Faq

What is an energy audit?

While comfort is often the primary motive, an energy audit is an analysis of the building’s energy usage and the associated health and safety characteristics. This includes insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-window ratios, the heating and cooling system efficiency, the solar orientation of the home, and the water heating system.

Some of the greatest effects on energy use are user behavior, climate, age of the home, and age and condition of heating and cooling equipment.

Use of a blower door to test for air leakage and tests for duct leakage are recommended because if you don’t test, leakage analysis is just a guess.

What are weatherization recommendations or measures?

A professional energy audit prioritizes retrofits or measures based on cost and effectiveness to reduce energy consumption; improve the health, safety and comfort of the environment for occupants; and prevent moisture problems that affect the durability of the building.

Remember, audits alone don't save energy. You need to implement the recommended improvements.

Can I lower my energy bill and still be comfortable?

There are multiple benefits to implementing energy retrofit measures such as sealing leaks to reduce drafts, increasing insulation levels, installing energy efficient windows, a well maintained, high efficiency home heating / cooling and water heating system, and window coverings. The retrofits lower energy costs, increase your comfort and help save the planet.

Will my Missouri energy provider help with the cost of an energy audit?

Missouri residents (not available in SW Missouri) qualify for up to a $1,200 rebate as a credit on your energy bill - $600 from Missouri Gas & Electric and $600 from Kansas City Power & Light - when you (1) conduct a home energy audit using a certified Home Performance with ENERGY STAR auditor and (2) implement at least one of the qualifying improvements recommended by your auditor.

Missouri customers who do not have both MGE and KCP&L as their
electric and gas providers may still participate, but will only receive up to $600 in bill credits from their respective utility provider.

For full a full description and the most up to date information on Home Performance with Energy Star visit http://www.hpwes.net.

Will my Kansas energy provider help with the cost of an energy audit?

The Efficiency Kansas loan program requires customers to have pre and post work energy audit performed by an Efficiency Kansas auditor to ensure that improvements are not only appropriate, but are also cost-effective. The projected energy (and dollar) savings must be enough to cover the cost of the improvements over the life of the loan.
Residential Loans of up to $20,000 may be accessed through Efficiency Kansas partner lenders or Efficiency Kansas utilities with loan payments made on the utility bill. Utility customers can only use either the natural gas or the electric utility to access Efficiency Kansas financing, but not both.

If a partner lender deems you not to be credit worthy you may be eligible for your Efficiency Kansas utility program. You may also be eligible for the Weatherization Assistance Program, operated by Kansas Housing Resources Corporation http://www.kshousingcorp.org/.

For full a full description and the most up to date information on Efficiency Kansas visit http://www.efficiencykansas.com.

What is a HERS Rating?

The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) is typically used in new construction. It involves an analysis of a home’s construction plans and onsite inspections and testing with a blower door test (to test the leakiness of the house) and a duct test (to test the leakiness of the ducts).

Results of these tests, along with inputs derived from the plan review, are used to generate the HERS Index score for the home, a scoring system established by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) in which a home built to the specifications of the HERS Reference Home with scores based on an index of 100. The lower a home’s HERS Index, the more energy efficient it is in comparison to the HERS Reference Home.
What’s the fuss about Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)?

Save energy. Save the planet. When fuel is burned the energy that is used it does not vanish, it merely moves and changes forms. The new form contains carbon which is harmful to the planet.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is formed when fuel is burned for heating and to produce a variety of goods that Americans rely upon and is sent into the outdoor air. CO₂ has been identified as a contributor to global warming.

Also the fuels that we burn that produce CO₂are non-renewable, which means there is not enough to last forever. So when you consume less products and home heating sources that use non-renewable fuel, you save money on your energy bill and help save the planet.

What’s the fuss about Carbon Monoxide (CO)?

When there is flame in a home or other building, there is a danger that the combustion appliances - fireplace, heating system, water heater, stove, etc. - will not function properly and cause carbon monoxide (CO) to accumulate. CO causes sickness and even death as well as a fire in the building. A professional energy audit includes a health and safety assessment of combustion appliances.
What is energy conservation?

Energy conservation is using less energy. For example, turn off lights when leaving a room to lower energy use. Lowering the thermostat in winter and you will use less energy.

What is energy efficiency?

Energy efficiency is lower energy consumption to meet the same level of demand. Examples include energy efficient appliances and compact fluorescent lights that provide the same level of service, but use less energy in the process.