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Rethink Energy: Four Things Every Arlingtonian Should Know About Energy Audits

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This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by the Arlington Initiative to Rethink Energy team (AIRE). This county program helps you make smart energy decisions that save you money and leaves a lighter footprint on the environment. Got a question? Email us at [email protected]!

  • Why get an energy audit?
  • What does it cost?
  • When should I do it?
  • What is the payback?

Here is more information to nosh on over the holiday weekend. Don’t let energy waste gobble up your savings.

Why get an energy audit? An energy audit is still the best way to pinpoint the critical energy inefficiencies in your home, create a plan to fix comfort issues, and help you to make a decision when buying a home.

Who should I call? Thanks to all of the ARLnow readers who shared their experiences regarding energy audits in the comments section of our last post. Please continue to share your experiences. Who did your energy audit? What did it cost? Did you make changes? Are you more comfortable? Have you seen a difference in your utility bills?

We recommend that residents use a BPI certified auditor. These highly trained energy specialists ensure that your energy auditor will be knowledgeable and well trained. Search here for an auditor in the area.

What does it cost: Cost depends on the size and complexity of your home. For a ~2,000 sq. ft. Arlington home an energy audit will general run between $400 – $600.

When should I do it? The dead of winter and heat of summer are both ideal times to get an energy audit. The temperature difference between the outside of your home and inside is more dramatic. This allow for thermal cameras to more clearly detect issues with insulation and find drafty air leaks.

What is the financial payback: Every home is unique. The audit will provide you with a detailed report that explains how much air leakage you have along with a prioritized list of actions you can take. Each proposed action will include an estimated financial payback. Payback also comes in less tangible ways like a more comfortable and safer home.

Poll: Which of these best describes your house in the winter?

If you clicked anything but Just right, consider an energy audit this winter!

Missing insulation, seen on a thermal imaging camera Missing insulation, seen on a thermal imaging camera

These photos (above) are good illustrations of what the thermal imaging camera sees during an energy audit. Notice the color bar to the right of both photos showing the colors that correspond to the surface temperature. These images both show missing insulation that would not be visible during a visual inspection.

Recent Stories

Good Monday evening, Arlington. Let’s take a look back at today’s stories and a look forward to tomorrow’s event calendar. 🕗 News recap The following articles were published earlier today…

An 18-year-old Arlington woman is facing a litany of charges after an reported bike theft led to violence. The incident happened Sunday evening near the intersection of S. Walter Reed…

What do I do if school doesn’t fit my kid? That’s the question that so many of the parents and families ask when they’re looking at small independent schools like…

There is a new play area for kids inside Ballston Quarter with plenty of pint-sized attractions. Located on the first floor of the mall, near the about-to-close Macy’s, Junior Playland…

Well-Paid Maids recently unveiled a new scheduling system.

That means it’s easier than ever to book your professional home cleaning with the only certified living-wage home cleaning service in the D.C. area.

Here’s what to expect when you book your cleaning:

  1. Select your location.

  2. Choose your service (i.e. 1 BD/1BA). (This is also where you’ll see the rate.)

  3. Pick your cleaner. (If you don’t have a preference, opt for “any available.”)

  4. Schedule a date and time. You can also set up recurring cleanings and get a discount!

  5. Enter your information and reserve.

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Submit your own Announcement here.

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Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

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Submit your own Announcement here.

Portofino Italian Wine Dinner, April 6, 6:30pm

Four course Italian dinner, paired with 2 wines each. The wines will be served “blind” and notes on each wine will be discussed. The event is coordinated with Elite Wine Importers and The Portofino Restaurant. The dinner is on Saturday,

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