What’s The Difference Between A Free Energy Audit or Audit Done By an Air Conditioning Company And A Paid Energy Audit?

Have you had an offer to have a free home energy audit or assessment done on your home? This can seem like a logical thing to do because it’s sponsored by the utility company, there are often rebates available and there are many benefits to energy efficiency work, however, we suggest that buyers beware of these offers for several reasons. To take a step back, it is important to clarify that neither utility company APS or SRP offer a free energy assessment and companies may be curtailing off the utilities’ energy efficiency program.  You can call APS and SRP directly or visit their website for an approved contractor list.

APS: http://www.aps.com/en/residential/savemoneyandenergy/homecheckup/Pages/home.aspx

SRP: http://www.savewithsrp.com/RD/hpwesFL.aspx

APS and SRP rebates are only available to file through approved contractors, and homeowners must sign an APS and SRP audit form during the initial energy audit (the true way to tell if you are having a certified APS and SRP energy audit done).

If a single company is offering both a free energy audit and a paid energy audit, a red flag should go up in your mind as a company you do not want in your home.  Here is a chart comparison of free energy audits and a utility sponsored paid audit.

Free Energy Audits

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Do not quality for APS or SRP rebates

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Paid energy audits

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Qualify up to $1000 in rebates

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Rebates may be hidden and “built into” the costs

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Unregulated so sales reps can overpromise savings expectations

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Homeowners receive a line-by-line proposal 
 

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Savings are done by approved energy models first, and then checked by APS and SRP

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Gimmick products sold that homeowners don’t need

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Creditable and proven technologies can be used in the APS and SRP program

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Bait and switch tactics used on homeowners

 

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Comprehensive assessments and consultations reveal where the home’s defects are poor, and where they are good

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Measurable tests or energy models are not performed, leaving sales rep and homeowners with no clear roadmap for improvement

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Similar to a free AC check-up where commissioned technicians have to find something wrong with the AC or they don’t get paid

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Likely to hear the benefits of radiant barrier and solar water heaters

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Installation work never checked by independent third party

Prioritized energy and comfort recommendations are given based on a detailed energy assessment of the home

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Our home performance specialists are non-commissioned and highly trained and must meet APS and SRPs requirements to perform certified energy audits

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Will never hear the benefits of radiant barrier and solar water heaters unless asked

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Quality assurance is built into the APS and SRP program and mandated in order to participate and remain in program