Get matched with top energy efficiency auditors in Smithfield, VA

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. 

Services by electricians can quickly get expensive, but there are a few ways you can save money in the process:

• Bundle multiple jobs done at the same time to save on trip fees or flat fees for individual projects.

• Get at least three quotes for service to find the best deal.

• Buy fixtures, switches, outlets, and other materials beforehand to avoid product markup.

• If you feel comfortable with it, have an apprentice or journeyman complete the work under the supervision of a master electrician. These electricians in training tend to charge less per project.

Yes, skylights can affect a home’s energy efficiency, either positively or negatively. Properly installed, energy-efficient skylights with Low-E coatings, double glazing, and UV-blocking glass can help regulate indoor temperatures and reduce heating and cooling costs. However, poorly insulated or older skylights can contribute to heat loss in winter and excess heat gain in summer, lowering overall energy efficiency.

A home energy audit costs about $420 on average, with prices ranging from $100 to $2,250 or more. The final cost depends on factors like your home's size, location, the thoroughness of the audit, and the specific tests performed. A basic Level 1 walk-through inspection typically costs between $150 and $200, while a comprehensive Level 3 audit with detailed testing and a report costs around $900. Homeowners may be able to use the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act’s Energy Efficient Home Improvement credit to cover up to $150 of the audit cost.

Costs for common individual tests include:

• Blower door test: $350

• Duct testing: $100

• HERS test: $375

• HERS certification: $200

• Infrared imaging: $200