Home Energy Audits

Home Energy Audits:   Still A Useful Tool

With its HomeVIEW energy bill analysis, Volt VEWtech gives utility customers the ability to do home energy analysis for themselves. Ed Thomas of Volt VEWtech says HomeVEW home energy analysis is done using a questionnaire either on line, by mail or on site by the utility. Using the answers, the firm compiles a custom, two page report.

When customers verify for themselves where their energy dollars are going, they are much more receptive to offers for energy efficient appliances and home improvements, he maintains.

Last September Central and South West became one of the first utilities in the country to offer the customers of their utility companies Internet access to HomeVIEW on their website.

When utilities started to phase out rebates for the purchase of energy efficient appliances and home improvements, FannieMae began working with utilities to provide a low cost source of funds that allows homeowners to finance the purchases themselves.

Volt Viewtech is also a FannieMae authorized loan provider, serving as the primary lender for Pacific Gas and Electric's (PG&E) Home Energy Savings Loan Program. Under the program, homeowners with single family detached homes can receive loans of up to $15,000 for efficiency improvements in windows, heating and cooling systems and insulation.

For Tampa Electric Company (TECO), Volt Viewtech implements the E Seal Loan Program. The loan applications and other materials are customized with TECO's "Comfort Loan" brand name. Qualified TECO customers can borrow up to $25,000 for up to 15 years to install high efficiency heat pumps and related improvements including insulation, duct improvements and water heaters.

Reprinted from Energy Services Marketing Letter,Vol 3., No. 3, March 18, 1997.

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