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Energy Efficiency Auditing questions, answered by experts

Smart glass doesn’t use a lot of electricity, and you can expect a standard window to add between $1 and $2 per year to your electric bills. Smart glass is proof that energy-efficient windows work. Although your smart windows may consume a little energy to operate, they can save enough energy to offset the costs. If you’re concerned about the minimal bump to your electricity consumption, you can opt for smart tint, which doesn’t require electricity to work.

The three levels of home energy audits include:

  • Level 1: Review of your energy bills and home for signs of energy inefficiency and areas for improvement. The average cost range is $0.08 to $0.12 per square foot.

  • Level 2: A level 2 ASHRAE energy audit costs $0.12 and $0.35 per square foot. In-depth analysis of your energy usage and provides a report of cost-saving changes.

  • Level 3: Comprehensive analysis and detailed recommendations for ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency. A level 3 audit costs about $0.36 to $0.50 per square foot.

The extra insulation helps reduce energy costs by minimizing drafts and temperature exchange between indoors and outdoors.

R-value measures an insulation material's thermal resistance, indicating its ability to resist heat transfer. A higher R-value signifies better insulation performance because the material is more effective at slowing heat flow. The R-value depends on the type, thickness, and density of the insulation material, such as fiberglass, foam, or cellulose. Each inch of insulation typically provides an R-value between 3 and 8. There is no single universal R-value; the optimal choice depends on your climate zone. Colder climates require a much higher R-value than warmer ones to maintain energy efficiency, keep the home warm in winter and cool in summer, and manage costs.

There is no blanket figure for a residential home’s electrical load, since load varies by the size of the home, how many appliances are used, and the efficiency of their electrical systems. Typically, however, it’s safe to assume 40 to 60 amps is the average electrical load of a residential home. 

The Howes, SD homeowners’ guide to energy efficiency auditing services

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