Great energy consultant in the ATL area?

Question

I'm looking to see where my rentals could be more energy efficient (I cover utilities as the landlord, no way around it) as well as my own home. Any recommendations are appreciated!

Matthew Nicklin · Answer

I bought a FLIR One Camera that will provide infrared read out information. It hooks up to your smart phone and you can see all the info live. You can also rent the more advanced infrared camera from tool rental places around town. I went all around my house seeing where I needed additional insulation or leak seal. Also make sure all of your lights have been converted to LEDs. All of your water fixtures converted to low flow fixtures. Check the SEER rating on your AC, you may want to consider replacing it with a more energy efficient system.

You can pay an energy consultant but they are more than likely just going to sell you additional insulation for your attic. Which you could probably have someone else install for less. Doesnt hurt to ask around though, just sharing some insight. Just keep in mind the pay off timeframe before spending any money on big ticket items. Windows are one of those items that always take longer to pay back then the salesman implies.

John Teachout · Answer

I'm also curious as to why you pay power? It's certainly unusual with the exception of a converted house to multifamily with utilities that haven't been split. I agree that a lot of waste happens when people aren't paying it themselves.

Joel Owens · Answer

You pay power? That is very unusual if you do even for multifamily or single house residential. Tenants won't care and run up heating and air with everything else.

Jonathan Grannick · Answer

Thank you all so much for your replies! Very helpful! Interesting point on the infrared camera and great points on low flow water spouts and SEER rating on power units. The reason I pay the utilities is because the home was originally a SFH, was morphed into a duplex by converting the basement (I bought it like this). Unfortunately, there's only one meter and separating all that out would be very time/cost intensive and invite city inspectors to an old house, didn't want to open up that can of worms but I learned there might be ways around it from this guy below.

For anyone interested... I did find an energy consultant who was super helpful and knowledgeable! We talked for an hour and he imparted tons of knowledge, good guy too. His name is Will Castrillon of Su Casa Energy consulting. He does energy audits, energy monitoring, reviews your bills and looks for ways to optimize costs. For the ordeal with my single meter, he talked me through it and showed some ways I can possibly get around it, I may consider them next year when I have more time. Anyways, here's his site: https://www.sucasaenergyconsulting.com

John Teachout · Answer

Many utility companies will provide a free energy audit.

Great energy consultant in the ATL area?

Great energy consultant in the ATL area?

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