No cost Energy Audits Available for Access Energy Cooperative Members

Access Energy Cooperative has specialists who perform energy audits and blower-door testing for members at no cost to the member. Our specialist will leave a list of recommendations for the member to consider making for energy efficiency improvements.

Rebates available for improvements recommended in energy audits

After members make any of the recommended improvements found in the energy audit, you can submit to our office for rebate the "improvement form" left with you by the auditor during the audit, along with copies of receipts for the improvements that were made.

What is a Blower Door Test

Our energy auditors use a process called a blower door test that tells whether or not air leakage is a problem in your home. Air leakage that allows outdoor air into your home can increase heating and cooling expenses by 10–30 percent.

Cracks around windows and doors were once considered to be the home’s most prominent air leaks, so building specialists realized the importance of measuring air leakage. With a blower door test and thermal imaging camera, our auditors are able to find air leakage not easily detectable with just a walk-through audit.

This research shows the biggest air leaks are lurking:

  • in the attic

  • around the foundation

  • where utilities pass through the building’s outer shell.

Look for Significant Leaks Yourself

Take a bright light into your attic, basement or crawl space, and follow the utilities paths where they pass through walls, ceilings and floors. People often find large air leaks under bathrooms and kitchens where pipes and wires are installed.

In the attic, note where pipes, wires, recessed light fixtures and chimneys penetrate your ceiling. Follow the plumbing and wiring, and you’re on the right track.

What to do when you find them:

When you find openings that allow air to leak in and out of your home, fix them by sealing them with durable materials.

  • For cracks up to an inch, use liquid foam that comes in a can, or stuff fiberglass tightly into the opening.

  • For larger openings, use rigid foam board or plywood, and seal the edges with more liquid foam.

  • If you seal around chimneys, be sure to use fireproof materials such as sheet metal.

Every opening you seal will reduce the amount of heated air you lose next winter.

Schedule an Energy Audit

Access Energy Cooperative members can arrange for one of our Member Services Representatives to come to your home and perform a free energy audit by choosing one of the options below:

  • Submit an online request form below

  • Call us to set up an appointment at 319-385-1577 or toll free 1-866-242-4232.

Please use the form below to email us questions or comments. We will respond as soon as we can. Please understand that contacts made through our website are generally monitored during our regular business hours. Thank you.
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