Just as there are some auto repairs you can do yourself, there are other auto repairs that require special tools, training and diagnostic devices only used by a professional mechanic. That same philosophy applies to your home. Great Lakes Home Performance has the tools, training, and diagnostics to accurately measure your home’s performance. Don’t waste money trying to save money. The following tests can uncover the truth about your energy use:

• Comprehensive Energy Audit - An energy audit is a complete evaluation of all elements of energy use in a home or business. The audit covers not only the gas and electrical services, but also considers water use, insulation quality, air-tightness, general construction details, appliance efficiency and dozens of other elements affecting the efficiency of a home or business. A well done audit can reveal some very important information and will usually cost less than your highest heating bill.

• Energy Rating - A home energy rating is comparable to checking the miles per gallon sticker on a new car. The home energy rating is a standard measurement of a home's energy efficiency. An energy rating allows a home buyer to easily compare the energy costs for the homes being considered. A home owner who wants to upgrade the home's energy efficiency can use the energy rating to evaluate and pinpoint specific, cost-effective improvements. One of the major differences between a home energy rating and an energy audit is that the rating is a recognized tool in the mortgage process. Home energy ratings are valuable to the housing industry and can be utilized in a variety of ways.

Answer difficult energy questions
Saving energy should be a peaceful and easy process but is often rather overwhelming and confusing. Great Lakes Home Performance can help find the answers to some difficult questions, and you can be assured that the answers are honest and unbiased. While we will make specific recommendations on products and provide you with a list of local vendors, we ARE NOT affiliated with ANY other companies. Beware the advice of an energy auditor who is employed by a furnace, window, or insulation company, chances are pretty good that the first thing they’ll tell you is that you need a new furnace, window, or insulation installed!

• “I know I need more insulation in the attic, but how much, and what is best for my application?”

• “I’d really like to get new windows, but I should probably get a new furnace first. How do I know for sure which is a better investment?”

• “My builder told me that he would build me a very energy efficient house. Is there any way I can get a professional opinion on his methods and materials?”

• “I live in a rental house, apartment, or condominium and can’t spend money on things the landlord should fix, but I still have to pay some of my own utilities. Are there any measures I can take to lower my bills without spending money on insulation and windows?

If you’ve been asking yourself these questions, or any others regarding energy efficiency, comfort and quality, and would like to finally find REAL answers to them, contact us about setting up an appointment.

Recommend – Changes, products, contractors
Everyone’s homes and lifestyles are different and recommending upgrades needs to be done with these differences in mind. With so many choices in insulation, windows, furnaces, weatherstripping, thermostats etc, it’s hard to know what to choose. We’ve already done the comparison shopping for you and can recommend the RIGHT PRODUCT from the RIGHT STORE and the RIGHT PERSON to install it. In fact, many of the products, techniques, and technicians we’ll recommend have been used in the business owner’s home. To see complete details of this ongoing project, click on the photo at the top of this page. We’re homeowners just like you.

• Cellulose on top of rock-wool is better than fiberglass!
• Water saver shower heads FEEL LIKE MORE WATER!
• A water heater insulation blanket pays for itself in the first year!
• Right now Sam’s Club has the best price on CFL bulbs, $1.59 each!
• Menard’s has a 1.6 GPF Toilet in a Box for $68!

Did you ever wonder where your money actually goes?