FAQs
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is the leading organization that trains and certifies residential energy auditors. Standards developed by BPI are incorporated in the codes in most states. BPI requires 30 credits and a passing grade on a test every 3 years. This is more than the medical or legal professions. Continuing education is taken very seriously in this field.
- What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a provider in your area of work?
Would you trust a doctor that recommended drugs if he or she made a profit on the sale of those drugs? Probably not. However many homeowners trust energy auditors that are a front for insulation, windows, heating and cooling systems or other expensive services and products. Industry professionals call this a loss leader because they expect to lose money to get in the door. That should tell you how much effort they put into providing a quality audit that presents an unbiased assessment of your house. Green Energy is an independent company with only one obligation, you.
- What questions should customers think through before talking to professionals about their project?
Energy auditing is not a free service. Auditors need to make a living just like everybody else. We pay for equipment, training and software. If somebody offers a discounted or even free audit, you should be very cautious about accepting it. I can tell many stories about customers who spent thousands of dollars needlessly because of a 'free' audit.