FAQs
What if I'm new to this and don't know where to begin?
Start here, with Getting Started.
Is there a time of the year that is better for an assessment of an existing home; i.e., summer or winter?
Not really, unless you are experiencing comfort issues at a particular time of the year. For example, if a bedroom is cold in the winter but at the same time seems to be comfortable in the summer, then you're probably best served by having your assessment done in the winter. Other than that, a good auditor can do a good job any time of the year. It might be easier for the auditor who uses infrared photography (as I do) to do an assessment on a day when the temperature differential between the inside of the home and the outside of the home is significant. But even on those days when that's not the case, an auditor can still get the job done - it's just not as easy.
Does Show Me Home Energy Solutions llc recommend contractors, insulators and HVAC companies to perform the work?
Yes. David acts as an independent & objective consultant; however, every report contains a list of very capable contractors. The list of contractors in the report are completely independent from Show Me Home Energy Solutions llc, but are included because: 1) Show Me Home Energy Solutions llc would like to see the work done, 2) These are companies that David knows understand what he's requesting, or who will contact him if they don't, and 3) These are companies that have done good work previously. Additionally, the specifications for any needed work is also contained in the report, and in a format that you can simply hand over to a contractor of your choosing when requesting a bid.
What is or isn't covered by the federal tax credit?
Here's a good summary at the Alliance to Save Energy website.
Does an audit by Show Me Home Energy Solutions llc qualify me for Missouri's tax deduction?
Yes, David is a Certified Missouri Home Energy Auditor. Missouri taxpayers who have had a qualified audit performed on their home may claim an individual income tax deduction for the cost of the energy audit and the cost of implementing energy-efficiency recommendations contained in the audit. The maximum deduction is $1,000 per year, or $2,000 cumulatively for multiple years. Please talk to your accountant or tax advisor for specifics.
Can Show Me Home Energy Solutions llc guarantee that a rating will save me money?
Simply put, no. Before a home is tested and analyzed there is simply no way to guarantee that there will be ways to improve the home's energy usage. What can be guaranteed is that the home will be thoroughly tested and evaluated, and based on those findings, a report listing cost-effective options for improving the home's energy rating will be provided to you.
However, please know that most homes - both new and old - usually have many ways to improve home energy efficiency and that a rating or assessment is cost-effective.
What about pay back? Will the audit fee be paid back by energy improvements?
Of course, this is similar to the previous question. The answer is: it all depends. For example, a rating might save you from investing in an energy efficiency improvement that, as it turns out, won't really help save much at all. In that case, the fee wouldn't pay back in the usual sense, but the fee would nevertheless be well spent.
While pay back is important -- and I use it as one factor in my own improvement decisions -- the idea still needs to be kept in perspective. For example, does an upgraded countertop pay back? Or a new carpet? There are many items and services we purchase for our homes that we don't expect to pay for themselves, and yet we purchase them anyway. Sometimes, energy efficiency may not pay for itself in a short length of time. But energy efficiency almost always goes hand in hand with comfort, safety, and healthiness.
Why are your fees so much lower than everyone else's?
Simply, I've reduced my overhead to the bare minimum. I work out of my home and do all of the work and reporting myself. (The downside of this is that sometimes you will not be able to reach me by phone because I rarely take calls while I'm in someone's home - although you will get a call back later that same day.)
