Home Energy Audit Worth the Effort

Thursday, July 1, 2010 6:25 PM EDT

Ed Trzaska of Montgomery

Last fall, my wife and I completed an energy efficiency renovation of our Pike Run townhouse via the state’s Home Performance with Energy Star Program.

The results have been amazing — a 40 percent reduction in our energy consumption and utility bills.

The program started with a comprehensive energy audit of our home. We were very surprised to find out that our biggest problem was improper air sealing and insulation, especially in the attic. This is a common problem with many homes.

Most of the work that we had done focused on this problem, but we also installed a new 98 percent-efficiency furnace and direct-vent water heater. Our home is so much more comfortable now. The few drafty rooms we once had are now perfectly controlled.    Based on the winter months alone, we have already saved about $800 on our utility bills. And the best part of our experience is that we only paid for about 50 percent of the work. The Home Performance program offers very generous rebates and we also took advantage of the $1,500 federal energy efficiency tax credit.

Whenever I speak about the program with my neighbors, I always receive great feedback and interest. It is important for society to reduce energy consumption, and Montgomery should lead the way. I believe that some of the program’s features have changed, but the core format of it remains the same.

Ed Trzaska

Montgomery