Biden unveils plans to score homes for energy efficiency.

[Nick Gromicko]

http://content.usatoday.com/communit...gy-retrofits/1

[Russell J. Hensel]

Got the classes written yet?

[Sean Fogarty]

Half the price of the $350.00 energy audits...

That should make some people happy. Let the goverment lowballing commence..

[Nick Gromicko]

Anything that hammers home the point that homes and buildings use more energy than cars, is a great thing for inspectors.

[Dennis J. Bonner]

Time for a ir camera possibly, any good deals out there?

[Nick Gromicko]

If you mean by "Time for an IR camera" because of this announcement, you may want to hold off a bit. This program isn't going anywhere for a while IMHO. We are currently in a de-regulation mode in this country.

[Dennis J. Bonner]

no, i know.its not the announcement. ive been stuntin one since i saw john's in melbourne.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by gromicko

If you mean by "Time for an IR camera" because of this announcement, you may want to hold off a bit. This program isn't going anywhere for a while IMHO. We are currently in a de-regulation mode in this country.

The test program is in 10 cities and, while voluntary, the report will undoubtedly reflect that the higher the energy ranking the less time the house spends on the market and the higher the selling price when compared to similar dwellings.

While home buyers are using inspectors to eliminate additional expenditures for repairs....energy auditors save home buyers from the additional expenses of higher utility bills due to waste. Why not get the seller to increase the energy efficiency as a part of the transaction as well as replacing the broken receptacle covers?

I think that, within the coming decade, we will see that energy audits will replace inspections since few people will pay for both. An energy audit needs to only add about two items to the protocol in order to mirror anyone's SOP.

The times...they are a changing...whether we want them to or not.

[Nick Gromicko]

I like that it quantifies savings better than anything else I've seen.

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by gromicko

I like that it quantifies savings better than anything else I've seen.

I use a program called REM Design where a computer model of the existing structure is built and a baseline for energy consumption is established. Each suggested improvement is run through that model which projects, both in percentage of energy use and dollar amount, what that particular improvement will provide in actual savings.

As you say, the actual saving projections (while dependent upon the home owner's choices and contractors' skills) can be quantified.

There is much more to a real audit than simply finding missing insulation, recommending CFLs and caulk.

[Nick Gromicko]

We're starting an investment fund that pays for the inspection and repairs up front in return for a percentage of the energy savings into the future. We have a law firm that specializes in this area working on the SEC paperwork.

[Brian A. MacNeish]

Originally Posted by gromicko

We're starting an investment fund that pays for the inspection and repairs up front in return for a percentage of the energy savings into the future. We have a law firm that specializes in this area working on the SEC paperwork.

Good luck on that one!!!

[Michael Larson]

Originally Posted by gromicko

If you mean by "Time for an IR camera" because of this announcement, you may want to hold off a bit. This program isn't going anywhere for a while IMHO. We are currently in a de-regulation mode in this country.

You're kidding , right?

Please explain

[ldapkus]

Originally Posted by mlarson

You're kidding , right?

Please explain

IR camera sales and training are down from last year.

[Nick Gromicko]

Michael, the success of the Tea Party recently, has helped put the country in an anti-regulation sentiment IMHO.

As for creating the Fund... the trend is your friend.