Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is a home energy audit? A home energy audit is a comprehensive assessment of your home's energy use.We use specialized diagnostic equipment to find exactly where you are losing energy, causing high bills and uncomfortable rooms.

  2. What are the main benefits of an audit? The primary benefits are lower energy bills, improved comfort by eliminating drafts and temperature swings, and a clear, prioritized plan for making your home more efficient.

  3. Is a home energy audit worth the cost? Yes. The cost of an audit is a small investment that provides you with a roadmap to make smart, cost-effective improvements. The savings on your utility bills and the increase in your home’s comfort often far outweigh the initial cost.

  4. How long does an audit take? A typical home energy audit takes approximately 2-4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of your home. We will provide a more precise estimate when you schedule your appointment.

  5. What do I need to do to prepare for the audit? To prepare, simply ensure that we have clear access to your attic, crawl space, furnace, and water heater. We also ask that you plan to be present to answer questions about your home.

Our Service & Expertise

  1. What makes Rappid Energy different from other auditors? We provide a detailed, actionable plan that not only finds the problems but also helps you understand new utility rates, such as peak demand and time-of-use, so you can make smarter energy choices.

  2. What diagnostic tools do you use? Our audits include a blower door test to measure airtightness, an infrared camera to find hidden air leaks and missing insulation, and combustion safety checks for your heating systems.

  3. Do you perform the repairs or improvements? No, Rappid Energy is a third-party auditing service. We do not perform the physical work to avoid a conflict of interest. This ensures our recommendations are unbiased and always in your best interest. We work for you.

  4. Are you certified? Yes, our auditors are BPI Certified Professionals, which is the gold standard in the home energy auditing industry.

  5. Do you help with new utility rates like time-of-use? Yes. We specialize in helping you understand how new billing structures work and will provide a strategy for shifting energy use to save money under these plans.

Cost & Payment

  1. How much does a home energy audit cost? The cost varies based on the size and location of your home. Average homes that require a full audit are typically $450-600—you may be eligible for federal tax credits! Not all home require a full audit, energy consultations are available starting at $150 for one hour. Please contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.

  2. Do I have to pay sales tax for the audit? No, in South Carolina, a home energy audit is considered a non-taxable professional service. Therefore, you do not have to pay sales tax on our audit fee.

  3. How can I pay for the audit? We accept checks and ACH, all major debit and credit cards, as well as electronic payments like Zelle.

  4. Do you help with rebates or tax credits? We provide you with the necessary documentation and guidance to help you apply for federal tax credits and state or utility rebates, but we are not licensed tax professionals and cannot provide tax advice.

Post-Audit Process

  1. What happens after the audit? Within a few days of your audit, you will receive a detailed, easy-to-understand report that outlines our findings, our recommendations, and a prioritized list of improvements.

  2. What does the report include? The report includes the results of our diagnostic tests (like ACH50), thermal images of problem areas, estimated costs for recommended improvements, estimated ROI (Return on Investment), and projected annual energy savings for each upgrade.

  3. How do I find a contractor for the improvements? We may be able to provide a list of local, reputable contractors who specialize in the types of improvements we recommend. We do not endorse or receive any compensation from these contractors. Always check references, business ratings, insurance, bond, active business license and contractor license, as well as current and past complaints.

  4. How do I know if the improvements worked? We can perform a post-improvement blower door test to show you the airtightness of your home and confirm the effectiveness of the work that was done.

Technical Terms

  1. What is a blower door test? A blower door test is a diagnostic tool that measures the overall airtightness of your home. It helps us pinpoint hidden air leaks that you can't see with the naked eye.

  2. What is ACH50? ACH50 is the measure of a home's airtightness. It stands for "Air Changes per Hour at 50 Pascals" and tells us how many times all the air in your home is replaced with outside air in one hour under a blower door test. A lower number means a more efficient and airtight home.