HouseMaster Introduces New "Greener" Inspection Resource Guide

Friday, May 14, 2010

Bound Brook, NJ - HouseMaster, the first and one of the largest home inspection organizations in North America, has introduced a new Energy Efficiency section to its Inspection Resource Guide, which provides homeowners with timely advice on ways to optimize the energy efficiency of their home. The new addition will help owners reduce energy costs and ultimately reduce the cost of home ownership.

"The inclusion of the Energy Efficiency section to our Inspection Resource Guide is an extremely valuable tool for homeowners," said Kathleen Kuhn, President of HouseMaster. "In recent years, consumers have become more aware of the rising energy costs as well as the need to take measures to protect the environment. We have a wonderful opportunity to educate our customers, new home owners, not only about how to maintain their home but how to make it more energy efficient. Our 'green' section provides simple, inexpensive ways for any home owner to start taking advantage of big savings and know they are doing the right thing."

The Energy Efficiency section provides homeowners with a step-by-step guide to a greener and more energy-conscious home. The guide includes a checklist, which contains home assessment questions on the following topics:

1. Windows and Doors. Chances are homeowners are losing money right out the front door of the home. The door frame is just one place to look for un-insulated gaps in old caulking. These holes allow warmth to leak from the home and allow cold drafts in – both of which tax your HVAC system and raise your energy bills.
2. Floor and Wall Installation. Insulation is important, as it acts as a barrier to outside temperatures, and helps keep any home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter - all while using less energy.
3. Light Bulbs and Fixtures. By replacing traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescents, you can use up to 75% less energy on lighting alone!
4. Appliances & HVAC System. Your major household appliances can account for over 50% of your household energy use. They are a good place for homeowners to start their eco-friendly efforts.

HouseMaster's Energy Efficiency guide also offers several tips about how to reduce one's annual energy use, including:

• Lower the thermostat in the cooler months and raise it in the warmer months.
• Reverse the direction of any ceiling fans seasonally (downwards during winter months, upwards in cooler months).
• Install motion detecting fixtures for outdoor lighting.

Many HouseMaster offices offer additional energy evaluations, ratings, and audits. To find an office near you or to learn more about the Home Efficiency Checklist and Tips visit: www.housemaster.com. Additional information on greening your home can also be found at www.energysavers.gov for U.S. residents and www.oee.nrcan.gc.ca for Canadian residents.

About HouseMaster: Headquartered in Bound Brook, N.J., HouseMaster is the oldest and one of the largest home inspection franchisors in North America. With more than 370 franchised areas throughout the U.S. and Canada, HouseMaster is the most respected name in home inspections. For over 30 years, HouseMaster has built upon a foundation of solid leadership and innovation with a continued focus on delivering the highest quality service experience to their customers and providing HouseMaster franchisees the tools and support necessary to do so. Each HouseMaster franchise is an independently owned and operated business. HouseMaster is a registered trademark of DBR Franchising, LLC.

For more information please visit www.housemaster.com or call 800-526-3939.

Back to News