Energy Audits

IREA's energy audit program has been in place since 1978 and is available to residential consumers.  No incentives are offered through this program; however the audit is funded by the Association.  When a consumer requests an energy audit, analysis will be done in the following areas (if applicable): heat loss of the home and electrical appliance efficiency. 

Walk Through

To determine the heat loss of the home, assessments of the walls, windows, floors, ceiling, doors and skylights may be taken.  A visual inspection of the home allows the auditor to assess the air infiltration rate of the home according to a predetermined checklist.  Amounts of insulation in the walls, ceiling, and floor are noted along with the U-value of the windows.  Sizes of the heating unit(s) are recorded and the general condition of the system and its components are noted.  The Association also uses thermal imaging equipment to identify areas of energy loss.

Electrical appliances are noted and visually inspected for efficiency of operation.  Additional electrical devices (such as hot tubs, swimming pools, roof de-icers, livestock maintenance devices, etc.) are also inspected for efficiency and noted.  Lighting usage habits are discussed with the homeowner and an assessment is made for reduction of lighting use with energy efficient lighting implementation.  In addition, the energy audit recommendation form provides a checklist of the appliances utilized in the home along with a monthly kWh usage for each electrical device.  This allows the homeowner to understand what percentages each appliance consumes. 

Energy Saving Assessments

Once the calculations are complete, energy savings can be calculated and given to the homeowner along with the list of energy conservation opportunities on a home energy audit recommendation sheet. The homeowner can then assess, with the auditor's assistance, priorities in their energy conservation plan based on simple payback for the recommendations implemented.

The home energy audit and home energy survey are completed with giving the homeowner a book entitled "Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings" and Energy Utilization Bulletins that address the specific areas that are recommended to them. The Energy Utilization Bulletins are described in the Energy Information Program.