Look at the first dot. A funny thing… every energy audit starts with a non-diagnostic visual inspection of the home (That’s what home inspectors do!) The next dot is where the workers come in (that is if the client wants to take energy-saving action). The work includes an assessment (comprehensive energy audit or “test-in”). And after the work is complete, there’s a “test-out,” another audit. And finally, the last dot, a QC Inspector comes in and makes sure that the work was done correctly (another visual inspection).
That’s the future of home energy inspections and home energy upgrades.
And it begins with home inspectors performing Home Energy Inspections.
And the U.S. Department of Energy is going to pay those inspectors who are qualified to perform Home Energy Inspections (Utilities and large retailers like Ace Hardware, Lowe’s, and The Home Depot are next).
It begins with home inspectors (as demonstrated above), and it will end with home inspectors. Read about the future of QC Inspections in this article by Richard Knaub, Project Leader at National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL.gov)
Let’s not forget that the GOP candidate for president has promised to abolish the DOE which is reason #213 not to build an entire industry on the promises of a government program.
Ben, I’m disappointed that INACHI has decided to follow instead of lead. While the others are all waiting, like baby birds with opened mouths in the nest, for the DOE to feed them with new incentive programs … there are millions of consumers in need of being educated (through an aggressive marketing program) that one does not need government money to save their own. Standing in line for a weak and doomed government program is the last thing we should be doing.
Nope.
You do not know what you’re talking about.
These DOE-funded entities are required to work on becoming sustainable. That’s in their agreement with the DOE.
Currently, there’s still lots of DOE money being spent on ideas. But these various DOE-funded entities are soon-realizing that their current ideas of becoming sustainable “suck,” and both time and money are running out.
And that’s where InterNACHI comes in.
I call it the “Knight in Shining Armour” approach. InterNACHI inspectors come in and save the day with an established method to meet the future demand of millions of homeowners asking about home energy. It’s gonna happen. And it’s gonna happen with this.
DOE loves to fund ideas. Unfortunately, they fund ones that SUCK.
But eventually, every funded entity, desiring to survive, will need to leverage an existing national workforce of professionals who are already self-sustaining (the Knights). EnergySmart is the first one.
You don’t need to sell me on home owners and energy efficiency, Ben. I’m the high priced energy auditor that you are aspiring to replace with “INACHI inspectors” and their $50 home energy score thingies, remember?
it is another tool for the belt and I appreciate it. wish Stinger would incorporate a camera, calculator, inspection report format, IR, moisture meter, screwdriver and dictaphone into one flashlight set up for wireless internet connection. Oh yeah, and an air sample pump too that prints out a UPS label.
Energy costs will likely increase at rates higher than 100% from their current levels within the next 15 years.
This means that people who do not improve the energy efficiency performance of their homes can expect to pay twice as much, or more, than what they presently pay at this time.
Of course, people who do improve the energy efficiency performance of their homes will be paying less for thier utilities and will also get a higher sales price for their home since energy efficiency is now calculated into home values by appraisers.
There is no legitimate or logical reason for a home owner to continue to use more energy and to throw away their money (or property value) in order to operate their home than they have to.
Energy efficiency will, in the not too distant future, be a major consideration motivating the decision to buy or pass on a house that is for sale.
Explain that simple math to some of our members who pay for 250 brochures every 3 weeks instead of buying 5,000 once. The ROI on buying inspection brochures in large quantities is much better than any home energy upgrade.
The focus on saving money on utility bills is only one reason to hire a Home Energy Inspector.
Research shows that most people hire Energy Inspectors because of “comfort” issues with the home. For example, “The 2nd floor bedroom over the garage is always cold.” Homeowners are willing to pay the same in their utility bills, if they could get that “always-cold” bedroom more comfortable.
Research also shows: It not just about saving money. It’s about increasing comfort.
