DeWitt's Thoughts

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Questions to Ask a Potential Energy Auditor

By dkimball - February 12th, 2012

Questions to Ask a Potential Energy Auditor There are many types of energy audits that are being done.   If you want a high quality complete energy evaluation ask the following questions prior to choosing an audit company. Do you make an actual model of…

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A Real Super Sunday- Helping Reverse the Affects of Maine's Fuel Assistance Cuts

By dkimball - February 7th, 2012

The symbolism of the day that Kevin from Upright Frameworks , Peter from Energy Circle , and I chose to go to the Hartford ’ s in Peru, Maine   to see what we could do was not lost on me. It was the day of the…

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The Importance of Air Quality and Combustion Safety Testing

By dkimball - January 28th, 2012

More and more homeowners are having significant insulation and air sealing upgrades done to their homes. This is a very positive step forward for Maine ’ s economy and towards energy independence. Unfortunately, if these upgrades are done improperly they   can be a threat to your health…

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Avoid the "Sales Pitch Audit"

By dkimball - January 13th, 2012

There are two types of energy audit services available. One is provided by One Stop Shopping companies and the other is done by independent audit companies. The One Stop method has one company do the audit, recommend upgrades, do the upgrades, and do the quality control to decide if…

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Governor Lepage is Wrong About Audits

By dkimball - December 14th, 2011

Audits Prevent Ponzi Schemes   Governor LePage made news last week when he called energy audits a " ponzi scheme. " He went on to say that “ conservation is very, very good if you do it properly. ” On the…

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Benefits of Storm Windows

By dkimball - December 3rd, 2011

Based on research presented in Home Energy magazine the average   energy efficiency improvement   of adding an energy-efficient single glazed exterior   storm window to an existing single pane wood framed window is over 400%.   Using an energy efficient fiberglass framed storm window increased the efficiency…

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Weatherize Baby Weatherize

By dkimball - October 14th, 2011

In Maine there has been a great deal of discussion about the cost of   residential   heating and what to do about it. The majority of the focus seems to be on replacing oil with natural gas. This will help but it is not the first step to…

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Audit Tips

By dkimball - August 7th, 2011

Using the right tools can make a huge difference in the amount of time it takes to do an audit as well as keeping your on-site   presentation to the client professional and your equipment organized and well protected. The following are tools that I have found to be…

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Important Questions to Ask before You Hire a Home Inspector

By dkimball - August 7th, 2011

Maine does not have state licensure for home inspectors. This amazes me.   Licensure is needed for hair salons, electricians, plumbers, physical therapists but not home inspectors. Because of this home buyers have little or no recourse if the home they purchase needs costly repairs that were not…

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Why You Save by Hiring an Independent Energy Audit Company Prior to Doing Any Efficiency Upgrades

By dkimball - August 7th, 2011

There are two methods of handling efficiency improvements in your home. One is the " One Stop Shopping " of " Stand Alone " method. With this method one company does the initial audit, writes the recommendation report, does the work and then does…

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