Frequently Asked Questions - Residential Energy Assessment Program
- Who’s eligible to participate?
- I am a renter, and I would like to save on my utility bills. Can I receive an energy assessment?
- What if I own a building with more than 4 units?
- How do I find a participating auditor?
- What happens at an energy assessment? How long does it take?
- Why should I get an energy assessment?
Q: Who’s eligible to participate?
A: New York State residents who own a single-family or multifamily home with up to 4-units can participate in the Residential Energy Assessment program. Income-eligible homeowners, with household income that is less than or equal to 80% of the area median income, should apply to NYSERDA’s EmPower+ Program. Renters should encourage your landlords to participate to take advantage of the program offerings.
This program selection tool can help you determine which program is best for you.
Q: I am a renter, and I would like to save on my utility bills. Can I receive an energy assessment?
A: Energy assessment are intended for those who have authority to make capital upgrades to a home. You can enjoy the benefits of reduced energy bills by encouraging your landlord to apply.
View energy savings tips for renters.
Q: What if I own a building with more than 4 units?
A: Utilities offer incentives to affordable multifamily buildings with five or more residential units through the New York State’s Affordable Multifamily Energy Efficiency program for the installation of energy efficient equipment and technology that can reduce overall energy use and maintenance costs.
Q: How do I find a Participating auditor?
A: Locate a Participating auditor in your geographic area. Here are a few questions [PDF]
that you can ask the auditor before you make the decision to have them perform your energy assessment.
Q: What happens at an energy assessment? How long does it take?
A: The auditor will spend approximately one to two hours at your home for the assessment. It provides you with a top-to-bottom look at where your home is wasting energy. During the assessment the Participating Auditor will discover the root cause of common household problems such as drafts, inconsistent temperatures, and poorly performing heating and cooling systems. The assessment also includes a review of conditions that could be impacting the health and safety of your home such as the presence of moisture, mold or carbon monoxide. After the assessment, your auditor will give you a list of recommended upgrades. These upgrades could range from simple weather-stripping to replacing your appliances or heating equipment or upgrading to energy-efficient lighting.
Q: Why should I get an energy assessment?
A: An assessment helps you understand how much energy your home is using and identify hidden problems that may be making your home less efficient. An energy auditor will also inspect your home for potential health and safety issues, such as improper ventilation. Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive a report with a list of potential improvements to help determine where your home improvement dollars would be best spent for greater efficiency and comfort. Making these improvements will not only help you save on your utility bills but also increase the comfort of your home with better temperate management and improved air quality.