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 the 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 telling you this is a company you do not want in your home. Here is a chart comparison of free energy audits and a utility-sponsored paid audit:


​