Contact:
Anne Lupardus, Office of the Governor, 608-261-2162
With Heating Costs Rising 61 Percent, Audits Can Save
Homeowners More Than $400 In First Year
MILWAUKEE – Governor Jim Doyle today participated in a home energy audit at a home in Milwaukee, to encourage families to have an energy audit to lower their utility bills this winter. As part of his Energy Help Initiative, Governor Doyle has increased the rebate to help homeowners get an audit to $100.
“With home heating costs expected to rise by 61 percent this season, this program is one way to make winter heating more affordable,” Governor Doyle said. “I want to encourage more families to take advantage of this service, which is why we’ve raised the rebate to $100. By having an energy audit, families can get their heating costs under control not only this winter, but for years to come.”
A report released Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Energy indicates that natural gas bills for households in the Midwest could rise by 61 percent this season. To help families deal with these costs, as part of his Energy Help Initiative Governor Doyle is offering greater financial assistance to help more homeowners have an energy audit to identify ways to make their homes more efficient, and reduce their utility bills and energy demand. Governor Doyle has increased the rebate available to help homeowners pay for the audit to $100.
Wisconsin homes are audited through a state program available to Wisconsin homeowners, sponsored by Wisconsin Focus on Energy. The program uses the most advanced equipment to test homes, identify problems, and recommend ways to make the home more energy efficient. Last year, homeowners who had an audit and implemented the most cost-effective measures saved an average of $450 on their utility bill in the first year.
A typical energy audit costs between $200-400, however audits on larger homes may cost more. The rebate offered by the state will offset $100 of the cost of the audit. Additionally, the state offers additional incentives to implement the audit’s recommendations, including a $150 rebate on certain energy efficient furnaces.
Energy audits consist of an inspection of all systems in the home including testing the building shell, heating and cooling equipment, air infiltration and insulation levels. Once the evaluation is complete, the contractor/consultant will develop a home evaluation report. The home evaluation report provides information on how the home uses energy, including the insulation level in the attic, walls and basement, air leakage of the home, and the lighting and appliance energy use.
The report also lists a number of home improvements that can be done to make the home more comfortable, safe, durable and energy efficient. Improvements may include replacing a furnace, adding insulation or sealing air leaks. As part of the evaluation, the consultant can perform a Home Energy Rating to prioritize the most cost-effective improvements, and provide information on the expected savings if the improvements are made.
Individuals interested in having an energy audit can find more information at the Governor Doyle’s Energy Help website, Energyhelp.wi.gov, or by calling (800) 522-3014.
