Q.
What happens during an HEA remote home audit?
A. Unlike other audits where energy efficiency experts come to
your with lots of expensive equipment, this audit takes place
completely online at a secure website managed by HEA (Home
Energy Analytics).
If significant energy remains unaccounted for, we can consult with you to identify where it is going. HEA software continues to automatically analyze your PG&E data for the next 12 months and send you monthly emails showing your energy use trends.
Q. What
kinds of recommendations are made?
A. We make energy-saving recommendations based on how energy
is used in your home using the Home Energy Profile created
from your data. Energy use varies considerably from home to
home, based on many factors. Is your energy going to
plug-loads, heating, cooling, a continuously running
reciriculatio pump, etc.?
Q.
I’ve heard about other energy efficiency audits. How does
an HEA remote home audit differ?
A. We've found that most audits don't focus on analyzing all
of the energy used in a home to determine the most
cost-effective ways to reduce it. Instead, most audits
focus on analyzing the home envelope (insulation, windows,
ducts, etc.) to improve heating and cooling efficiency. We
have analyzed hundreds of homes in the Bay Area and know that
a majority of energy in most homes is consumed by all the
extra "stuff" plugged in and drawing power, often even when
they are "off". Reducing the energy used by these
devices is usually simple and inexpensive, and doesn't affect
your lifestyle. But it can reduce your energy use
tremendously -- in most cases by 10% or more -- for a very
small investment in time and money.
Q. Will someone
come to my house?
A. Not likely. Unlike other audits where energy efficiency
experts need to explore your house from crawlspace to attic,
most interactions for this audit will occur online, at a
secure website managed by HEA.
Q. How much
time does the audit take?
A. Depending on the complexity of your home, the online audit
may take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. You will learn
as you go, and there is no need to do all the sections in one
sitting.
The amount of time you need to implement any of the
recommendations you receive during the audit varies. Many can
be completed in just a few minutes with inexpensive devices
such as smart strips and timers.
After you finish your audit, HEA’s online tool will continue to automatically analyze your monthly PG&E SmartMeter data and send you monthly emails showing how your energy use is trending.
Q. Will my data be
safe? Who else will see my information?
A. Your data will be held in strict confidence on a secure
server and will only be used to help you reduce your energy
use. Only those directly involved in the audit process, such
as technical support people you may call, will have access to
your answers. Our web application uses the same advanced data
security methods as online financial services.
Q. What do
I need to do to prepare for the audit?
A. Nothing. Once accepted to the program you will receive an
email with a link to your secure HEA account where you will be
guided through the survey to analyze your energy use.
Q. What happens
if I need help?
A. You can get help from an HEA staff member by email, phone
or via a web-based conference where both you and the staff
member can view your survey at the same time.
Q.
What about my GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions?
A. In addition to an analysis of your energy use, you will
also receive a confidential summary of your home's greenhouse
gas emissions and how it compares with others.
Q. Who can get an
audit?
A: Contact HEA at support@HEA.com
or 650-492-8029 to check for availability in your area.
Minimum requirements:
• Have paid a PG&E bill for your current house for at
least 12 months.
• Have a PG&E SmartMeter installed and activated for at
least 30 days.
• Agree to provide your PG&E bill information for 12
months before and after you register.
Q. How do I apply?
A. The first step is to locate or create your free PG&E
online account. See instructions at the How do I get an online PG&E account?
page. Next, contact us at support@HEA.com
or call us at 650-492-8029.
Q. How much
does the audit cost?
A. Contact HEA for pricing: support@HEA.com
or call us at 650-492-8029.
Each audit includes:
• A detailed Home Energy Profile for your home based on your
energy use for the past 12 months.
• Specific recommendations to reduce your home energy use.
• Access to an HEA hosted account for 1 year.
• Monthly emails showing your energy trends.
Q. Will I
have to pay for anything else?
A. You will have to pay for any costs associated with any
recommended energy-saving measures that you decide to
undertake. For example, buying a smart power strip to manage
your entertainment center, or parts and labor to install a
timer on your hot water recirculation pump.
If you have further questions please don't hesitate to contact
us at Support@HEA.com