Getting Audited

With winter setting in and colder temperatures driving electric usage higher, the importance of managing energy use wisely—and saving energy dollars—is essential. A properly sealed, insulated and managed home can go a long way toward accomplishing that goal, but ensuring energy efficiency measures are identified, prioritized and performed correctly can be a difficult task without the proper knowledge.

To remedy this problem for members, United Cooperative Services has a team of trained energy solutions specialists prepared to guide members toward better energy use management. During the last dozen years, United’s energy solutions specialists have completed more than 14,600 energy audits. Yet, the merits of the cooperative’s energy audit program have never lost their practicality, because the program continues to evolve and expand year after year as new, innovative energy solutions become available.

One area of member interest that has seen more attention over the last couple of years is solar, and it is important to note that United’s energy solutions team includes members with solar backgrounds. These experts can help guide members through the solar process. United strongly recommends performing an energy audit prior to opting for solar. After the energy audit is performed, United also recommends implementing the energy-efficiency measures proposed during the energy audit prior to installing solar.

Return on investment (ROI) should be a key factor when reviewing major monetary investments, and most energy efficiency measures put into place around the home provide a quicker ROI than installing a solar array. Solar is a long-term investment, and it typically takes over 15 years to obtain a full return. By decreasing energy consumption in the home, members can purchase a smaller solar system to take care of their energy needs, resulting in additional savings.

What’s In an Audit?

During the free energy audit, a United energy solutions specialist first sits down with the member and asks a series of questions that help determine energy usage patterns and habits. The specialist provides the member with usage data for the location, which include daily usage charts, weather data and monthly kWh historical data. Thanks to the cooperative’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), United’s team has access to more detailed data of the property’s usage history. The data helps highlight abnormalities before the audit begins.

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United’s specialist will further analyze and dissect this information to determine the leading sources of power consumption in the residence or building. Typical questions for the member focus on the square footage of the location, type of HVAC and water heating equipment, typical thermostat settings, hot water usage patterns and other usage habits. This information is crucial in assessing the energy consumption of a home or business.

Once the initial interview with the member is complete, United’s specialist conducts a walk-thru analysis, evaluating the heating and cooling systems, water heaters, thermostats, insulation and ventilation in the attic, ductwork, caulking around windows, weather-stripping around doors, lighting and the inside thermal envelope. The audit does not stop inside. A thorough assessment outside of the location includes looking at HVAC condenser units, windows, outside thermal envelope and windows, orientation and shading of the structure, and any extra equipment such as pools, wells or irrigation pumps.

Utilizing thermal imaging (or infrared cameras) during the energy audit allows United to measure surface temperatures and resulting images help the specialists determine whether insulation is needed and where specific areas of the home’s energy envelope are deficient. While thermal imaging can be used throughout the year, it is more beneficial if there is at least a 10-degree temperature difference between the inside and outside air temperatures.

After the audit is complete, United’s representative sits down with the member and reviews the audit findings. They will go over the proposed energy efficiency measures and help prioritize which measures have the quickest ROI. Some recommendations are quick, easy and cheap projects, such as installing outlet and switch gaskets, upgrading to LED lighting, monitoring thermostat settings and installing weather stripping around doors. Other upgrades could require a higher capital investment and a professional to perform the work.

United’s energy solution specialists provide members (while supplies last) with four free 9-watt LEDs to replace inefficient incandescent or CFL light bulbs. If an electric water heater is housed in an unconditioned space, such as in the attic, garage, or outside closet, the member can receive a free water heater blanket to place around the water heater. Insulated water heater blankets decrease the standby heat loss that commonly occurs through the water heater lining—especially those located in unconditioned spaces.

Beyond the complimentary energy efficient resources, United offers a rebate program designed for energy efficiency upgrades and maintenance. United uses energy audit visits to inform members about rebates for which they could be eligible, as well as an estimated cost of completing an improvement. United currently offers residential rebates for HVAC tune-ups, attic insulation, heat pumps, electric vehicle chargers, smart thermostats, fuel conversion, heat pump electric water heaters, and solar screens.

While the programs offered by United continue to evolve year after year, the goal has remained consistent—providing exceptional service and value to the membership. To request a free energy audit, or learn about any of United’s energy solutions, please contact your local office today.