Home Energy Audits and Energy Saving Services in MI

Attention Asthma/Allergy Sufferers

Wed, May 15 2013, 00:00:00 -500

Do you or someone else in your family suffer from asthma or allergies? If so, you know that staying indoors on high pollen days can help relieve symptoms.

But what if your home, like 99% of houses in Michigan, is constantly drawing in air from the outside – where pollen levels are currently high to very high? Sealing leaks can dramatically reduce the amount of outside air coming into your living environment. As a result, sealing also reduces the level of allergens circulating through your heating and cooling systems.

A home energy audit from Dr. Energy Saver can pinpoint the exact areas where your house is allowing outside air to enter and make you feel miserable. The audit includes an in-depth analysis of your home’s basement or crawl space, main living areas, second floor and attic.

Immediately after the audit is complete, our experienced consultant will provide a detailed report outlining recommendations to improve indoor breathing conditions and make your home more comfortable. The report also will include information about how to save energy and lower your utility bills.

Take steps today to start feeling better! Call Dr. Energy Saver at 517-242-8038 to schedule your audit and get a free estimate for the cost of air sealing and other improvements to enhance your family’s comfort. All home energy audits are performed by one of our highly trained, certified residential energy auditors.

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing Featured in Local Business Magazine

Tue, April 23 2013, 15:40:52 -500

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing and Ayers Basement Systems were recently featured in Capital Gains Media, an online magazine that focuses on businesses across several industries throughout the Lansing, Michigan area.

The magazine ran two separate articles, one for each company. The story about Dr. Energy Saver Lansing, the home energy partner to Ayers Basement Systems, discussed the company's growth over the past couple of years, including a significant increase in the number of employees, which expanded from 13 at the same time last year, to now 25. Their hope is to have a staff of at least 35 by the end of 2013.

A second article talked about Ayers Basement Systems, which has seen continued growth over their 32 years in business. Lansing's leading basement waterproofing company also has plans to add to its current staff of 41 employees.

The teams at Dr. Energy Saver Lansing and Ayers Basement Systems receive certification and on-going training by expert professionals in the latest technologies and science of home performance. Both companies serve homeowners throughout Western and Mid Michigan.

Capital Gains Media is an online magazine and website showcasing the growth, development, and investments transforming the Lansing region.

About Dr. Energy Saver Lansing

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing provides homeowners with solutions to save energy and reduce energy bills while maintaining a comfortable home environment. They provide home energy audits, air sealing, heating and cooling system upgrades, ductwork, insulation services, and window and door replacement. As a member of the national Dr. Energy Saver network, the company uses an innovative whole-house systems approach to resolve energy waste in the home.

About Ayers Basement Systems

Ayers Basement Systems is a basement waterproofing company, specializing in solutions for wet basements, as well as foundation and crawl space repair, sump pump installation, and mold resolution. Locally-owned and operated, the contractor is a member of Basement Systems, Inc., an international network of basement waterproofing contractors with access to the network’s exclusive, patented products being successfully utilized worldwide.

This is why we do what we do.

Tue, October 30 2012, 00:00:00 -500

"We are fighting for our nation’s energy security, and for the health of children and adults, and for the survival of our species. Our weapons are blower doors and blown in cellulose, caulking guns, and words. The trenches where we fight are crawlspaces and attics, in the media and in the halls of Congress."

"Essentially, houses are where we go to find rest and relaxation, where we experience intimacy with loved ones and offer hospitality to our guests, and where we seek comfort in the midst of busy lives and a rough and tumble economy. Worrying about energy bills, especially for people with low incomes, is a suffering we can help eliminate by making homes more efficient. People who live in homes with poor indoor air quality don’t sleep well; mold in the air triggers asthma attacks in children and in the elderly. We can help people by giving them a tight, well-ventilated home with good indoor air quality. For an elderly person, or for any of us, a drafty bedroom, or a wing of the house that is always too hot in the summer makes us uncomfortable at the least, and can make us sick. We make people comfortable; it’s that simple.

When we decrease the carbon footprint of a home, we alleviate a little bit of the suffering caused by a warming planet—the suffering of the human species and thousands of others, not to mention the thousands more that haven’t survived due to human actions so far."

This is an excerpt from a blog I recently discovered and I felt I could not describe why Dr. Energy Saver Lansing does what we do, better than this.

For the full article visit this link.

http://www.homeenergy.org/newsite2011/public/index.php/show/blog/nav/blog/id/331

New Energy Audit Program from Dr. Energy Saver Lansing

Wed, September 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Lansing, MI - Dr. Energy Saver Lansing has been selected to help deliver energy savings to customers through a new program jointly developed by DTE Energy Company and the Building Science Academy. Their experience with homeowners throughout the area earned them a spot as one of the few contractors to participate in the program.

To begin, the energy experts at Dr. Energy Saver Lansing will conduct a free assessment of the health, safety, comfort, and energy performance of the home followed by a written home energy performance plan.

Specifically, the Home Performance Pilot Program includes:

- a free-of-charge home performance check-up consisting of a homeowner interview, testing for carbon monoxide and gas leaks, and a blower door test for detecting the home’s air leakage.

- an onsite detailed check-up report providing recommendations for reducing energy costs while increasing comfort.

The program is open to residents in the counties of Kent and Washtenaw as well as select areas of Wayne County, until 500 homes are retrofitted or no later than December 1 of 2013. Homeowners will benefit by acting quickly.

Dave Samano, Certified Energy Management Technician and the Program Outreach Coordinator has said “We are thrilled to be chosen for this sweep. At Dr. Energy Saver Lansing, we are committed to helping homeowners in our community achieve maximum energy efficiency. So it does our hearts good to see homeowners, who otherwise would not have been able to afford the necessary upgrades, given access to them through these utility rebate and grant matching programs.”

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing has years of experience providing customers with energy efficient products and services such as insulation, air sealing, replacement windows and doors, water heaters, water conservation, and renewable energy sources. As members of the Dr. Energy Saver network, they are among the best energy performance contractors across the country trained and certified in the latest technologies in the field.

The Building Science Academy offers training for attendees to meet energy and weatherization performance standards. They are an affiliate of the Building Performance Institute (BPI) recognized as setting national standards for the home performance industry.

More information for participants about the Home Performance Pilot Program including standard DTE Energy rebates, an application, financing, and rebate charts can be found at www.yourenergysavings.com.

Cool Ways to Save Energy

Thu, July 26 2012, 00:00:00 -500

So you've just bought a new fridge, and chosen one that's energy efficient, but did you know that there are a few simple things you can do to save even more energy once you get it home? The way you use your refrigerator and freezer can lead to big energy savings for you and your family.

First, when choosing a refrigerator, be sure to select the right size. Determine your household's needs before purchasing a refrigerator or freezer. One that is too large wastes energy.

Second, don't set the temperature colder than necessary. Refrigerators should be set between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and freezers between 0 and 5 degrees. Keeping your refrigerator and freezer full can also help regulate the temperature inside. If they aren't full, try putting bags of ice in the freezer, or pitchers of cold water in the fridge.

Also be careful to avoid heating up the inside of the fridge by inserting containers holding hot food or drink. Instead of putting a hot casserole straight in to the fridge, let it cool off for a few minutes. This will keep the fridge from using more electricity to maintain a cold temperature.

And lastly, keep your refrigerator or freezer away from direct heat. Place the refrigerator or freezer away from direct sunlight and other heat sources such as ovens or ranges. Heat will cause the unit to use more energy to stay cold.

Courtesy of D.O.E.

Amanda McAlpin works for New West Technologies supporting the Vehicle Technologies Program at the U.S. Department of Energy.

Keep Cool in The Record Breaking Heat!

Wed, July 11 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Lansing, MI − Residents throughout Michigan are experiencing a record breaking heat wave as temperatures soar up through the high 90s and into the 100s. In these scorching temperatures, homeowners are searching for ways to keep their home cool and comfortable. To do this, it is essential to ensure that air conditioners are working properly and that the adequate amount of insulation is installed in the attic, walls, and throughout the entire house.

In addition, the installation of a reflective barrier in the attic will help keep the heat out. Air conditioning expenses can be cut by 10% or more with the installation of an attic radiant barrier, and they can reflect as much as 97% of the sun's heat back toward the outside. This will reduce a home's heat gain and lower air conditioning costs as well.

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing provides whole home energy audits to help identify the areas of a home that will reduce utility bills, save energy, and increase comfort. By adding insulation, heat flow is slowed down or stopped to reduce how hard a home's HVAC system has to work. When this happens, homeowners save energy and money which increases home comfort at the same time.

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing offers whole house energy audits for only $100, unlike any other auditor in the surrounding area. Their team of trained, experienced energy experts are ready to provide an on-site inspection, searching homes from top to bottom to determine where the best energy saving changes can be implemented. Contact them today for more information and to schedule a complete energy audit.

2012 Energy Conservation Code Raises Energy Standards

Wed, April 25 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Lansing, MI - Developed by the Washington, DC-based International Codes Council, the 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) will be used by federal agencies like the National Park Service, Department of State, U.S. Forest Service and the Veterans Administration. The IECC will eventually be used by many state and municipal building departments all across the country.

Even though the 2012 IECC focuses on new and commercial construction, green building experts, such as Dr. Energy Saver®- a nation-wide network of energy specialists, predict that this new building code will have a major impact on upgrading the energy performance of existing houses. Alex Wilson, founder of BuildingGreen, Inc. and executive editor of Environmental Building News, is certain that the new code will have a major impact on home energy performance.

“Simply having code language finalized doesn't mean that a code is in force,” Wilson explains. “But any time a new building code is adopted, designers, builders, and building owners change their practices. I’m hopeful that we will see a residential version of this code in the not-too-distant future.”

Highlights from the new Energy Conservation Code that will impact existing home performance

More airtight construction. Blower door tests are already performed on houses during a standard home energy audit, to measure and detect energy-wasting air leaks. The IECC calls for mandatory blower door testing on new buildings. In colder climate zones, airtight construction techniques should yield a blower door reading equivalent of just 3 air changes per hour (at 50 Pascals pressure). This tight construction standard reinforces the need to stop energy-wasting air leaks with expert air-sealing work.

Higher insulation levels. The new code stresses the importance of insulation in all areas of a building, from basement to attic. For existing houses, the best opportunities for insulation upgrades are in basement, crawl space and attic zones.
Well-sealed ductwork. Leaky ductwork wastes energy by increasing HVAC system run time. The IECC proposes a maximum leakage of just 4cfm (cubic ft./min.) for every 100sq.ft. of floor area. Even though it’s easy to seal ducts when a house is first built, this work is often neglected or entirely omitted. That’s why duct sealing improvements remain very important for existing houses.

More efficient lighting. Recognizing advancements in efficient lighting technology, the new code calls for at least 75% of a new building’s lighting to be “high efficacy.” Thanks to the widespread availability of low-watt compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and even more efficient LED lights, this standard is just as easy to achieve in existing houses as it is in new construction.

Contact Dr. Energy Saver today to schedule your home energy audit or estimate for any of their services, which includes: home insulation and ductwork in Grand Rapids, MI and more!

Energy Partnership to Help Bath and DeWitt Township Lower Utility Expenses

Wed, April 18 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Lansing, MI. – Through participation in a new statewide program called BetterBuildings for Michigan, Dr. Energy Saver® Lansing is helping to improve energy efficiency and slash utility costs in approximately 760 homes in Bath and DeWitt Township by July 2012. They are partnering with DeWitt and Bath Townships and Michigan Energy Options, a local nonprofit, to provide homeowners with a home energy assessment, the first step to home energy conservation, and opportunities to receive extra incentives and even a low-interest loan for additional energy efficiency upgrades.

As one of four certified energy contractors chosen for the program, Dr. Energy Saver Lansing will provide home energy assessments to help homeowners identify ways in which their homes might be wasting energy and money. During the assessment, contractors will also install energy-saving equipment such as new thermostats, low-flow showerheads and light bulbs. The services and equipment offered are valued at up to $600 but homeowners are only asked to invest a one-time payment of $50 to take advantage of the program.

BetterBuildings for Michigan is a $30 million dollar grant program supported by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that uses a community approach to deliver energy efficient improvements by providing homeowners access to incentives and affordable loans through pre-qualified contractors.

BetterBuildings for Michigan helped over 140 homeowners in DeWitt Township achieve up to 40 percent energy savings in their homes last fall. In Bath, the program will also match Consumers Energy rebates for energy efficiency upgrades. Regardless of being a gas or electric customer, with this limited-time offer grant, homeowners can take advantage of rebates matching up to $1500 and additional financial incentives to make energy improvements in their homes.

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing provides quality services and products to help homeowners reduce their energy bills and simultaneously increase energy efficiency. Their comprehensive list of services includes home energy audits, air sealing, insulation installation, water conservation measures, and more. Part of a national network of energy conservation experts, Dr. Energy Saver Lansing offers their services in western Michigan including home energy audits in Grand Rapids, Flint, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and surrounding areas.

Make Every Day Earth Day With Dr. Energy Saver

Mon, April 16 2012, 00:00:00 -500

For more than 40 years now, we have set aside April 22nd, Earth Day, as a time to increase awareness and appreciation of the earth’s natural environment. Around the globe, individuals, communities and businesses volunteer in large ways and small to protect our resources, to foster learning and educational activities, all in the effort to save our planet.

Whether focusing on recycling, saving energy, indoor air quality, water pollution, sustainability and a myriad of other topics, people are eager to take action to help out around this time of year. They join community clean-ups, turn out the lights, walk vs. drive, and engage kids in workshops and festivals to do their part. And it all helps.

But not for long. To be effective, actions and results, need to be sustained for the long haul. Saving energy is topping the list of environmental protection because its effects are felt in so many ways. Dr. Energy Saver® focuses on saving energy all the time. Not for a day, or a week. All the time. It’s your prescription for lower energy bills®. As home-energy experts, Dr. Energy Saver shows you what you can do in your home to save energy while simultaneously reducing your energy bills, and improving your comfort and health . . . every day of the year.

We aim to provide you with cost effective solutions. In order to do just that, we first like to conduct a home energy audit. Here, we utilize a blower door test and evaluate your whole home—quite different from the typical audit performed by other companies. We then are able to properly diagnose the cause and recommend the best solution. Sometimes our homeowners are surprised to see what’s really causing the problem!

Once complete, we prioritize a list of solutions customized for your home!

Contact Dr. Energy Saver today to schedule an estimate for any of our many services including a home energy audit in Grand Rapids, Flint, Lansing, Kalamazoo, and more!

Weatherization and Home Health: Crawl Spaces, Air Sealing, Ductwork in Michigan

Mon, April 9 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Energy efficiency and a healthy home are so intertwined that a conversation of one demands inclusion of the other. After all, considering the time we spend inside our home, we are bound to be affected by its conditions. And affected we are. Total-home weatherization is the best defense against potential health hazards and problems. Here’s a look at how the connection between home health and energy efficiency works. We at Dr. Energy Saver offer the resources and tests to identify and solve your home’s specific problems.

Many homeowners may not realize the link between their home’s condition and unnecessary expenses such as: medical bills, high energy bills, illness, and more! As a company offering a whole-house approach to energy efficiency, comfort and health—Dr. Energy Saver performs a home energy audit to first identify the sources of your home’s problems and discomfort. Next, we suggest the repairs or upgrades to better seal and ventilate your home, decrease the moisture and relative problems, and make way for adequate duct function.

One of the greatest contributors to an unhealthy home and family is the existence of damp and musty environments such as those in basements and crawl spaces, poorly managed rainwater or groundwater, and plumbing leaks are sources of excess moisture in the home. Moisture leads to mold and mildew growth which can cause irritations of the skin, nose and throat, and respiratory problems such as asthma, allergies, and nasal and sinus congestion.

Weatherization defense to control moisture includes crawl space encapsulation; diverting water from the foundation via drainage techniques, sump pump installation and dehumidification.

It’s clear that a more energy-efficient home leads to a healthier one. Understand the connection, make the necessary adjustments, and reap the rewards.

Federal and state initiatives continue to implement an integrated, whole-house approach to addressing the connection between energy efficiency and health allowing more homeowners than ever to benefit. Indoor air quality is a great concern for leading organizations and we aim to improve the quality of the air in your home.

We proudly offer crawl space encapsulation, air sealing and ductwork in Grand Rapids, Flint, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Jackson, Battle Creek, Holland, and more!

Energy Savings and Deregulation in West Michigan

Mon, March 12 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Energy deregulation allows for people to choose a company to supply their power. Before deregulation, the entire supply and distribution of electrical power was very monopolistic. People were given a rate that they had to pay for all of their energy usage, and had no other options.

Benefits of Deregulation

The shift towards deregulation has helped to create competition in the electricity industry. Electric companies now compete for business with other companies in their state, and homeowners have the option to choose the supplier with the best package and price.

The introduction of a competitive market is meant to help homeowners like you to pay a more affordable price for the valuable energy you need for your home. Energy deregulation is different in every state, so below is some information about energy deregulation in West MI.

Deregulation in MI

In Michigan there are many options for deregulation. With the current and well known suppliers such as Consumers Energy, XCEl, DTE, and more; there are also many alternative suppliers. Both electric and gas rates are available for deregulation in MI.

You now have the opportunity to choose from Direct Energy Business, LLC; Exelon Energy Company; First Energy Solutions; and more. Through this deregulation, you can enter into an agreement where you will pay a flat rate during a certain time period. There are other terms or agreements available depending where you choose to deregulate.

Just last year there were many efforts aimed to reduce the electric rates, as they are of the highest in country. These rates continue to increase 5.4 percent each year even with other rate hikes. Unfortunately such high rates negatively influence the economy in Michigan.

Local homeowners can also save money and energy usage with the help of energy experts. These specialists are trained to find the problem areas in your home and provide the remedy!

Home Energy Audit

Although energy deregulation can save homeowners money on their monthly energy bills, it is certainly not the only way for them to save! Local energy experts provide home energy savings throughout west MI. A great way to start saving is scheduling a home energy audit.

How an Audit Works

During a home energy audit, an expertly trained contractor will perform a series of tests to pinpoint areas in your home where energy loss occurs. After pinpointing the inefficient areas, the energy saving contractor will discuss with you their findings and help you figure out the most effective and efficient way to upgrade your home’s overall energy efficiency and comfort.

In addition to saving you money on your monthly energy bills, upgrading your home with energy efficient appliances can earn you tax rebates to further increase your savings! So don’t hesitate!

Contact Dr. Energy Saver Lansing today to schedule your personalized home energy audit in Grand Rapids, Flint, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Gaines, Moline, Williamston, and all surrounding areas.

Live Green Tour in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, MI

Tue, February 7 2012, 00:00:00 -500

Thank you, to all who made it out to the Live Green Home show in Battle Creek this past weekend. We had a great time and enjoyed speaking with home owners about making their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. We also touched upon the importance of maximum home efficiency, prior to persuing energy production options such as wind and solar power. We must conserve before we produce.

How to Conserve: Home Energy Audit

At Dr. Energy Saver we begin the process with intensive and comprehensive testing, called a home energy audit. Guess work is removed from the equation, and we are able to effectively diagnose and then prescribe proper treatment for any energy efficiency or safety concearn we might find in the home. We enable you to save money and prepare for those future energy investments.

Live Green Tour Hits Battle Creek and Kalamazoo!

The Live Green Home Show in Battle Creek we just attended, was one of the shows to be in the state of Michigan, thanks to Integrity shows. We will be in Kalamazoo the 18th and 19th of February and we look forward to meeting and speaking with even more green heads like ourselves!

The vendor list was very fitting compaired to some of the other shows weve been to. One interest peaking vendor was promoting an Eco Green Laundry ball that apparently lasts 365 days and costs 30 bucks. I dont know about you, but that sounds like a good deal to me.

Hometown Backyard was boasting some very comfortable lawn furniture made by the amish, out of recycled milk juggs (why is everything "recycled" made out of milk juggs?). Patriot Solar, a commercial focused company, unveiled their new line of solar products, including iPad Case Chargers, and my personal favorite, a Waterproof Solar Hybrid Flashlight.

Another really cool thing about this show was the green art section, which featured energy concious artists creating out of numerous recycled materials. So many great vendors and a very Green vibe all around. We had a great time and cannot wait for the next one! If you would like to join us please visit our site periodically for details.

Dimondale Homeowner Saves 30 Percent With Dr. Energy Saver Energy Audit

Fri, December 16 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Lansing, MI – As Michigan legislature encourages energy efficiency in homes, one Dimondale homeowner explains how she has cashed in on savings with improvements and rebates through Dr. Energy Saver® Lansing.

Michigan utilities and government are working together to bring savings to homeowners through rebates and incentive programs. One such program is what led Karen Ammarman to Dr. Energy Saver.

As noted by Ann Arbor News, Ammarman hired Dr. Energy Saver Lansing to address her energy efficiency problems.

She paid only $100 for a comprehensive energy audit of her entire home after her government rebate. When she implemented a majority of the energy saving suggestions proposed by energy expert, John Kutas, Ammarman said that she immediately noticed the difference. Not only was her house warmer because of the added insulation and caulking around windows and doors, but her energy bills were reduced as well!

Follow-up tests performed by an independent inspector found a 30% improvement.

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing strives to provide their customers with a healthier, more comfortable home and lower energy bills. Contact them today for a complete home energy audit in Lansing and the surrounding area!

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing Collects Toys for Tots Donations

Thu, December 15 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Lansing, MI – Dr. Energy Saver® Lansing has helped collect donations for Toys for Tots at the Tri-County Festival of Trees.

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing offered free energy audits to anyone donating $50 or more to Toys for Tots. They provided this free audit to one contributor who donated $50. In addition to this donation, Dr. Energy Saver collected several toy donations for the program.

Employee of Dr. Energy Saver Lansing, David Samano, said, "Helping people is what we do every day, and what better way than to bless a child with a gift?"

Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which donates toys to children who otherwise may not receive a gift this Christmas.

The Tri-County Festival of Trees was held at the Causeway Bay Hotel and Convention Center on December 9th -11th.

About us: Dr. Energy Saver specializes in heating and cooling services, air sealing, home insulation in Lansing and much more!

Thanks for a wonderful christmas tree show!

Wed, December 14 2011, 00:00:00 -500

We at Dr. Energy Saver would like to say a big "Thank You," to all of you who made it out to the christmas tree show this past weekend and made it a success. We were thrilled to be a part of collecting donations for Toys 4 Tots and it was very moving to see the amount of donations received. We really had a blast and probably had some hand in causing some crazy kids that afternoon, because of all the candy we went thru in our booth!

We'll be planning more events just like this so keep an eye out! We look forward to seeing you!

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing proudly offers many energy saving and home comfort services including a home energy audit, air sealing, ductwork, water heater installation, and home insulation in Lansing, and more! We also service areas including Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Jackson, Charlotte, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, Ionia, and nearby!

Join Us At the Festival of Trees

Wed, November 30 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The Dr. Energy family will be attending the Tri-County Festival of Trees at the Causeway Bay Hotel and Convention Center (also known as Dads Inn) at 6820 South Cedar, Lansing MI, December 9th and 10th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and the 11th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There will be a large amount of charities in attendance at the show and Dr. Energy is excited to be a part of the toys for tots program this year! If you want to be a part of a really great event come out and visit us!

About the Festival: This annual festival engages the whole community and spreads holiday cheer through featuring many trees, gingerbread houses, decorations, and more! You'll find your favorite charities in addition to lots of fun activities. It's fun for the whole family.

Adult tickets are $10 a piece, children less than 12 years old are free.

Friday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Contact us today for more information about saving energy this holiday season! Schedule a home energy audit in Lansing and surrounding cities and towns!

Propane Gas Prices in Michigan - One Homeowner Saves Big

Thu, November 17 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Last year we did a home energy audit in Howell, MI for homeowners Susan and Chris. They are propane users and were so pleased with the savings that resulted from the weatherization updates we performed, that we knew we needed to share it with you! So here is the skinny.

Their total propane cost for the year was $4,080. After the updates, their savings for the first year was $1,500-- thats a 40% savings! In ten years at that rate and with inflation, their savings will be $26,306. That means that their annual rate of return is 162%-- thats crazy! When have you ever heard of an investment with that kind of return?!

Long story short, for those out there who are propane customers, your savings is going to be astronomical compared to non-propane customers and there has never been a better time to act! My dad always told me the best time to start saving and investing was 20 years ago, now granted that was the last thing on my mind at 6 years old but now it makes sense to me and I wish I had listened!

Contact us today to schedule your home energy audit and to learn more about the benefits of using propane gas. We look forward to helping you save money and energy! We are your resource for propane gas savings in MI.

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing proudly serves the local areas including Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Jackson, Charlotte, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, Ionia, and nearby!

Join us at the Ladies Weekend Expo!

Mon, November 14 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Join us this Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the Ladies Weekend Expo in the Lansing Center. We will be answering any questions you may have about energy savings and comfort for your family, as well as questions concerning renewable energy and upgrades for your home.

We have been enjoying these expos! We value the opportunity to meet and help a lot of families, and we look forward to helping you and yours!

We will be at the expo from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Please stop by to say hello and ask us some questions!

As your trusted insulation contractor in Grand Rapids and nearby, we want you to enjoy a happy and comfortable winter season. We also offer HVAC, air sealing, installations, and more! Dr. Energy Saver is proud to be serving the local areas including Lansing, Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Jackson, Charlotte, East Lansing, Okemos, Holt, Ionia, and nearby!

Visit the Ladies Weeknd Expo for more details.

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing Responds to The World Energy Outlook 2011

Wed, November 9 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Feel the Call to Conservation But Don't Know Where to Start? Thankfully we have reliable organizations such as the Department of Energy and the International Energy Agency (IEA) to provide updates on the world's energy status. Just this morning, the EIA released its World Energy Outloook 2011. See below for an exclusive look into this much anticipated and highly acclaimed thesis:

Attic Insulation in Traverse City Michigan

Thu, October 27 2011, 00:00:00 -500

We recently insulated an attic in Traverse City, MI on the border of Greilickville on West Grand Traverse Bay. The house had rooms that varied in temperature, some being downright cold in the winter and some being excessively warm in the summer. The owners were looking to better regulate the temperature in their home, and they had read about how attic insulation and air sealing could solve this problem.

We explained to the Traverse City homeowners how a house works as an entire systems and how air moves from bottom to top of a house. We also explained that our blower door test and thermal imaging camera – as part of our home energy assessment – would identify the best methods for better regulating the temperature throughout their home. On top of that, we installed the SaniDry whole house dehumidifier to create a complete solution to achieve what they were looking for – a more comfortable home.

We also pointed out that the energy savings they would gain in their Traverse City, MI home by keeping their house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter would entirely pay for the installation of the insulation over time.

We’ve performed dozens of jobs for attic insulation in Traverse City, Greilickville, Elmwood Charter Township, Acme, Yuba, as well as all around the Grand Traverse Bays, Cedar Lake, Elk Lake, Torch Lake and the surrounding areas. We installed blown in insulation, batt insulation, rigid board insulation, spray foam insulation, and expanding foam insulation using a variety of materials including fiberglass, cellulose, foam, rock wool and more.

[pictured right] Blown in cellulose attic insulation. We install a variety of insulation materials including cellulose, fiberglass batt, rigid foam and expanding foam insulation. Ask our home energy specialist which is right for your attic.

RADON AWARENESS MONTH!!!!!

Tue, October 18 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Radon is a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring, radioactive noble gas that is formed from the decay of radium. Radon gas is one of the heaviest substances that remains a gas under normal conditions and is considered to be a health hazard. The most stable isotope, Rn222 (Radon Gas), has a half-life of 3.8 days and is used in radiotherapy. While having been less studied by chemists due to its radioactivity, there are a few known compounds of this generally un-reactive element.

Thankfully, Dr Energy Saver is currently working with a radon midigation specialist to include radon testing in our audit process. Contact us today for a home energy audit to test for radon. In our audit we test your home's HVAC, insulation, water heater, ductwork, and air sealing in Lansing and all nearby areas-- and more!!

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, radon is reportedly the second most frequent cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoking; and radon-induced lung cancer the 6th leading cause of cancer death overall. According to the same sources, radon reportedly causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States. Because of this, radon mitigation systems can be life-savers.

Thanks!

Mon, October 10 2011, 00:00:00 -500

A big thank you to all the attendees at the 2011 Home show at the Meridian mall in Lansing. We enjoyed speaking with you about your homes and were thrilled to be able to offer some insights and information about how to make your homes more comfortable, affordable and energy efficient!

Cant wait for the next show!

As we enter the upcoming cooler months, we hope we can help improve your home's comfort! We are the trusted insulation constractors in Lansing, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and other nearby areas!

Contact us today for a home energy audit and to learn more details about our many energy saving and comfort improving services-- from heating and cooling, boiler repair, energy conservation, the installation of hot water heaters in Grand Rapids and More!

We have the answers and the provisions you need!

We had a great time riding the train at Meridian Mall! Energy savings and fun-- the perfect mix!

You Are Bleeding Energy!

Mon, September 26 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Join The Doctors this weekend at the meridian mall in Lansing. Learn how you can improve your home's energy efficiency, save thousands of dollars on your energy bills, and take advantage of the thousands of dollars worth of rebates available to you for these energy saving measures!

The doctors will be at the mall October 7th, 8th, and 9th Friday and Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm and Sunday 12 to 6 pm.

Come see us and learn how to live in a safe, efficient, healthy, happy home!

Dr. Energy Saver Lansing, is your source for all your energy needs. We offer many comfort improving and energy saving services such as home insulation, ductwork, and HVAC installation in Grand Rapids-- and more! We offer many services and help homeowners in and around Lansing, Kalamazoo, and nearby.

Another home in Lansing made energy efficient with air sealing and insulation!

Mon, September 19 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Dr Energy Saver can tell you first hand about homes that are uncomfortable and need additional air sealing and home insulation in Lansing and nearby. Have you ever wondered about why your home feels cold or warm in different rooms at different times of the year? Or why your energy bills have skyrocketed out of control and if anything can be done to help you may have thought that insulation, duct sealing and air sealing just couldn't be done. Well, regardless your home's age, great work can be done to enhance utility savings, fuel savings and money savings for many families throughout the area including Haslett and Mason.

You may qualify for utility savings programs such as DTE Energy and Consumers Power; which many of our customers have experienced recently.

If you want to improve your home's comfort, call Dr Energy Saver to schedule your energy audit-- at your convenience. The Johnsons from Lansing are one such family who has saved money and improved their home's comfort! If you see us at a local fair or sign up to win a free energy audit at one of our venues, you may win or qualify for a subsidized audit from your utility company through our company.

Dr. Energy Saver Franchise Founders To Present At HVAC Comfortech 2011

Thu, September 8 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Dr. Energy Saver® founders, Larry Janesky and Tom Casey, Jr. are preparing to make waves at this year’s HVAC Comfortech—as part of HVACR Week. We at Dr. Energy Saver Lansing are so thankful to be a part of a franchise that truly aims to help others and improve our own abilities.

Larry and Tom will be hosting seminars, Larry’s class entitled “The Highest Calling” is named after his most recent published novel.

We want to invite you to attend this spectacular week! Where you can learn of influential products and services, hear from distinguished speakers, and network with fellow contractors.

HVAC Comfortech is being held at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN from September, 21-23, 2011.

Read more about Dr. Energy Saver at HVAC Comfortech.

We are your local Dr. Energy Saver trained and prepared to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient! Contact us today for a free estimate for our many services including air sealing and spray foam insulation in Lansing and nearby locations!

The Cause and Solution for Inconsistent Home Temperatures

Mon, August 29 2011, 00:00:00 -500

When some of your rooms are the perfect temperature and others are uncomfortable, what’s the problem? And more importantly, what’s the solution? Inconsistent room temperatures can be caused by many things – insufficient wall insulation, lack of weatherstripping, and limited moisture control.

Fixing these problems is not too difficult if you know how. Your local energy expert may have the solutions for you. Now is the time to enjoy comfort throughout every room, not just a few.

Wall Insulation

Every home should have insulation because it reduces the heat flow from space to space. If there is an insufficient amount or kind of insulation, the heat from one room could be escaping and flowing into another room.

Adding wall insulation can improve indoor comfort throughout each room in your house and decrease your heating and cooling costs. A great way to find out if you should have more insulation installed in an existing home is by having a home energy evaluation.

Your trusted energy expert can provide you with an evaluation that will tell you if, where, and how much insulation should be added to your home. In addition, they can also tell you what kind of insulation would be most efficient to keep your rooms a consistent, comfortable temperature.

Loose-fill insulation and spray foam insulation are usually the insulation choices for existing closed walls. Loose-fill insulation is made in a variety of different materials including cellulose, fiberglass, and mineral wool. Spray foam insulation is also a good choice for wall insulation because it can fit in unusually shaped areas and fill in small spaces that might otherwise be hard to reach.

Wall insulation is a great addition to any home. It keeps your rooms more comfortable and saves energy and money on your utility bills because your HVAC systems won’t be working to heat or cool rooms that are just losing that air anyway.

Weatherstripping

Windows and doors may be sources of air loss in your home and can be sealed by adding weatherstripping. This is used for sealing air leaks around movable joints in your home including your windows and doors.

Selecting the correct type of weatherstripping for your location is very important, as it will need to be able to withstand specific weather, temperature changes, friction and wear and tear.

Vinyl weatherstripping is a little bit more expensive than foam weatherstripping, but holds up well in many climates and is great for resisting moisture. Foam weatherstripping is usually less effective than vinyl in terms of is weather resistance, and its ability to block air flow. But, foam weatherstripping is much more inexpensive than vinyl which would make it a sound choice for any home.

Moisture Control

Controlling the moisture levels in your home definitely contributes to your overall comfort. If there is a lot of moisture in your rooms, it will be hard to keep them all a consistent, comfortable temperature. It’s time to determine if moisture is contributing to the inconsistent temperatures in your home and find the best solution.

Contact Dr. Energy Saver Lansing today for more information about wall insulation in Michigan, or if you are interested in receiving a home energy audit. They are your local energy experts that can solve any problem and make your home more comfortable all year round!

Department of Energy Releases Campaign to Save Money by Saving Energy

Thu, July 28 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Lansing, MI - A new awareness campaign undertaken by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) echoes what Dr. Energy Saver® has been advocating since the company's inception in 2009. The DOE's "Save Money by Saving Energy" initiative emphasizes the benefits of investing in energy-saving improvements thus enabling homeowners to spend less on utilities allowing them to spend more on other things that family members enjoy.

In addition, the DOE is promoting home energy audits, using programmable thermostats to reduce heating & cooling costs by more than $100/yr., and plugging in power strips to cut energy losses from phantom loads. The DOE describes the home energy audit on their Energy Savers Website:

"A home energy assessment, also known as a home energy audit, is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An assessment will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time."

Dr. Energy Saver®, a nationwide network of contractors with expertise in assessing and improving home energy performance, is also dedicated to making home energy savings accessible to every homeowner interested in saving energy and money on utility expenses.

Larry Walters, the CEO of Dr. Energy Saver®, points out that homeowners who have invested in energy-saving improvements are able to enjoy benefits that go beyond saving money.

"There's no doubt that lower utility costs are a major incentive for making energy-saving improvements," explains Walters. "but we also like to point out that homeowners can expect other rewards, like improved year-round comfort and a healthier, safer home. Air sealing and insulation upgrades greatly reduce the likelihood of damage from mold and ice dams," Walters continues, "and surveys done by the National Association of Home Builders have shown that "greener" homes have greater resale value."

About Dr. Energy Saver Lansing

Like the DOE, Dr. Energy Saver® has a full-featured website where homeowners can learn more about the different features, components and conditions that govern home energy performance. From central air conditioning to weatherstripping details, spray foam insulation and tankless water heater installation -- the territory of home energy performance is fully covered. Contact them today at: 1-877-340-2744.

In fact, the book authored by company founders Larry Janesky and Tom Casey does an excellent job of explaining the "whole-house" approach to energy savings that building scientists advocate as the optimum strategy for improving home energy performance.

Contact the experts at Dr. Energy Saver Lansing to learn more about how to save money and save energy to make for a more comfortable home environment! These experts are your resource for a home energy audit in Grand Rapids, MI.

How to Stay Cool and Save Energy this Summer

Fri, June 17 2011, 00:00:00 -500

There are plenty of ways to stay cool without using a lot of energy, or money! Whether you take advantage of some more fans, or some new landscaping - this summer can be a trendsetter for new habits!

Keep it cool with fans!

Cooling your home naturally is not just effective, it's frugal. Opening windows and using portable fans or ceiling fans, increases air flow and can make you feel three to four degrees cooler.

Portable fans: Portable fans are very effective when placed in a window either late at night or early in the morning. They use less energy and are useful for cooling when the temperature is not too extreme.

Keep these considerations in mind when choosing a fan: whether its battery powered or electric, if it needs to be mounted on a wall, how loud it may be, what color it is, what size it is, and, of course, what the price is. It's usually not too hard to choose a portable fan, but it's important to check out all the features before you purchase your fan.

Ceiling fans: Ceiling fans can bring many energy saving benefits to the home! Most use only as much power as a 100 watt light bulb, and when used properly can save you money in utility bills all year round. In the summer, ceiling fans offer the greatest energy saving benefits when run in a counter-clockwise direction. It does not necessarily lower the temperature of the room, but may make the room feel cooler by providing a nice breeze.

Fans are great, but remember, they don't necessarily lower the temperature. So when the heat is excruciating, make sure you consider the benefits of an energy efficient air conditioner.

Indoor Tips

White window shades, drapes, or blinds are a great way to reflect heat away from the house and help fans and air conditioners to cool more efficiently. Another simple way to keep your home cooler is to turn off the lights. Turning off lights as well as any appliance that is not in use saves energy and reduces the amount of heat produced in your home.

Cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry generate a lot of heat and energy. These activities generate heat and may make your air conditioner work even harder, therefore using more energy and electricity than you want. During the summer, try saving these activities for nighttime, as this can keep your home cooler and save you more energy.

Seal up the House!

Making sure all windows and doors are tightly closed during the day helps keep in the cool and keep out the hot. Sealing and insulating doors, windows, and ducts in your home help your AC to be more energy efficient as well.

Outdoor Tips

There are a few outdoor things you can do to keep your home cool too. Planting shade trees on the south and west of your house provides shade that helps cool your home. Shrubs planted near air conditioners can help cool your house in the summer and save between $100 and $250 annually in cooling and heating costs.

Plants grown on trellises such as vines or ivy can shade windows or even the whole side of the house too. These simple ideas have the possibility of saving you energy, money, and, of course, keeping your home cool.

Contact the experts at Dr. Energy Saver™ Lansing for more tips to save energy and money this summer. They offer air conditioning services in Lansing, MI and surrounding areas.

1. 25 Cheap Ways to Keep Your House Cooler http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveMoney/25cheapWaysToKeepYourHouseCooler.aspx Caulking and weather-stripping will keep cool air in during the summer. ... More costly but effective cooling measures are available as your home undergoes...

2. Tricks to Keep Your House Cool this Summer
http://freshome.com/2007/06/25/tricks-keep-your-house-cool-this-summer/ As the temperature rises, so does the cost of cooling your home, especially if you use an air conditioner. Obviously, the best way to keep...

3. 23 Tips for Keeping the House Cool
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/keep-house-cool-23-tips.html# Puzzling out how to keep your house as cool as possible during these hot summer months? Trying to remember the conventional wisdom but not...

4. Keep Your Home Cool with these low-cost to no-cost Tips
http://www.walletpop.com/2010/06/10/keep-your-home-cool-with-these-low-cost-to-no-cost-tips/ Along with summer temperatures, your utility bills are bound to start heating up unless you take steps to help your home create a more...

5. Keeping Your Home Cool While Saving Money
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=8123057 All week long, ABC12 News is on a mission to help you save some money.

How Choosing the Right Material for Windows Affects Energy Savings

Fri, June 17 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Making sure your widows are tightly sealed is very important to the energy efficiency of your home. As windows usually account for about a quarter of the heat loss in a typical home, it's essential that your windows are tightly sealed and energy efficient to keep out that hot summer air!

Air Sealing

Air leakage causes about half of an average home's heating and cooling energy to drain into the outdoors. Air leakage through and around windows is responsible for much of this loss. Properly air sealing cracks and openings that air is escaping through can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs.

Small gaps around the frames of windows can be sealed with common caulks. This blocks the air flow out of your house through any space around your windows. If warm air does leak in, this could cause mold or dust problems in areas like the attic or foundation.

During the summer, it is important that windows are closed tightly during the day so that the cool air stays in the house. Make sure you purchase a window whose pieces are tightly joined together. The technical specification for windows contains values for air leakage. Windows with a lower value of air leakage, measured in cubic feet per minute per square foot of window, are best- preferably less than 0.30 cfm/ft. Accurately sealing your windows can make your home more energy efficient and save you money this summer!

Weatherstripping

When choosing a type of weatherstripping, it's important that you look for one that will withstand the friction, weather, temperature changes, and wear and tear associated with its location. Weatherstripping placed in a window sash, for example, must accommodate the up and down, sideways, or out sliding of its panes.

Felt and open-cell foam weatherstripping tend to be inexpensive, susceptible to weather, visible, and inefficient at blocking airflow. Vinyl, which is slightly more expensive, holds up well and resists moisture. Metal weatherstripping is a great choice, especially for older houses, as it is affordable and will last for years.

Weatherstripping is a valuable product that seals your windows and makes them more energy efficient for your home. It seals the cool air in and the hot air out during the summer which in the end saves you money on your cooling bills!

Single Hung Windows

Single hung windows have only one sash that moves which makes them a very energy efficient window. Because only one part of the window moves there are fewer seems that must be blocked with window seals. These windows are not only a good choice for energy efficiency, but also an affordable choice for any home.

Double Hung Windows

Both sashes of double hung windows open. This makes them very accessible for easy cleaning and makes them a great window for easy ventilation. New double hung windows have great features which include their ability to close tightly and keep the cool air in the house from leaking outside in the summer.

Contact the experts at Dr. Energy Saver™ Lansing today for more information about energy efficient windows in Lansing, MI and surrounding areas.

An Open Window in Freezing Cold

Mon, January 24 2011, 00:00:00 -500

Would you leave a window open in any room of your home, day and night, during the cold winter months? Most likely not. You know that this would cause your heating system to work too hard, while all the hot air you paid to heat leaks out though the window, and frigid air is being brought in.

Here's a wake up call: Many homes in the U.S. have the equivalent of a wide open window in terms or air leakage. Chances are, yours have it too.

Until the late 90's and early 00's there wasn't a lot of emphasis in building energy efficient homes, with tightly sealed envelopes. Fuel prices were low back then, so energy waste wasn't such a big deal. Took us a while to understand that the increase in energy demand and the quick depletion of non-renewable energy sources would bring us so rapidly into a reality of soaring energy costs and dwindling fuel reserves worldwide.

Energy efficiency is now a priority for all of us: world organizations, governments, corporations, families, individuals.

A better understanding of building science and home energy performance, allow us to understand that one of the main components of a truly green, energy-efficient home, is a tightly-sealed home envelope. The bulk of a typical home's energy consumption goes toward heating and cooling, so it is a good idea to take every necessary step to keep that air, that you paid to cool and heat, where it belongs: in the conditioned area of your home.

By having your home professionally air sealed you can reduce your heating and cooling costs by 20% or more. That is some real money, that can stay in your pocket every month, instead of leaking out.

In Lansing, Kalamazoo and surrounding areas Dr. Energy Saver™ Lansing will perform tests to detect energy wasting air leaks, and seal them thoroughly. You can begin to reap the savings in your very next bill. Call us for a full home energy evaluation to find out more ways to save even more energy at home!

The video below shows you Dr. Energy Saver's approach to Air Sealing and how it can save you money.

Winter Wisdom in Michigan: Lowering Heating Bills and Finding Help

Mon, January 24 2011, 00:00:00 -500

The average home in the U.S. consumes 2 to 3 times more energy than needed. Considering that the bulk (42% in average) of that consumption goes towards heating and cooling, heating bills during winter time can easily become a huge financial burden for many homeowners.

Rising fuel and energy costs make it very difficult for the elderly, disabled individuals and low income families to afford heat.

Fortunately, for Michigan residents, there is help.

To help those who can't afford to pay their current bills, here's a podcast about several energy assistance programs in Michigan. Or you can simply download theMichigan Energy Assistance Directory with information on private and public programs that offer energy assistance, and a county by county listing of utilities, programs and resources available.

Homeowners that do not qualify for any of these programs, can still take advantage of government and state funded energy efficiency incentive programs, designed to help homeowners reduce their home's energy consumption.

Energy saving improvements that can significantly decrease your overall consumption now pay off in two ways: by cutting your heating and cooling costs and by qualifying you for significant Federal Tax Credits, awarded to consumer purchase of energy-saving products.

These tax credits, which were extended by Congress up to the end of 2011, will cover window incentives (up to $200), oil and gas furnace and boiler incentives to 95 percent efficiency (from $150-$200) and water heater and wood heating system incentives (up to $300).

If you live in Lansing, Kalamazoo, and surrounding areas we can help you make sense of your home's energy consumption and take control over your energy bills. Call Dr. Energy Saver of Michigan for a complete home energy audit evaluation and we will help you prioritize your needs, recommending the improvements and upgrades that will give you the best return for each dollar invested.

The video below show you what you can expect from a Dr. Energy Saver complete home energy audit.