4. PERFORMANCE MONITORING
Thanks to government incentives and new regulations, home energy audits are catching on with consumers. “Home performance is big,” says Koerner. For example, the city of Austin requires all new homes to be performance tested; testing is also recommended for resales.

Furthermore, energy modeling software programs such as REM/Design and EnergyGauge USA and assessments like blower-door or duct-blaster tests allow builders and remodelers to gauge how small changes in a home’s design can save thousands of dollars in HVAC equipment and utility bills.

“The modeling is so sophisticated now,” Rinaldi says. “An auditor or contractor can really pinpoint what the energy savings potential in the home would be.” For pros unfamiliar with energy modeling or auditing, local training programs now exist nationwide, such as those from BPI and RESNET, even in previously underserved markets, Rinaldi says. The need for this type of education will surge this year: Energy Star 2011 mandates on-site inspections in addition to the thermal bypass checklist.

“Understanding the new and innovative aspects of building science is crucial,” she says.
“Contractors should think about training and certification as a way to invest in themselves and their business.”

Homeowners, too, are getting the hang of energy-monitoring gadgets with products like Microsoft’s Hohm or GE’s new Nucleus Energy Manager, which track household energy use to help homeowners lower their electric bills.

“I think more people will be trying this out in the near future, because they are curious about their home’s energy consumption,” Koerner says. “Homeowners can use these programs without a lot of money and without being an expert.”