Boise Home Audit FAQs
General Information
- What is this project?
- How much does this cost?
- How much will I save on my power bills?
- How is this project funded?
- Why is Idaho Power sponsoring this project?
- Why should I enroll in the project?
- Who will do the work?
- When will the program run?
Enrollment
- Who is eligible?
- Why is it restricted to Boise City?
- How can I participate?
- Is this project available for renters?
- How will I know the status of my application?
Energy Audit and Installation of Energy Efficient Improvements
- What is an energy audit?
- What energy saving measures would be installed?
- Do I have to be home at the time of service?
- How do I prepare for the audit?
- Can I have the $49 fee added to my bill?
- What is this service worth?
- How long will it take?
- What kind of recommendations will be made, and how are they paid for?
- How do I know quality work will be done?
- If I want to have additional work done, do I use the original auditor?
- What if there is a problem after the energy audit is completed?
- What if I have other questions?
General Information
1. What is this project?
This is a limited term project between the City of Boise and Idaho Power to provide residential energy audits that will include installation of specific low cost, energy saving “measures” or improvements. The audits will also identify larger efficiency needs. Homeowners will be provided information on programs that can assist them with the costs of implementing these additional measures, such as information on the City’s Home Improvement Loan Program or available Idaho Power incentives. The project will serve approximately 200 homes.
2. How much does this cost?
The homeowner pays $49 to the auditor before the start of the audit and installation of measures. The value of the audit and measures is more than $400.
3. How much will I save on my power bills?
From the measures installed during the audit, the average home would save up to 5 to 10 percent on energy use. This equates to a savings of approximately 600 kWh a year. The average monthly usage for a typical residential customer is 1,050 kWh per month. For all-electric homes, customers would likely see a larger reduction for their electrical use.
The audit is only the first step to identify larger efficiency needs. Take action on the recommendations and you could significantly increase your savings and the comfort of your home.
4. How is this project funded?
The City of Boise is receiving stimulus dollars via the United States Department of Energy (USDOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG). Idaho Power is partnering with the City to create this project.
5. Why is Idaho Power sponsoring this project?
Idaho Power is sponsoring this project to help homeowners save on their energy bills by using electricity more efficiently. Based on information gathered through this project, Idaho Power can determine if it would be cost effective to operate an energy audit and installation program for all residential customers on an ongoing basis.
6. Why should I enroll in the project?
The Energy Audit serves as the foundation for making home energy improvements. It should:
- Provide customers with an overview of typical energy usage
- Identify specific areas of improvement with the home and corrective measures, and
- Verify the energy saving measure will contribute to reduced energy usage
7. Who will do the work?
Certified professional home energy auditors have been selected to perform the audits. Their specially trained employees will assist with the energy saving enhancements.
8. When will the program run?
Enrollments will be accepted until all available spots are filled. Any applications received after the quota is filled will be placed on a waiting list. Audits will be scheduled as soon as possible, and all audits should be completed within six months.
Enrollment
1. Who is eligible?
The residence must be within Boise City limits and occupied by an Idaho Power residential customer. The home must be a single family, site-built home of 3,000-square-feet, or less, and owner-occupied for at least the previous 12 months. In addition, it is desirable for the homeowner to plan to live in the home for at least the next 12 months.
2. Why is it restricted to Boise City?
Because the City of Boise is the municipality designated to receive this specific block grant, the funds must be used to advance residential energy efficiency within the Boise City limits.
3. How can I participate?
To enroll, complete and submit an enrollment form and energy information release online. The release allows Idaho Power to:
- Pass contact information and usage data to the selected auditor
- Share audit data with the City of Boise
If you are unable to complete the online form, call 388-2515 to request a hard copy be mailed to you.
Once enrollments are received, they are reviewed for completeness and qualifications. Applications are accepted on a first come, first served basis for this limited project. Applications received after the spaces are filled will be placed on a waiting list in case an opening becomes available. To avoid disappointment, apply now.
Your contact information will be kept confidential and will not be sold to third parties.
If selected to participate, the auditor will schedule an audit appointment with you. At the start of the audit, you will pay the $49 fee directly to the auditor.
Visit www.idahopower.com/boisecityaudit for more information, to view the status of the project, and to fill out an enrollment form.
4. Is this project available for renters?
No, this project is only available for homeowners who occupy the home as their main residence.
5. How will I know the status of my application?
Once an application is submitted, you'll receive e-mail notification within one week stating the status of your application. If the application is:
- Accepted the information will be sent on to auditors and the auditor will call within two days to schedule the appointment
- Placed on the waiting list, you'll be notified of that status; if the status changes, you'll be updated
- Rejected, you'll be notified
Energy Audit and Installation of Energy Efficient Improvements
1. What is an energy audit?
An energy audit is the first step in determining how a home uses energy. It is used to pinpoint opportunities and get specific recommendations to improve the efficiency, comfort and health of a home.
After the audit is complete, you'll know where your home is wasting energy, and what simple fixes you can do to improve efficiency. You will also have a full understanding of how to go about implementing any major improvements that may be needed.
The Energy Audit will include:
- A blower door test
- Visual inspection of the crawl space and attic
- Health and safety inspection
- Gathering data on the home and how it uses energy
- Installation of some energy saving improvements
- Education on how to replace furnace filters or lower the temperature on a water heater
2. What energy saving measures would be installed?
The measures installed in each home will depend upon the particular circumstances at each residence, and your approval.
Energy saving enhancements that could be installed in each home include:
- Sealing air leaks around the furnace unit
- Installation of up to 20 Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
- Insulating exposed water pipes between the water heater and walls
3. Do I have to be home at the time of service?
Yes, you must be present when the contractor is working on your home. The homeowner plays an active part in an energy audit. You can help the auditor by answering questions. At the same time, the auditor will be sharing information on what he/she is finding at the home, as well as providing information on what can be done to improve the efficiency and safety of the home. It’s a great opportunity to learn and ask questions.
Appointments are approximately two hours. Missed appointments are expensive, so please provide at least 24 hours notice if you cannot make your appointment.
4. How do I prepare for the audit?
Before the audit, make a list of any existing problems such as condensation and uncomfortable or drafty rooms. Auditors use this information to establish what to look for during the audit.
The auditor and installer will need clear and easy access to the home, including the garage, attic, and basement or crawlspace.
5. Can I have the $49 fee added to my bill?
It is necessary for the $49 fee to be paid directly to the auditor prior to the start of the audit. It isn’t possible to have the fee added to your monthly power bill.
6. What is this service worth?
The value of the energy audit and installation of measures is worth more than $400.
7. How long will it take?
The energy audit and installation of measures is expected to take approximately two hours to complete.
Once the audit and installation is complete, you'll receive an analysis of your current energy use and recommendations on how you can save on your energy bills through low-cost or no-cost energy efficiency practices, products and measures.
8. What kind of recommendations will be made, and how are they paid for?
Recommendations are made based on what is found at each individual home. For instance, one home may have very little attic insulation, while another home is well insulated but has an extra refrigerator in the garage that's plugged in, but isn’t being used. Information about incentive programs and financing options relevant to specific recommendations will be provided. Some recommendations may not have programs available to help pay for the cost, but if any financing or tax credits are available, that information will be provided. Any services beyond the initial audit and installation of measures are the financial responsibility of the homeowner.
9. How do I know quality work will be done?
The auditors are all trained, certified and experienced professionals. In addition, a sample of jobs will randomly be selected for review by a third party. This trained and certified professional will review the technical aspects of the auditor’s home assessment and suggested improvements.
10. If I want to have additional work done, do I use the original auditor?
Once you receive the recommendations for your home, it is your choice as to how you want to proceed. You can:
- Continue to work with your original auditor to have the next steps completed
- Ask your auditor to recommend companies to do the work
- Or solicit bids from other contractors and make your selection.
It is your choice. Any additional services provided after the initial visit are the financial responsibility of the homeowner.
11. What if there is a problem after the energy audit is completed?
Please contact the certified auditor who provided the initial services for any follow-up questions or concerns.
12. What if I have other questions?
E-mail boisecityaudit@idahopower.com, or call 388-2515.
