Winter is here and many customers will be seeing their new energy bills for the cold weather. For those who have older or inefficient homes, individuals may be looking for home improvements that can help cut costs. Energy audits are for more than those who want to protect the environment; it can also allow general contractors show individuals a way to save money.

Using new forms of energy, such as solar and wind power, can help protect the environment. Reducing the pollution produced by coal and gas will decrease the damage caused to birds and water life. It would also reduce the amount of drilling conducted, protecting environment, and water tables from accidental contamination. Energy audits, however, perform a different function for homeowners.

These audits help homeowners find out where their homes are vulnerable. They reduce the amount of warm air lost in the winter and the cool air lost in the summer. The result is a way to help furnaces and air conditioners work less but keep the home comfortable for inhabitants. Another result of weatherizing a home is a significant reduction in energy costs.

Like many remedies, weatherization is a holistic approach. An effective energy audit will show homeowners several different ways to make their home efficient. As a general contractor, you have the ability to offer individuals a whole home solution to save energy and money.

Performing energy audits takes some expertise. You need to be able to know the tests you need to perform on a home and how to interpret the results. You also need to be able to know how to calculate costs in order to create an accurate estimate for potential clients.

Often a customer will only have a partial idea of what they need. They will look to you in order to provide accurate answers. You need to have a thorough knowledge of energy saving solutions, tests, and products. Accurate training can help you gain the skills you need to perform this valuable service.

Taking a course in energy audits and home inspections will help you gain this expertise. Visit http://www.ahit.com/affiliates/utclc to learn about an energy audit course you can take online or on location to understand about home energy inspections. Then you can offer this valuable service to your clients to help them save money in the New Year, as well as create a new revenue stream for your company.