Introducing Benton PUD's Home Energy Tune-Up

Like a car, your home needs to be running efficiently to save you money. Is your home running as efficiently as it can? Does it need a tune-up? Benton PUD's energy experts can examine the high energy users in your home and give you advice on how to adjust your energy lifestyle.

Introducing Benton PUD's Home Energy Tune-Up! There is a fee for the Home Energy Tune-Up. Call 582-1234 for program details. Benton PUD's Home Energy Tune-Up is easy as 1-2-3-4 . . . The Home Energy Tune-Up includes: 1. An inspection of your windows and doors and a diagnostic test to find energy leaks 2. A review of your heating/cooling system, duct work, and insulation levels 3. A check of major appliances and their operation 4. Tips on energy lifestyle and every day advice If improvements are needed, we will present you with a list of Benton PUD Approved Contractors who can provide you with a free estimate for costs of services to improve your major energy users.

Step 1 - Windows and Doors

Windows easily let air in and out and can contribute to 10-30% of the heating and air conditioning bill. Replacing all of the windows in your home can be expensive and the payback period could be 20 to 30 years based on energy savings alone; however, energy efficient windows will add to comfort and can increase the value of your home. We will inspect your windows and doors and advise you on the energy factor to look for when purchasing.

Step 2 - HVAC and Insulation Heating and cooling can account for up to 70% of your electric bill. Upgrading your heating and cooling system, adding insulation and minimizing air infiltration can have a dramatic effect on lowering the money you spend on heating and cooling. During the tune-up, we will inspect your heating and cooling system, ductwork, insulation levels and do a special diagnostic test to find the energy leaks in your home.

Step 3 - Appliances Appliances can account for up to 20% of your bill. Like a car's fuel is gasoline , your home's fuel is electricity. You will get higher "electricity mileage" if the appliances in your home are operating efficiently. Our tune-up includes a thorough inspection of the large appliances in your home. We will give you advice on how to conserve the energy that the appliances use and what to look for when purchasing new appliances. Water heating typically accounts for 15 to 20% of your bill. Although most water heaters last 10 to 15 years, it's best to start shopping for a new one if yours was purchased before 1994. An old water heater can operate for years at a very low efficiency before it finally fails.

Step 4 - Energy Lifestyle Tips Benton PUD's Home Energy Tune up includes tips on how to adapt efficient energy use into your every day routine.