A Home Energy Tune-uP® or a HERS Rating?
Rating the energy efficiency of homes has been used primarily by home builders who want to market their new homes as being energy efficient. This rating system has not been readily adopted by owners of existing homes because older homes are less energy efficient than new ones, and therefore get lower grades. The majority of older homes would score somewhere between 40 and 70, depending on their age, whereas a home built today should score at least 80. If the home scores 86 or higher, it is considered an Energy Star rated home.
Tune-uP, developed by CMC Energy Services, Inc. , was designed specifically for owners of older homes who want to upgrade the energy efficiency of their homes, rather than grade them.
How Home Energy Tune-uP® Can Help Homeowners and Home Buyers
With ever-rising energy prices, homeowners and home buyers are looking for ways to make their homes more energy efficient.
- Potential to save an average of 25% on your energy bill by implementing energy efficiency improvements identified in the Home Tune-uP report (potential savings can average $450/year);
- Find out which improvements to make - the Tune-uP report will estimate the potential savings and average costs of each potential upgrade; Tune-uP is the only energy audit that identifies those improvements whose monthly energy savings exceed the monthly cost of the improvements when financed;
- Increase the comfort of your home - reduce drafts; improve temperature control;
- Increase the value of your home - each dollar spent on Tune-uP recommended improvements can impact future home value.
- Green Benefit - Make a positive contribution to the environment by reducing the amount of fossil fuel and/or electricity used to heat/cool your home.
The Four Easy Steps Of Home Energy Tune-uP®
Step 1 - ENERGY AUDIT
A HomeSpect certified energy auditor will examine and measure the home to locate opportunities for energy savings.
Step 2 - DETAILED ANALYSIS
Specialized software, developed and maintained by CMC Energy Services, Inc., produces a Home Energy Tune-uP report which shows savings and costs for energy efficiency improvements and provides tips on ways to save more energy and reduce your energy bills.
Step 3 - IMPLEMENTATION
The Report provides access to a database of contractors, a direct line to an energy expert, and access to other energy products and services.
Step 4 - FINANCING
The report lists the improvements that, when financed, will save more than they cost. It includes information on the Streamlined (k) Limited Repair Program by which homebuyers and homeowners can finance up to an additional $35,000 into their mortgage for energy-efficiency improvements identified by their home inspector.