How to prepare for a virtual home energy visit

Research is one of the first steps in every home improvement project. Need to un-clog the sink? Google it. Need a new kitchen appliance? Search for an energy-efficient one at your local retailer or with our marketplace tool. Need to address that pesky draft in your house? Ask an expert.

Knowledge really is power when it comes to solving your home's biggest issues and making your space more energy efficient. A virtual home energy visit empowers homeowners and renters with the information they need to make informed decisions. "It was easy," says one Barre couple who got a virtual home energy visit in 2021. "I wish all things were that easy."

A virtual home energy visit is a video call between you and an energy expert. The expert can identify opportunities to improve the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. In other words, they know where to look and what questions to ask. They're a neutral source of information, so you can rest assured that they won't try to sell you anything. Efficiency Vermont offers free virtual home energy visits to Vermont homeowners and renters all year long.

Virtual home energy visits typically take 1.5 hours, and they can be scheduled at your convenience. You'll give the energy expert a tour of some important aspects of your home, like your heating system, your electrical panel, and your basement. You might also show them copies of your energy bills so they can understand how much fuel or electricity your home uses annually.

Based on the learnings from the virtual home energy visit, you might decide to pursue a comprehensive home weatherization project. Those projects require an additional on-site home assessment by a contractor to qualify for incentives.

A virtual home energy visit is a no-brainer.

• Get expert advice from the comfort of your home
• See a holistic view of your home's energy consumption and understand how the different systems work together
• Receive customized advice on how to address your home's specific issues or areas for improvement
• Walk away with a personalized list of next steps to help you prioritize your projects
• Did we mention it's free?

There's never a bad time to have a virtual home energy visit. Our energy experts are available year-round to answer your questions and help you prioritize your next projects. That said, here are some times when a virtual home energy visit might be especially helpful:

• While issues are visible: It's best to schedule your visit when the energy expert will be able to see any specific issues you're having. For example, if your basement is wet in the spring or if you have an ant issue every summer, schedule your visit during that time.
• When moving into a new home: Did you just buy a house, or start renting a new place? It's a great time for a virtual home energy visit to get the lay of the land and learn about your new home.
• Before starting a new project: We recommend getting a virtual home energy visit before embarking on a big home improvement project. You might gain new or deeper information which can help inform your priorities and approach.

Once you’ve scheduled your visit, take a few minutes to prepare your space and gather some documentation. A little bit of preparation goes a long way toward getting the most out of your virtual home energy visit.

• Identify your goals: To maximize the value of your virtual home energy visit, spend some time in advance thinking about your goals. Do you have specific issues that you want to address, like drafty rooms, dampness, or pest problems? Maybe you're thinking of buying an electric car or a heat pump and wondering whether your home has enough electrical service to handle the additional load. Or do you just want to learn how to make your home more energy efficient? Understanding your goals will help guide the conversation with the energy expert.
• Charge your phone or tablet: You'll be giving the energy expert a tour of your home, so make sure your device is fully charged.
• Write down your home information: Be prepared to share the following information.
  • Age of the home
  • Home type (farmhouse, ranch, colonial, etc.)
  • Number of occupants
  • Number of heating and cooling zones
  • Heating sources and fuel type(s)
  • Presence of energy-intensive appliances or devices (such as heat pumps, electric space heaters, chest freezers, or medical equipment)
• Clear a path: Make sure that you have easy access to your electrical panel, heating system, and water heater. If you want to discuss your attic or basement, make sure those spaces are easily accessible, too. For example, if you’d like the energy expert to see your attic, set up a ladder ahead of time. For dark spaces, please have a flashlight handy.
• Gather documentation: Have copies of your energy bills (ideally for the past 12 months) so the energy expert can understand your home’s annual fuel and electricity usage. The bills should show the quantity (in gallons) of fuel used and the quantity (in KwH) of electricity used. Since energy prices vary, the quantity of fuel and electricity helps establish a stronger baseline than the amount you paid in any given year.

Schedule your personalized Virtual Home Energy Visit from Efficiency Vermont today.