Home Energy Auditing Business Opens in Central Virginia

Pro Energy Consultant Franchise Owner Bill Scullion recently opened his home energy auditing business in central Virginia. He says a home energy audit should always be the first step in making a home more energy efficient. Company's mission is to help homeowners save money, save energy and save the environment by going green and reducing their energy costs.

WAYNESBORO, Va. – Feb. 17, 2010 –For homeowners in central Virginia battling home performance issues — namely comfort, excessive energy usage and poor indoor air quality — help has arrived. Professional home energy auditor Bill Scullion was recently awarded a Pro Energy Consultants home energy auditing franchise locally. He plans to serve homeowners in Albemarle, Augusta, Nelson, Rockbridge and Rockingham counties.

Scullion officially kicked off his new business with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce building in Fishersville last month.

“Homeowners often experience frustration and anger trying to resolve why their energy bills are excessively high or why they struggle to heat or cool a certain room or area in their home. Often they do not know who to turn to for honest, unbiased advice,” said Scullion, who added he feels it’s a personally rewarding business knowing he’s helping homeowners solve their energy and air quality issues.

Pro Energy Consultants, the nation’s first home energy auditing franchise, is an independent third party that only diagnoses home performance issues; it doesn’t perform any recommended repairs. The company, backed by more than 10,000 energy audits, also offers homeowners a guarantee. If homeowners don’t feel the energy audit will solve their home performance issues, then no payment is required. To successfully diagnose home performance issues, all of the company’s energy auditors must first undergo extensive training at Pro Energy’s Cleveland headquarters before opening for business, followed by eight weeks of distance training.

Scullion says his customers have been pleasantly surprised how simple fixes can resolve their energy loss issues.

For example, Waynesboro resident Ken Browne’s energy audit revealed excessive heat loss around windows and doors. He also was losing energy through unsealed ductwork. The energy audit recommendations included caulking around the windows, installing weather stripping on doors and sealing his ductwork with water-based mastic.

Another Waynesboro customer, Chuck Ajemian, was about to invest in new windows for his home, but before making this substantial investment he wanted an unbiased opinion from an energy auditor. The energy audit did confirm that not only replacement windows were necessary, but also pinpointed areas where ductwork, doors and recessed lighting were losing energy.

“Both of these homeowners will realize substantial savings in their energy bills,” said Scullion.

The energy audit starts with the homeowner explaining the specific home performance issues he or she has been experiencing. Next, an electronic blower door is installed in an exterior door. Once activated, the blower door allows Scullion to in essence take an “X-ray” of the home by using infrared thermal imaging to identify all the hidden building leakage areas. The entire process takes approximately one to three hours.

“It really takes a comprehensive, diagnostic energy audit by a professional using sophisticated equipment to remove all the guesswork and pinpoint what’s causing excessive energy usage and major comfort complaints,” said Scullion. “It can also save homeowners from making unnecessary costly repairs, such as replacing a furnace or installing new windows.”

A detailed report with prioritized recommendations for maximizing the energy efficiency and comfort of the home is delivered to the homeowner within days of the energy audit.

“It’s great to have Bill as part of our team,” said Pro Energy Consultants Managing Partner Derek Sola. “Homeowners are looking for affordable solutions for solving their comfort issues and reducing energy usage.”

According to Sola, his company has experienced considerable growth since being founded in 2008. He attributes this to the nation’s increased focus on fiscal responsibility and energy conservation. For example, several states are beginning to subsidize and reward homeowners who make their homes more energy efficient. One state, Nevada, has passed legislation making energy audits mandatory in the near future. Many more states are considering similar legislation. In addition, many states will receive millions of dollars this year in stimulus grants for energy-efficient projects, including weatherization of homes.

For more information, residents in the central Virginia area can call (540) 221-4717 or 888-9PROENERGY (1-888-977-6363), or visit: http://www.proenergyconsultants.com

# # #

About Pro Energy Consultants: Pro Energy Consultants’ (http://www.proenergyconsultants.com) proven system for conducting energy audits is backed by more than 15 years experience and more than 10,000 energy audits. The company’s mission is to provide customized, comprehensive, diagnostic energy audits designed to maximize the comfort and energy efficiency of homes and “light” commercial buildings while reducing energy costs. This mission not only sets the worldwide standard for energy audits but also established Pro Energy as the world’s leading expert on the subject. In October 2008 Pro Energy began awarding franchises — making it the first national franchise in energy auditing. Being the ideal “green franchise” opportunity, it has quickly grown to more than 50 franchises nationwide. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. For more information, call 888.9PROENERGY (1-888-977-6363).

Comments