Get matched with top energy efficiency auditors in Cook, MN

The difference between an energy auditor and a home inspector is primarily in the purpose of the inspection. The energy auditor conducts tests in your home to determine the energy efficiency levels in areas like windows, insulation, and doorways. The auditor then makes recommendations for ways to improve a home’s energy efficiency. 

A home inspector examines various structures of your home to determine that everything is up to code and gauge the condition of features like the roof, foundation, HVAC, and electrical. The home inspector reports on the overall home and makes repair recommendations.

You can determine what size generator you need by listing the various appliances it will power during an outage. Write down the start-up watt usage, and then add them all together. 

A 7,500-watt generator will run your refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits without a problem. However, you’ll need an extra 3,000 to 4,500 watts to run your water heater and another 5,000 to 25,000 watts to run your electric furnace. In these instances, a whole-home generator is your best bet for running your critical equipment.

Setting your AC unit to 78 degrees can, indeed, help you save energy. In fact, according to experts, every degree you turn the unit up could save you between 1% and 3% on your energy bills. That said, turning your unit off entirely while you’re out might actually be less efficient than keeping it on at a higher temperature. Why? The unit will need to work extra hard to cool the house back off again after all those hot hours. 

Yes, barndominiums are energy-efficient as long as insulation professionals properly install quality insulation, windows, and doors. Utility bills for barndo living can be up to 50% lower than those for a traditional home.  Make your barndo more energy efficient by working with contractors and HVAC professionals to strategically place windows, doors, and heating/cooling systems.