Simply call 800-545-0762 and ask for the energy check. They will schedule for an auditor to come to your house and assess the home for efficiency. They will also analyze your utility bills and determine where you are spending your money and how much of it goes where. The auditor may also:

• Install up to 6 efficient light bulbs
• Install a water heater blanket
• Install up to two low flow shower heads
• Low flow sink aerators may be installed in bathrooms and kitchen sinks
• Install a couple pieces of hot water pipe insulating foam
• Upon request the auditor can install a programable thermostat for $30 ($55 +/- value)

If the auditor determines that there is insufficient insulation in the homes attic and/or exterior walls they will calculate an approximate cost for adding insulation. Since Mid American offers a rebate on adding insulation it is common that the pay back period may only be a couple years. Currently, the rebate is 70% of the installed cost not to exceed $600. The blown in insulation is relatively inexpensive and therefore a homes exterior walls can be done for not much more than that. 

This is a field I was trained in. I used to be one of those auditors and I bring that added knowledge to the table in my real estate business. My clients can benefit knowing that their agent is well informed in energy efficiency. If you have any questions or comments on how else we can increase our homes comfort feel free to post under this entry.

To do a search for green homes visit my site www.theBuyandSellguy.com and click on the "property search" tab.