home audit

First, suggests Pete, Chris needs to do a home audit.

Many companies offer home audits, in which someone comes to your home and works up a program of measures to cut energy consumption.

The NORC in River Edge, which includes Paramus, New Milford and Bergenfield, has hired a nurse, who meets people at senior centers and offers home audits of their medical care.

After the home audit, customers are then informed what improvements are needed to be performed on their home and told about the generous rebates they may qualify for - up to $9,000 per home and $2,800 per apartment unit.

There is, for example, a preplanning home audit for older homeowners or remodelers called "Home Modifications for the Elderly" recently compiled by the Research Center of the National Association of Home Builders.

John Guinan, a staff lawyer for the New Jersey Public Interest Research Group, a consumer watchdog, conceded that the utility's costs have risen, but he said PSE&G should do more to encourage conservation among its customers through the use of efficient appliances and by conducting home audits to ensure, for example, sufficient insulation.