Your home is likely to be the single biggest investment you ever make.  Unfortunately, the cost of owning a home seems to keep climbing; be it property taxes, mortgage rates or utility bills.  Let us help you begin to control some of those costs and make your home more comfortable in the process.

The Priority Energy Audit typically takes between 3 – 4 hours and results in our detailed Priority Energy Efficiency Improvement Plan.This is a customized report for your home, building or office, based on your priorities.  We can include everything from a short-term, do-it-yourself weatherization plan to a more long term plan for larger improvements or for all things energy (home, auto, etc.)

Priority Energy has a team of nationally certified BPI and RESNET energy auditors and HERS raters and is an approved Illinois Home Performance contractor. We offer the convenience of providing both cutting edge diagnostics and the most up-to-date efficiency solutions and home improvement service to our customers so they don't have to search and wait for more contractors. In 2011, our team audited over 1,000,000 square feet of space; including numerous homes of all sizes, schools, museums, daycare centers and theatres. Priority Energy is dedicated to customer satisfaction. The job isn't finished until you are happy.

Pricing

Our Energy Audit Services are based on the size of your home.
2500 sq. ft. or less, with one furnace - $375
2500 - 3500 sq. ft. with one furnace - $475.
Add $100 per each additional 1000 sq. ft or additional furnace.

• Did you know homes that have had an energy audit and have undergone efficiency improvements sell more quickly than an average home?

• Did you know that Illinois Home Performance (IHP) launched an energy efficiency rebate program in 2012?
  The program is being launched slowly, one Chicagoland area at a time. The City of Rockford is the current authorized rebate area. Home improvement rebates range from $1000 - $2000 for qualifying efficiency upgrades. Watch for your area to be added to the conservation initiative at www.illinoishomeperformance.org/welcome.

• Have you watched the DOE video yet? Click on the video to the right.

• Still not convinced? Did you visit our Resources Tab yet?
  See why a professional energy audit is crucial to making your home more efficient.

The Priority Energy Audit includes:

 

Utility Bill Review & Interview
	Our Energy Analysts will interview you, assess your utility bills, and conduct a high level inspection of your home or business.  We will lay out your options and discuss the fastest way for you to begin to reduce your utility costs, save money and be more comfortable in your home. By break down your utility bills into two primary uses - base load (hot water, washer/dryer, refrigeration, etc...) and seasonal load (heating and cooling).  It is surprising how much we can  learn simply by applying some math to your utility use statements - we can even compare how efficiently your HVAC sysem is performing by comparing your seasonal usage to other homeowners in your area.
Infrared Analysis & Insulation Inspections
	Our Energy Analysts have been trained and certified to conduct a comprehensive infrared analysis of your home.  Infrared imaging allows us to see leaks around doors and windows, like the dark spots shown in this IR photo. The cameras help us identify missing insulation through out your home, moisture issues, hot and cold spots (like faulty wiring) and overall construction details, as well. We also analyze your windows to understand the efficiency of their insulation and UV coatings.  This will help us determine the necessity and potential value associated with any window replacements.
Air Tightness Tests with Blower Doors and Duct Testers
	Our Energy Analysts have been certified to conduct a comprehensive blower door test on your home.  Essentially this will simulate worst case, air leakage conditions in your home. We will identify exactly how much air your home is letting in and letting out, and quantify the savings associated with bringing it in line with national standards.   This test doesn’t stop there. We also perform a detailed analysis of your home’s ductwork to determine if this important internal component is properly balanced and leak free. Air ducts play an important role in the overall comfort of each room in your home.  Duct leaks can also have a major impact on the efficiency of your HVAC system. See more on our resources tab on how leaky ducts can negatively affect your home and health
Mechanical Efficiency & Combustion Safety Testing
	The only products of complete combustion are carbon dioxide and water.  If an appliance such as a furnace or water heater is running inefficiently it will produce inordinate amounts of carbon monoxide and oxygen.  The temperature of the exhaust gas also tells us a lot of about the efficiency of the system. If it is too hot, it is wasting energy, if it's too cold  it is probably producing acidic condensation in your vents and chimney which can cause big problems.  Priority Energy Auditors use the latest flue-gas analyzers to test the gas and temperature emissions of your combustion appliances.  This will help us tune up the equipment or identify potential replacement needs and the associated savings. Additionally, during the duct blower test mentioned above, Priority Energy will test the balance of airflow coming in to and out of your furnace.  If a furnace is improperly setup it can increase the pressure in your vents which will cause the unit to run inefficiently and potentially fail more quickly.
Improvement Analysis and Reporting
	Our Energy Analysts will review and compile a detailed report of their test results and other findings. The report will identify exactly where you can save the most money and how, listing options as good, better and best. We prioritize the improvements based on those with the largest return and lowest cost first, and then move from there.  To see a full example of one of our reports, please click here.