Tax Credits and Other Financial Incentives
The federal government is offering tax credits for qualified energy efficient products installed between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010 in existing houses. There are also tax credits available for new construction. Check energystar.gov for more details.
Did you know that your local electric company offers rebates for qualified energy efficient products? You must get a complete energy audit to qualify.
Other News
NY Energy Auditors was recently featured in Today's Home, published by Saratoga Today. Read the article on Thermal Imaging . Ask us about an energy audit with a thermal camera.
Thermal cameras provide a means for looking into walls. You might be surprised to "see" how the insulation was installed in your home even if it is brand new. Read the article, The Home Energy Audit Gets an Upgrade , published in The New York Times or ask us about an energy audit with a thermal camera.
Blue colors indicate areas of missing insulation as shown by thermal camera. There are several effective ways to mitigate this type of problem depending on the location and ease of access. Blown cellulose, spray foam, and fiberglass batts are all viable options. A qualified insulation contractor can give you an estimate.
To the naked eye, the insulation in the attic crawlspace shown on the left looks intact. To the thermal camera, a significant air leak becomes apparent. Spray foam beneath and behind the insulation will air-seal the leak so that the insulation can do its job properly.
Drafts are a common complaint for most homeowners. The thermal camera used in conjunction with the blower door clearly shows air leakage beneath the baseboard and around the window frame in the picture on the right. The homeowner can fix this problem easily using 40-50 year latex caulk at all gaps (even minute gaps) along the baseboard and around window frames.
The Wall Street Journal compared 4 energy audits in A Quest for an Energy-Efficient House.