City of Austin Home Energy Audit Ordinance Should be a Boon to New Pro Energy Consultant Franchise Owner

By: Pro Energy Consultant | 1,014 Shares 197 Reads

Pro Energy Consultant Franchise Owner Kirk Van Roekel recently opened his home energy auditing business in Austin. He stresses Pro Energy's more comprehensive, diagnostic energy audit is designed to help homeowners maximize their home's comfort while saving energy and reducing utility bills.

Austin, TX, September 01, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Now that the City of Austin requires sellers of non-exempt residential properties within the city limits to complete an energy audit and provide an energy audit report to prospective homebuyers prior to the sale, Kirk Van Roekel is feeling very confident about the future for his new home energy auditing business.

Van Roekel has recently been awarded a Pro Energy Consultants home energy auditing franchise. His territory covers the east half of Austin and the communities to the east and northeast.

Pro Energy Consultants, the nation's first home energy auditing franchise, provides homeowners standardized, comprehensive energy audits designed to maximize the home's comfort and energy efficiency while reducing energy costs. Franchise owners undergo extensive training at the company's headquarters in Cleveland before beginning the business. Van Roekel is also in the process of completing additional BPI (Building Performance Institute) training, required by the City of Austin energy audit ordinance.

"The downside to this new ordinance is that it's only for people selling their home, and they don't have to do the recommended improvements," said Van Roekel, who points out the Pro Energy home energy audit is actually more comprehensive than the one required by the City of Austin. "In fact, there are only a couple others in this area who offer a comprehensive energy audit like Pro Energy."

Van Roekel, a former computer programmer originally from Des Moines, Iowa, has been interested in green technology since the late 70's when his parents drew up plans for a bermed home.

"I like helping people and solving problems. It's very interesting for me to get in and analyze a home and figure out exactly where it's leaking energy," said Van Roekel, who is also experienced at home remodeling. "I believe in doing my part to save energy. That's why I'm very excited to be in a position to put my experience and passion into a career helping others save energy and save money."

The most common problem he's seen is air leaks around the home from poorly sealed smoke detectors, bathroom exhaust fans and attic ductwork, as well as from inadequate insulation.

"Ultimately, it's all about helping homeowners make their home more comfortable and save them money," said Van Roekel. "Our comprehensive testing and technical equipment gives homeowners a clear picture of exactly where their home is losing energy, and therefore, wasting money."

"I was surprised at all the things that were found," said John Rogers, one of Van Roekel's customers. "After I fix what needs to be done, I'm probably going to pay Kirk to come back and do another energy audit just so I can see if my repairs worked."

Pro Energy Consultants uses state-of-the-art infrared imaging and blower-door testing to determine wasteful energy and the reasons for comfort issues (such as poor indoor air quality) in a home or facility. The process begins when an electronic blower door is installed in an exterior door. Once activated, the blower door allows the energy auditor to in essence take an "X-ray" of the home by using infrared thermal imaging to identify all the hidden building leakage areas--the real cause for excessive energy usage and major comfort complaints. A detailed report with prioritized recommendations for increasing the energy efficiency and comfort of the home is delivered to the homeowner within days of the energy audit.

"It's great to have Kirk as part of our team," said Pro Energy Consultants Managing Partner Derek Sola. "The City of Austin is a perfect market for us, especially since this city is on the cutting edge of doing what it can to encourage energy efficient homes."

According to Sola, his company has experienced considerable growth since being founded in 2008. He attributes this to the nation's increased focus on fiscal responsibility and energy conservation. For example, several states are beginning to subsidize and reward homeowners who make their homes more energy efficient. Plus, many more states are considering similar legislation to the City of Austin's home energy auditing ordinance. In addition, many states will receive millions of dollars this year in stimulus grants for energy-efficient projects, including weatherization of homes.

About Pro Energy Consultants

Pro Energy Consultants, founded in 2008, is the first national franchise in residential energy auditing. Its mission is to provide standardized, comprehensive energy audits designed to maximize the home's comfort and energy efficiency while reducing energy costs. Given the current economic conditions, it represents the ideal "green franchise" opportunity by providing franchisees a high-demand business with a low-cost of entry. The company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, currently has nearly 30 franchises nationwide.

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