• To reduce utility bills, the first step is to find out where you are wasting energy.
• To do this, you need a residential energy inspection—which should be done by a certified energy inspector who has no financial interest in the improvements recommended.
• The energy inspector will examine, measure, and evaluate the factors that affect energy use in your home, e.g., size of the home, efficiency of appliances, insulation, draftiness of rooms, and efficiency of heating and cooling systems (HVAC).

Step 2: DETAILED ANALYSIS

• The information gathered during the energy audit is analyzed using specialized software to produce a comprehensive Home Energy Tune-uP® Report. The Report shows which energy-efficiency improvements would reduce energy costs and make the home more comfortable. The analysis takes into account regional variables such as local weather, implementation costs, and fuel prices.
• The Report contains estimates of the savings, costs and payback for each energy-efficiency recommendation. It identifies the group of improvements that, if financed, will save more on energy bills than it costs. These are the improvements that everyone can make since they require no out-of-pocket cost when financed.
• The detailed Recommendations section enables contractors to provide preliminary cost estimates without a visit to your home. It also explains how to get the best energy savings from these improvements by listing related no-cost low-cost measures that you can take. See a Sample Tune-Up Report

• A list of contractors in your area
• Access to review contractor profiles
• Reviews of service ratings and testimonials provided by past clients
• Links to contractor web sites
• Ability to submit projects to obtain free estimates from contractors

• The FHA Streamlined (k) Limited Repair Program is intended to facilitate uncomplicated rehabilitation and/or improvements to a home for which plans, consultants, engineers and/or architects are not required.
• The Streamlined (k) program includes the following energy-efficiency improvements:
  
  
• Upgrade of heating/cooling systems and water heaters;
• Weatherization, including insulation, seal-up and window replacement;
• Purchase and installation of appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, and washers/dryers.
• It has no minimum repair cost threshold.
• It has a maximum mortgage amount for repair costs of $35,000.
• It can be issued by any FHA lender.
• It does not require a rating.
• See HUD Mortgagee Letter 2005-50 for details of the program.
• The unsecured Fannie Mae Energy Loan for $1,000 to $20,000 is available from a few lenders. The Energy Loan’s 10-year term and interest rates are generally better than those offered by contractors or suppliers, though not as good as the Streamlined (K).
• Some electric or gas utilities offer financing for energy efficiency improvements, as well as rebates for energy efficient appliances and heating and cooling systems. Check your utilities' website for more information about financing and rebates that may be available. See the Energy Star Rebate Locator