BY LARRY GRARD

Staff Writer

The 10 community-action programs in Maine are offering home-energy audits that they say can pay for themselves in a single winter, the energy director at the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program says.

David Gilpatrick said KVCAP charges $200 to $400 for its energy audits -- not much different than private contractors' cost. Its newly hired energy auditor, Rhett Eldridge, of Farmingdale, is certified by the Maine State Housing Authority.

"If you save 50 gallons of oil through the winter, you've paid for the audit," Gilpatrick said. "It will help for many winters to come, and you've done the work."

Jo-Ann Choate, energy and housing-services manager for Maine State Housing Authority, said a typical audit might take up to four hours.

Auditors often find a lack of insulation, especially in the attic, Choate said. They also can identify a need for weather stripping, inefficiencies in electrical appliances or the home's heating system.

"They can cut costs down 20 percent or better on an annual basis," Choate said. "A lot of people don't realize they have the leaks in their home that they do have. They identify energy savings that are cost-effective. It's a science."

The housing authority chooses homes for its trainees to enter, at no fee to the homeowner.

"The homes are picked because they are a good educational opportunity," said Julie Hashem, communications and planning manager.

Private contractors might charge $400 for a typical audit, Choate said. KVCAP offers a $200 basic audit and an advanced audit for $400.

The basic audit includes a walk-through. The auditor uses an infrared camera to detect insulation voids. A "blower door," which is a big fan, depressurizes the home so that the auditor can feel drafts and determine the size of holes.

In the advanced offering, the auditor provides written estimates of costs and savings, as well as a narrative. The auditor will return to the home for a follow-up inspection.

For $200, KVCAP energy auditor Rhett Eldridge did a home inspection on Sept. 8 for Thomas Milliken of Manchester.

Milliken said he is looking into a low-interest home-improvement loan, earmarked for energy savings. Those interested in securing such loans must have an energy audit done first, he explained.

"I'm looking for some alternative to oil," Milliken said. "I've got 10 cords of wood outside, and I'm looking at a fireplace insert or a free-standing wood stove."

Milliken said Eldridge suggested better insulation, particularly in the attic.

"It cost only $200 for lots of suggestions on buttoning up my home," he said.

Larry Grard - 861-9239

lgrard@centralmaine.com