Energy audit details

• To sign up for an energy audit, contact CenterPoint at 612-321-5011 or 1-800-234-5800 ext. 5011 or www.center pointenergy.com or Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-4999. (Xcel natural gas customers are eligible for the infrared audit, not electric-only customers.) The $100 price might be reduced or eliminated for income-qualified families. Still, the $100 price is a bargain. Independent contractors also perform the blower door/infrared tests, but they charge $250 or more.

• Appointments can be made for daytime, evenings or weekends. The test takes 90 minutes to three hours.

• Cost of the audit can be added to your bill.

• The $100 analysis includes a blower door test to measure and track air leaks, an infrared inspection to pinpoint air leaks and moisture problems, and a furnace carbon monoxide test.

•The audit also includes a DVD scan of the infrared results and $25 worth of weatherization materials (CenterPoint only).