|
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is my home eligible for the audit?
- What about apartment buildings?
- How do I sign up for an audit?
- What do I get for my $95?
- What if I can't afford $95?
- What if I don't want to wait to receive a coupon number? Can I call one of the auditors on the list without one?
- What qualifications will the auditors have?
- I thought the City was in a budget crisis. How can the City afford this program?
- What's the difference between an audit and weatherization?
- Do I need an audit to do weatherization?
- Does Seattle City Light have financial incentives for weatherization?
Answers
Q1: Is my home eligible for the audit?
A1: Single family residential homes in Seattle City Light's service territory will be eligible, no matter what their heat source. Audits will be available to duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes as well.
Q2: What about apartment buildings?
A2: Seattle City Light offers incentives for window, insulation, and lighting upgrades for apartments and condominiums. Visit Multifamily Weatherization and Lighting Rebates for more information. Free services are available to income qualified buildings through the City's Office of Housing at (206-684-0268).
Q3: How do I sign up for an audit?
A3: To request an audit, please click here which will bring you to our partner organization, Earth Advantage Institute and their page titled: "The Seattle Energy Performance Score Program". There you will be able to establish a user name and password to sign in. If you are eligible, you will receive a coupon number and be able to schedule your audit from a list of certified home energy auditors. If you have any questions, please call an Energy Advisor at 206-684-3800.
Q4: What do I get for my $95?
A4: The basic audit package includes determining your home's insulation levels, heating/cooling needs, appliance usage, air infiltration rate using a blower door and infrared imaging, and installation of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) where appropriate. At the end of the audit, you will receive a report that includes your Energy Performance Score and what steps you can take to reduce your energy bills. The basic audit package costs $400 plus the cost of any CFLs installed. Seattle City Light will cover $305 plus the cost of any CFLs installed, so you will be responsible for paying only $95 at the time of the audit. The auditor will have all the necessary paperwork for you to fill out in order to expedite the rebate.
Q5: What if I can't afford $95?
A5: The audits will be offered at reduced rates or free to residents who meet certain income qualifications. To see if you qualify, visit the Office of Housing´s HOMEWISE program or call 206-684-0244.
Q6. What if I don't want to wait to receive a coupon number? Can I call one of the auditors on the list without one?
A6. Yes, you may schedule an audit with one of the auditors on the list without a coupon number, but you will not be eligible for Seattle City Light's $305 rebate. Instead, you will be charged at market rates ($400-$600).
Q7: What qualifications will the auditors have?
A7: Each energy audit contractor has been certified by the Building Performance Institute and has undergone training to use the Energy Performance Score tool. But before choosing a home energy auditor, we strongly advise you read "Tips on Selecting and Working with a Home Energy Auditor. The companies on the list are not employees of, or contracted by Seattle City Light. There is no particular order to the list. Some auditors may be booked out further than others. You may wish to call several companies to get an appointment that is convenient for you.
Q8: I thought the City was in a budget crisis. How can the City afford this program?
A8: The majority of the costs for this program are coming from Federal Stimulus funds passed down to the City of Seattle by the Federal Government. The rest of the funding comes from City of Seattle and Seattle City Light's energy conservation budget.
Q9: What's the difference between an audit and weatherization?
A9: A home energy auditor will provide you with a comprehensive analysis of your home's specific energy attributes (windows, insulation, weather-stripping etc.) and heating systems. You will also receive information on how various energy-saving upgrade options interact with each other and a list of efficiency upgrades that are most appropriate for your home. In addition, you will be provided with a home Energy Performance Score which will allow you to compare your home to others, as well as evaluate any upgrades you choose to pursue.
Q10: Do I need an audit to do weatherization?
A10: While you can conduct simple weather-stripping activities and install insulation in your home without an audit, the home energy audit will provide you with information on how much insulation you need to achieve a certain level of energy savings. The audit will also highlight other opportunities to increase your home´s energy efficiency so you can make the investments that make sense for you.
Q11: Does Seattle City Light have financial incentives for weatherization?
A11: City Light does not currently have incentives for weatherization. The Office of Housing (206-684-0244) offers free weatherization services to income eligible residents.
|
|
|
