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Finance

Energy audit services for green-conscious Texans

If you’re an energy-conscious sort living in the Houston or the Dallas area, you’re in luck! The Green Mountain Energy Co.
Written by Heather Clancy, Contributor

If you’re an energy-conscious sort living in the Houston or the Dallas area, you’re in luck! The Green Mountain Energy Co., a renewable energy company in the lone-star state, is teaming up with NewPoint Energy Solutions (part of Standard Renewable Energy) to offer a break off energy audits.

Under the deal, Green Mountain customers can get a $100 break on an introductory NewPoint energy audit. (The audit typically costs $200.) The assessment, which typically takes between one and two hours, includes an interior and exterior lookover by a NewPoint energy auditor. Things that these guys look at include a building “envelope” inspection, the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, the types of lighting the house uses, insulation, the windows and also a review of past utility bills. Based on the audit, NewPoint makes recommendations about retrofits that could help reduce the homeowner’s utility bills.

For perspective, I spoke with someone earlier this week who lives in a totally green housing development called Prairie Crossing located outside of Chicago. The homes there were constructed to cut average energy consumption by about 50 percent, compared with older construction. My contact says his utility bill stays pretty consistent year-round, where it previous would sometimes triple during the frigid winter months on the prairie.

Aside from the discounted rate for a standard audit, NewPoint will also offer a $250 break on a more comprehensive audit, which usually costs about $750.

Here's more detailed information on both services.

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