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19 December 2014

Optmizing Energy Efficiency In Wauwatosa, WI

By Claudine Hodges


Power is always being consumed in offices and homes. Lights are usually on and appliances like the fridge, central heating or air conditioning are permanently running depending on the season. In office, computers, copiers and fax machines are in use all day. Most people complain high power bills but assume that nothing can be done about them. On the contrary, it is possible to tame high power bills. It all starts with an energy evaluations and maximize energy efficiency.

Periodic audits are done by companies to keep a rein on expenses. They are also done to see where cuts can be made in order to boost the bottom line. It works the same with an energy audit. It reveals the appliances and devices that are power guzzlers and then steps can be taken to bring down consumption.

It is important that an audit is done professionally. Professionals will keep up with emerging technology and will use accredited equipment and methods to measure the consumption of every electronic device in the house. Achieving maximum efficiency depends on how accurately an audit is done.

Individuals and businesses who have had audits done have reported savings of between 5 and 30 percent after making upgrades following the results of the audits. US Department of Energy have verified this statistics. In an audit, an auditor visits a home, look at the power bills and carries out what is known as a blower door test. An auditor may also carry out a thermographic scan. The idea is to establish energy wasters such as gaps in windows which let out heated air.

You might be able to take advantage of government incentives offered to encourage people and companies to get an audit one. The Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency website, www.dsireusa.org has information on the policies and incentives on offer by the federal government and the state and local governements to different US territories. There is also information on the incentives offered by different electric and gas utilities.

The website also carries summary tables and maps and a search tool which users can use to find out the precise incentives and policies being offered for which projects. The search tool can also be used to look at incentives which are relevant based on state, type, sector, type of technology and implementing sector.

There are two types of incentives and policies. One is financial incentives including performance, incentives, tax incentives, grants, rebates, loans, incentives for green buildings and industry support and recruitment. Type two is the regulations and rules that enhance the standards of renewable energy, contract licensing, certification of equipment, net metering and building codes in relation to power.

It is well worth it to have an audit done. With the incentives offered to do one and others to switch to green energy, it is an round winner of an idea. After an audit and doing the suggested upgrades, the only way your power bills can go is down.




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