If walls could talk, finding the sources of a home’s energy waste would be a breeze. Although homes still aren’t sentient, the residential energy counselors with Clark Public Utilities are so good at identifying household energy saving solutions, you’d be forgiven for thinking they could hear the sheetrock speak.
Home energy reviews are a free service for Clark Public Utilities customers who want to save energy. They can help customers determine the most cost-effective ways to have a more comfortable home or help identify the reason for a sudden increase in energy use.
“Home energy reviews are perfect for customers looking to reduce energy waste but don’t know where to begin, or customers considering a remodel or significant investments like a furnace or windows,” said Anthony Jeffries, an energy counselor for the utility. “In about an hour or two, an energy counselor will walk you through your home’s energy savings potential and answer any questions you may have along the way.”
Clark Public Utilities energy counselors are experts in residential energy consumption. Not only are they trained in the latest advances in home energy, but they understand how those technologies perform in Southwest Washington’s unique climate and energy market.
“That understanding is crucial,” Jeffries said. “The internet makes it easy to find information about just about anything and everything related to home energy, but very little of it is specific to the Pacific Northwest or takes into account regional variations in utility expenses.”
Home energy reviews take place during business hours, Monday through Friday. In just one visit, an energy counselor will analyze the home’s electric consumption, explain how its systems affect utility costs and comfort, and identify opportunities for improvements. Depending on the home’s condition, equipment and the resident’s habits, the walkthrough may find low- or no-cost solutions to lower energy expenses.
The utility’s home energy reviews are a popular service, so it’s best to plan ahead rather than reacting to seasonally high bills.
The utility receives the most calls in the winter when customers want to lower heating bills quickly. But it’s better to run the audit during the late summer or early fall before the cold-weather heating season starts. That allows you time to make any recommended changes before the winter weather sets in. If the home requires upgrades, they may be more difficult or simply not feasible during winter’s cold and rainy weather.
For more information or to request a home energy review, visit clarkpublicutilities.com/energyreview today.
Customers can also get advice quickly and conveniently over the phone from an energy counselor. If high electric bills have you bamboozled or you want to make sure your systems are performing well, call the energy counselor of the day at 360-992-3355 or email ecod@clarkpud.com during business hours to get advice specific to your home and lifestyle.
Customers can also do their own energy reviews, with the help of a wealth of information and several energy calculators available on the utility’s website. Those tools offer information to help you understand your home energy use and identify opportunities to reduce waste. Visit clarkpublicutilities.com/reducewaste to get started.
Energy adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
