Energy savings and carbon reductions began this spring in the homes of five Los Altos residents, after energy audits by Ennovationz. The audits resulted in thousands of dollars of savings in each home and up to 60 percent reductions in the households’ carbon footprints. See Page 36 for results of the audit.

Mountain View-based Ennovationz donates 10 percent of the audit fee to GreenTown Los Altos. Ennovationz audited the homes of five GreenTown Los Altos board members recently, and based on the results, received a thumbs-up from the environmental group.

The results were fantastic. Every homeowner in Los Altos can save money and create a healthier future for their children and grandchildren by lowering their home energy use. Becoming informed and getting a blueprint for action makes this easy. That’s what a home energy audit provides.

Carol Kuiper is a satisfied participant.

“Most of us live in older homes, the typical Los Altos ranch of moderate size,” she said. “Just one item, lowering the cost of operating our pool, was worth the cost.”

Kuiper scheduled the audit to get to the bottom of a rise in energy bills. She also wanted to think ahead and plan energy-efficiency measures for her next home upgrade. The Kuipers’ energy audit uncovered the specific places where their home was leaking energy, using an infrared camera and Blower Door test, which measures the home’s leakiness. Armed with the audit results, Kuiper now knows to prioritize fixing the leaks and missing insulation in the laundry room, guest bath and spots in the attic.

Other energy-saving opportunities included the aging refrigerator and the pool pump. Kuiper said the specific information made it easy to make changes the right way.

Typically, Ennovationz finds savings that add up to 20 percent or more of a home’s energy bills. The audits come in three types to meet the needs of every household. The Home Energy Savings Audit is the best way to lower bills. It shows immediate results on low-cost, high-impact savings opportunities, using smart analytics and energy monitors. The Home Comfort Audit brings in high-tech tools such as the infrared camera to prioritize fixes to feel more comfortable year-round. The Combo Audit brings all of the tools together in one comprehensive audit.

“Reducing impact right here in Los Altos is my responsibility,” Kuiper said. “Our kids will benefit.”

Ennovationz home energy audits start at $199 and take two hours to complete. Mention GreenTown Los Altos to receive a free Smart Strip, valued at $41.

For more information on energy audits, call 625-0868 or visit www.ennovations.com.

For more information on GreenTown Los Altos, visit www.greentownlosaltos.org.Kacey Fitzpatrick is executive director of GreenTown Los Altos and principal of Avalon Enterprises Inc., a green building consulting firm. For more information, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

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