By Jon McCreath, NPI, Inc.’s Technical Supervisor & Training Administrator
Add-on services are a great way to upgrade your business. Your customers will feel better protected in their home, and you can add an extra revenue stream. One additional service that can be beneficial to add is energy audits. These audits help the homeowner understand where energy is being “wasted” in their home and how to decrease it.
More Homeowners Going Green
Preserving the environment and decreasing individual impact are important topics to a majority of homeowners. Close to 70 percent of homebuyers would prefer a greener home, with almost half willing to pay more for one. It’s estimated the average homeowner spends at least $2,000 a year on electricity costs. By lowering each monthly bill by a few dollars, the savings will really start to add up. Within the next few years, the green material market will reach over $360 billion. As more and more younger buyers enter the market, the demand for eco-friendly housing will only increase.
Equipment Needed
Performing an effective energy audit requires some specific tools. An infrared camera (which you may already have) will help identify any equipment that is inefficient or spot heat loss through poor insulation, doors, and windows. Some other items that you’ll also need:
Skills Required
Depending on your state laws, you may need extra licensing and insurance to perform energy audits. Even if you don’t need any required training, it can be beneficial to do some preliminary research to better understand how an energy audit should be conducted. Finding material on the latest home energy efficiency recommendations will also be helpful. While you have some understanding about a home’s HVAC and electrical systems, learning more about them will prove to your customers that you’re an energy expert.
What’s Your ROI
The stats above show that there’s certainly a growing demand for eco-friendly professionals. But it’s important to remember that every market is different, and you should weigh your benefits before starting. The biggest cost most inspectors will incur will be new equipment. Quality testers can run a few thousand dollars and require regular upkeep. There are some state programs that may let you rent equipment, so your only cost would be possible training and licensing. Again, doing some preliminary research will help you better understand your market and what options are out there for you.
Winter Can Be a Great Time to Start
While you can market this service year-round, it can be especially profitable in wintertime. The winter is typically when most homeowners notice a spike in their electricity bills. They may also pay closer attention to how certain components in their home are operating. If your market tends to slow in the colder months, it becomes even more important to supplement your income with add-on services.
Interested in adding ancillary services to your résumé? Contact the home office to learn more about the process of getting certified at 800.333.9807, ext. 33.
