Watch Out for Free or $99.00 Energy Audits
We have recently received an alarming number of calls from people who have contracted for free or extremely cheap energy audits. The main concern was do I really need "xxx service" and should it cost "$xxxx.xx". In general, the price for the services was 1.5x-2x the going market rates. Weather the customer really needed that service is impossible to determine, since we did not perform the audit.
Basically, the large companies are performing the audit to get their foot in the door to sell services. This in itself is not a bad thing, but be aware they have to charge more for the services to cover the cost of the audit and have the incentive to recommend more services.
For example, one potential victim was urged to replace the windows and add insulation in the attic and sidewalls. As it turned out, the windows were 15 years old and needed only air sealing, not replacement. The price for the attic insulation was 1.5x the going market rate and the side walls already had insulation. The total bill was $14,000.00.
What does all this mean?
When you contract someone to perform energy efficient measures get at least 3 quotes to perform the services. In regards to the energy audit, have the auditor give line item details of the cost of each measure and what the payback period is.
Basically, the large companies are performing the audit to get their foot in the door to sell services. This in itself is not a bad thing, but be aware they have to charge more for the services to cover the cost of the audit and have the incentive to recommend more services.
For example, one potential victim was urged to replace the windows and add insulation in the attic and sidewalls. As it turned out, the windows were 15 years old and needed only air sealing, not replacement. The price for the attic insulation was 1.5x the going market rate and the side walls already had insulation. The total bill was $14,000.00.
What does all this mean?
When you contract someone to perform energy efficient measures get at least 3 quotes to perform the services. In regards to the energy audit, have the auditor give line item details of the cost of each measure and what the payback period is.