Believe it or not, but I actually live in a home (insert joke here), and here in Florida, the temperature today is 95 degrees F. In Florida, it is a very rare occasion to experience heating days, but regardless of where you live, you want to have an efficient, insulated home. Gee Ron, No Kidding!
I decided to take advantage of a "Free Home Energy Audit" by my energy provider (TECO), and will describe my experience, so you may consider the same. I called TECO on Friday to inquire about the program, and they had a man here 10:00 am on Monday. They didn't send a "subcontractor" by the way, but a first class representative, who'd been with them for 37 YEARS!! Right here is where I give "Big Ups" to My Man Rick. I could go on about him, but it would get mushy, and turn into the "Rick Show".
He conducted any number of tests, and inspections, in about 1 hour. I received a printout on the exact energy coefficients of my home, and then sat down for solutions. Other than some minor sealing (gasket around front entry), we focused on duct sealing, and additional attic insulation.
Please note that I was already instructed by Mrs. Solomon to purchase unfaced batt insulation that week, or I could find myself an even hotter residence somewhere else. Don't quite know how serious she was about that, didn't want to find out, and I am trained by now to know better. Take notes on this you younger guys. The cost of the insulation alone was around $1,000.00 at Home Depot and then the install costs would be in addition.
Instead, the energy auditor (Super Rick) told me I could have all ductwork sealed for $50.00, and additional R-11 fiberglass blown into my attic for $100.00. $150.00 TOTAL!! So, my immediate thought was to get on Craigslist and buy some stereo equipment as any man would, but was quickly snatched back into reality.
All the procrastinating I'd done, cost me a rather large sum of money in energy costs, and I could have kicked myself.
The day after the ductwork was sealed, my inside temperature went down by 5 degrees F.! The insulation is being blown in next week, and I'll report back on that improvement as well. While we're on the subject, my energy provider allowed me to choose between blown in cellulose (newspaper), or fiberglass.
I've written a seperate post in here about fiberglass, so I took my own advice for once, and chose that thermal medium. Do you remember why? Because fiberglass is non-flammable, condensation does not allow it to collapse, and it is a very bad nesting environment for vermin.
The purpose of today's message is to encourage you to stop putting it off, because it is very painless, and an incredible value. Your energy provider really does want to help you, so let them.
Also, you commercial roofing guys might like to know that (with my energy provider anyway) that if you install a white, reflective, roof system like TPO, you may qualify your client for up to $15,000.00 (.60 sq. ft.), in "cool roofing" rebate. I should think that's quite a plus for you, if your competitor is not very savvy when it comes to energy. This is directly from TECO's website:
Cool Roof Program
What is it?
You can earn a rebate up to $0.60 per square foot up to $15,000 for installing a cool roof system above conditioned spaces. This program is designed to decrease heat transfer through reflectance, improve comfort and reduce commercial heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) load.How does it work?
Available to commercial/industrial customers with a roof area that includes a dedicated electric HVAC system. The cool roof system must reflect at least 70 percent of the solar radiation, have a thermal emittance greater than 0.75 and be installed by a licensed contractor. In addition, the systems must have an Energy Star labeled roof product based on ASTE E-903 or ASTM C-1549 testing.How do I participate?
To participate, please follow these steps:- Mail or e-mail your project proposal to Tampa Electric. Once your proposal is received, a Tampa Electric representative may schedule an on-site visit for pre-inspection.
- After the pre-inspection is complete or Tampa Electric approves your proposal, download and submit the Cool Roof program application to Tampa Electric. Once your application is received, a Tampa Electric representative may schedule an on-site post-inspection.
- Tampa Electric will process the rebate check after the program guidelines are met. Please allow 4 weeks to process your rebate check.
Commercial Energy Management Services
Tampa Electric
P.O. Box 111
Tampa, FL 33601
I mean, it was a piece of cake, and I am thankful for such outstanding customer service. TECO is a very fine company and is always involved in community events, while helping their consumers on a very personal basis.
Thanks TECO.
I hope everyone and their families are well on this Independence Day weekend, that you stay safe, and happy in your endeavors.
"In this world everything changes except good deeds and bad deeds; they follow you as the shadow follows the body" (unknown)
I am very thankful for the time you spend with me here, and remember to always keep looking "UP".
Much respect,
Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620
