Concerned about your home’s energy consumption or want to make your home more efficient?

Central Rural Electric Cooperative offers free on-site home energy audits for residential members to identify ways to improve your home’s efficiency and possibly reduce your overall electricity bill. 

“Every home is different in size, construction, age, occupancy and lifestyle routines that have a direct impact on energy consumption,” said David Freeman, Central’s Director of Information Systems. “The auditor will consider all of these factors and provide recommendations based on your home and lifestyle to help your home become more efficient.”

When Central members sign up for this service, an independent third-party contractor will schedule an audit at the member’s home. It takes roughly one hour, and members will receive an Energy Efficiency Assessment Report. 

“Our home energy audit was wonderful,” said Cale Hyer, Central member. “They were able to point out areas that needed improvement and ended up lowering our monthly bill.”

The audit includes an inspection of mechanical systems, ducting, attic and crawl spaces, insulation, windows, lighting, appliances and a blower door test which helps determine drafts and leakage. 

“HVAC systems and water heaters average 70% of a home’s total energy costs,” Freeman said. 

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a home will typically lose 31% of its energy through floors, walls and ceilings. 

Common problem areas auditors find are in insulation, ductwork and ineffective sealing.
The assessment includes a free weatherization kit provided at Central’s office. The kit includes LED light bulbs, weatherstripping, foam spray sealant, pipe insulation and caulking.

Need appliance upgrades? Central offers rebate programs to help members save money on energy-efficient appliances. Rebates can be found at MyCentral.coop/rebates. 

Want to sign up for an energy audit? Visit MyCentral.coop/residential-energy-audit.