and some bad news...........always two sides to every coin and I try to turn em' over for you.

Oh yeah, stay tuned as I want to blog about downsizing and building new.