Right Choice High Tech Audit Helps Find HVAC Problems

Less than a year after purchasing their home, the Milewskys noticed warm and cold spots throughout the home and awakened to stuffy noses. Dust settled in layers on their furniture, no matter how much they cleaned.

"At that point we knew things weren't quite right. We saw the ad for a Right Choice High Tech Audit in Jemco News, and decided to make the call," recalls Thomas Milewsky. The Milewskys' suspicions were correct. Their high tech audit technician conducted a visual inspection of the attic, insulation and HVAC equipment before hooking up the computerized testing equipment.

"The analysis confirmed that we had uneven air distribution, improperly attached duct and trunk lines and unsealed ductwork that leaked air. Our technician recommended servicing the furnace, repairing ductwork and adding insulation to the knee walls." The Milewskys realized they needed to take the next step if they wanted to be comfortable in their retirement home.

"Having the Audit let us know where we stand. For less than $100 (after rebates), we had the answers we needed in order to make the repairs. We felt better knowing exactly where our problems were rather than spending money for something we didn't need."

The Milewskys hired a participating HVAC contractor to service the furnace and make the repairs. In the process, they discovered that the furnace didn't have a bottom plate, which allowed attic insulation to be pulled into the furnace. "The coils were covered with insulation, and that's where most of the dust was coming from in the house. Plus, it explained why my wife and I had stuffy noses every morning. We were inhaling insulation."

Ann Pierce, Jackson EMC district residential marketing director, remembers the Milewskys' call for help. "When Mr. Milewsky described some of their home's problems, I knew a high tech audit was in order. We hear about these type problems quite often in our business, and recognizing signs like excessive dust and drafty rooms is the first step."

Pierce worked with the Milewskys, Climatrol Heating and Air and HomeScan to arrange a meeting with the Milewskys' neighborhood homeowners association. "Climatrol wondered if the Milewskys' neighbors were experiencing the same problems. We thought we'd offer a program for the homeowner's association to explain what to look for and how the Right Choice High Tech Audit could help," explains Pierce.

After the Milewskys' repairs, they felt a noticeable difference in comfort, the excessive dust was no more and the stuffy noses were a thing of the past. "Even if the eventual payoff wasn't that great, we had to do something to regain the comfort in our home. With all of the repairs, the out-of-pocket investment is worth it in the long run. If we save $200 a year on energy bills, that's a big enough payoff for us. This is our retirement home, so we consider this an investment in our future," says Milewsky.

Amy Bryan, Jackson EMC residential marketing director, says problems like the Milewskys aren't uncommon. "In the first year of this program, about 80 percent of audits were scheduled to resolve comfort and indoor air quality complaints. During the audit process, the customer discovered their energy bills were also higher than normal. Comfort tends to drive customers to make a change."

How Does the Right Choice High Tech Audit Work?

 Step 1:

If you have high energy bills, rooms that are too hot or cold, moisture problems or excessive dust, call on us for a comprehensive home performance test.

 Step 2:

 A residential marketing representative will provide you with a list of certified Right Choice contractors.

 Step 3:

 Schedule your Right Choice High Tech Audit.

 Step 4:

 After the assessment, the contractor provides a list of recommendations.

 Step 5:

 After the work is completed by an approved contractor, your home will undergo follow-up diagnostic tests.

 Step 6:

 Members with electric heat qualify for the special Energy Advantage rate.