New Home Energy Auditing Business Sets Out to Solve Energy-Usage Issues for NW Indiana Residents

Pro Energy Consultant Franchise Owners Milissa and Rich Evans recently opened their home energy auditing business in Northwest Indiana. They say that a home energy audit should always be the first step in making a home more energy efficient. The company's mission is to help homeowners save money, save energy and save the environment by going green and reducing energy costs.

PORTAGE, Ind. – March 26, 2010 –For homeowners in Northwest Indiana battling such home performance issues as comfort, excessive energy usage and poor indoor air quality, a solution may have arrived in the form of a home energy audit. At least that’s what professional home energy auditors Milissa and Rich Evans think. The Evans were recently awarded a Pro Energy Consultants home energy auditing franchise locally.

“It’s simple to create a comfortable atmosphere in your home and save energy while helping to save our environment — but only if you are aware of where your home’s weaknesses are,” said Milissa, who has called Northwest Indiana her home for more than 25 years. “Our family is dedicated to helping Northwest Indiana Hoosiers save money on their energy bills and increase the efficiency of their homes and businesses, while reducing their impact on the environment.”

Pro Energy Consultants, the nation’s first home energy auditing franchise, acts as an unbiased, third party as it diagnoses home performance issues for homeowners. The company, backed by more than 10,000 energy audits, also offers homeowners a guarantee. If, at the end of the test, homeowners don’t feel they’ve received valuable information about their home, then the energy audit is free. To successfully diagnose home performance issues, the company’s energy auditors first undergo extensive training at its Cleveland headquarters, followed by eight weeks of distance training.

Evans’ customers have found the energy audit eye-opening.

For example, a home inspector told Portage residents Jeff and Kara Spencer the home they had purchased was one of the best-built homes he had over seen. Their home energy audit revealed otherwise.

“Quite frankly, we didn’t think there would be many issues," said Kara. However, the Spencer’s energy audit uncovered several areas that needed to be addressed. Added Kara, “We can’t wait to see the difference after we make the improvements suggested by Pro Energy Consultants.”

“I would have never known the sources of my issues without this [energy] audit,” added Jerome Homolla, also of Portage.

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 the Evans 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 Milissa. “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 the Evans 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 Northwest Indiana can call (219) 763-3900 or 888-9PROENERGY (1-888-977-6363), or visit: http://www.proenergyconsultants.com

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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, diagnostic energy audits designed to maximize the comfort, energy efficiency and air quality 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 building performance franchise. 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).

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