Energy audits are conducted by RESNET certified Class 1 Energy Raters to determine the level of energy being used (or misused) in a home or building. Most consumers want to understand the ways they can lower their energy usage and lower their utility bills. Energy Audits are the first step in accomplishing both objectives. FLORIDA ENERGY STAR® RESIDENTIAL HVAC REBATE PROGRAM The Florida ENERGY STAR® Residential HVAC Rebate Program is designed to encourage existing homeowners to replace their old energy-inefficient heating and cooling system with a properly-sized energy efficient system and to ensure that their heating and cooling duct system has minimal leakage. These duct certification audits are $300. Make sure your HVAC contractor has pulled a Mechanical Building Permit and done a Manual J calculation on your home. For all of the details, check out the State Rebate site.
If you would also like to participate in Orange County's Homeowner Energy Efficiency Program called OCHEEP, this is the first step to obtaining a rebate for making your home more efficient. Through this program, you can get your Class 1 Energy Rating, which also includes the duct test for the State of Florida Rebate, paid for, plus up to $700 more towards duct repair, a new HVAC unit, or other upgrades. Click the link above to get all of the pertinent info.
We would be glad to be your designated Class 1 HERS Energy Rater.
Energy Audits for a full HERS Rating can be conducted in 3 Phases:
Phase 1:
The Energy Auditor will conduct a preliminary diagnostic evaluation of duct leakage, air leakage to the outside through the building envelope, insulation levels, hot water production & usage, and HVAC concerns.
This testing will be done using a blower door and pressure pan to scientifically measure the leakage within the property and evaluate where changes can be made to create energy efficiency. Additional measurements will be taken and explained to the consumer as to the meaning of each and how it affects their current energy usage.
Phase 2:
The Energy Auditor will review the audit and make recommendations to the consumer regarding the upgrades and changes they can make in their home or building to achieve a comfortable level of energy efficiency and lower their utility consumption. A list of professionals who can assist the consumer will be given upon request so the consumer can begin their process of achieving energy efficiency.
Fees for these two phases of audit range from $150-$225 (based on complexity of property)
Phase 3:
Upon completion of the upgrades and changes recommended by the energy auditor, the home / building will be re-evaluated through an additional series of testing to determine the effectiveness of the changes. Testing will be conducted to measure the air leakage and over-all air flow and heat flow through the home / building. Upon completion of all testing, a certification of the property will be given and the property will have an official HERS Rating established with the State of Florida and the Energy Gauge standards of the U.S. Department of Energy. The building owner will receive a Certified HERS Rating which can be a great marketing tool for selling the building, or can be used towards certification for an EEM (Energy Efficient Mortgage). It is also a great way to be certified for the Energy Star rebates available through the Dept. of Energy and the State of Florida. It is through this series of tests that will determine if you qualify for the The Florida ENERGY STAR® Residential HVAC Rebate Program and the $1500 that goes with it. There is also a Federal Tax Credit of up to $1500 available for HVAC units.
Fees for this phase of audit range from $250 – $350 and include state certification fees. (based on complexity of property)
For more info on this and other Energy Efficient upgrades, see this very informative Florida Solar Energy Center web site.
We also do Class 1 Energy Audits on new construction, certifying these homes meet the Energy Star requirements or to simply meet the guidelines for Energy Code compliance of the State of Florida's latest Energy Code.
As part of the certification process for FGBC, LEED for Homes, and NAHB Green Home Designation, a Class 1 HERS Rating is part of the required prerequisites. These ratings meet those requirements. Please contact us for pricing of new homes, including volume pricing