Notes From The Field
06.20.2007 | ENVIRONMENTAL
GREEN BUILDING FOR HOME INSPECTORS
With the all the talk and news coverage about global warming lately, doesn't it make sense for home inspectors to take the lead with home buyers regarding energy consumption? If all homes used less energy, the US would produce less green house gases. Besides driving automobiles with better gas mileage and lower emissions, the biggest step one can take to reduce energy use and green house gases is by living in an energy efficient home. In the past, states have been spending all their money by making new homes more energy efficient. However, new homes only account for about 15% of all home sales. What about the other 85%?
i-Course is proud to announce that its newest course, Green Building For Home Inspectors has been approved for 4 continuing education credits by ASHI, NACHI, and NAHI. There are a number of inexpensive things that can reduce energy consumption by a home owner. Including several that any person can do. Replacing incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights is easy and is a quick payback. Compact fluorescent lights produce less heat and use less electricity. Installing insulation at the cold and hot water lines at the water heater (from the tank to the wall) has been found to be a great energy saver. Homeowners can also install programmable thermostats for their heating and cooling. Using a properly programmed thermostat can save hundreds of dollars of year on heating and cooling costs.
Home inspectors in Southern California now have the chance to provide free Energy Checkups on every house they inspect. Yes that is correct. You can provide your clients a free home energy checkup, and even get paid for doing it. If you live in Southern California, check with your local CREIA chapter, they can direct you in the proper direction. What if you live somewhere else? It is easy! All of these items can be recommended in your report: additional insulation, fluorescent lighting, programmable thermostats, water pipe insulation, and energy star appliances like dishwasher, water heaters, furnaces and air conditioners. If you want to learn more about Green Building For Home Inspectors, sign up for our course. i-Course is a provider of continuing education courses for home inspectors. Our courses are good for all of the largest home inspector associations and most states.