Get ready for winter, save on heating by getting a home energy audit

NEW BERLIN -- Whether you like it or not, Old Man Winter is on his way! And for Cari Nissen, no matter how high she cranks the heat in her home, it never seems to warm up.

Cari Nissen

"My nose is always cold. It's cold," said Nissen.

That's why she decided to get a home energy audit. Crews test the home by using a blower door.

"It depressurizes the house, magnifies the leaks, helps us pinpoint air leakage," said Devin Hawthorne, Weatherization Services owner.

They use infrared cameras to find that air leakage and areas with missing insulation. Many of the problem spots such as attics or big windows can be fixed by using air sealing.

Home energy audit

"With air sealing in the attic around the chimney, you use sheet metal and fire-rated caulk. As far as any other penetration, a lot of other times your going to use spray foam," said Hawthorne.

Home energy audit

If you're worried about the cost, the statewide energy efficiency program Focus on Energy is offering an instant 33% rebate of up to $1,250 of the work you have done. That results in savings on your energy bill.

"We've had customers that have saved 30 - 40% on a utility bill," said Hawthorne.

That would make the cold winter months a little more tolerable for Nissen and her family.

"Hopefully, this will be a comfortable winter for us in the home," said Nissen.