If you’re looking for ways to use less energy in your home, getting your house deep energy retrofitted may an option.
Home improvement expert Bill McAnally describes the process as a remodel from the outside. It involves an energy audit and remediation that can reduce energy consumption by 30 percent in some cases, as well as improve the value of a home. He cautions that it can be a costly process.
“Look at your budget. If you have a home that was built in the 1940s that is worth maybe $45,000 to $50,000, you could spend that much in retrofitting. This is something you’re going to usually do in steps based on if the savings and comfort are worth it."
McAnally suggests researching contractors prior to investing in a retrofit, as the process often calls for a complex skill-set gained by experience in building. Find more information and a list of qualified builders by visiting the Iowa Energy Center’s website.
