Home Energy Strategy: Assess, Reduce Consumption, Install Solar

Everyone has a mechanical inspection prior to buying a house to insure that the dishwasher works. Everyone should also have an energy audit to insure that the house works properly. It will save you $1000’s.

Here’s how my family did it. When we were considering buying a house in Santa Fe in 2006, there was only one certified energy auditor in the whole state of New Mexico, according to the RESNET website. RESNET is the national accrediting agency for energy auditors. That one auditor, Larry Gorman, told me that that I was the first person in Santa Fe to have an existing house audited prior to purchase. When I checked their website recently, there are now 35 rating companies listed. See http://www.natresnet.org/ for energy auditors in your area.

Why did I have an energy audit? When we lived in Dallas, I thought that my utility bills were high, so I had an energy audit performed for my home. I learned that it leaked like a sieve. The size of the leak was equivalent to a 5 feet by 5 feet hole in the wall. I did not want to repeat this with a house in Santa Fe.

What did I learn from the audit? The Santa Fe house had good insulation (based on actual infrared camera shots) and it’s air leakage met Energy Star standards, based on blower door and duct blaster tests. So, I bought the house. If the results had been unfavorable, I would not have purchased the house. It is standard practice to have a mechanical inspection performed when you purchase your home that verifies that the equipment in your house functions properly. It only makes sense to confirm that your house functions properly also.

Based on my experience and that of many others, Santa Fe should establish a plan to require energy audits whenever a residence changes hands. Santa Fe is a leader in green building. This could be one more tool that drives costs down and reduces our environmental footprint.

Currently, my electricity consumption is 70% less than the prior owners. I have never used the air conditioner. I have one refrigerator. I have installed CFLs in all sockets that get any use.

After I had the energy audit completed and reduced our electricity consumption by 70%, then I installed my solar PV system. It has been operational for one year now. It produced 6320 kWh, saving 8400 pounds of CO2 (more twice the weight of my Honda Accord) and PNM paid me $1450 for the energy.

We also have installed a solar water heating system that reduces our water heating energy by 80%. With the new solar financing district about to be announced, everyone who owns their own home can also reduce their bills and save the planet by doing what my family did. - David Van Winkle

To get involved with our energy strategy, please contact David Van Winkle at david@vw77.com