I've signed up for an audit! What's next?
This page will help guide you through the process of working with SustainableWork, from signing-up to getting to preparing for your audit.
Step 1: Sign-up
If you live in a SustainableWorks target neighborhood there are two ways to sign-up:
1. On the website
2. By filling out one of these green forms and emailing or mailing it back:
NOTE: Keep in mind that you will be providing more detailed information about your home later. It is not necessary to be able to answer all the questions on the Audit Registration form (especially questions technical questions). What is important is that you provide accurate contact information, and that you've taken the first step to get the process started. If you have questions about the sign-up form please call 206-575-2252 or 509-532-1688 or email info@sustainableworks.com
After you sign-up you will receive an email confirming the receipt of your registration.
Step 2: Additional Information, Utility Releases and Payment
In order to maximize efficiencies and lower costs, SustainableWorks does projects on a neighborhood scale. Our first step is to sign-up neighborhood residents and then we start the audit and retrofit process. This means it might be a few months between the time you sign-up and the time you schedule your audit. During this waiting period we will send you regular newsletters to keep you updated.
As we get close to starting the audit process we will send you the following forms that need to be completed before we can schedule your audit: Homeowner Input Form, Wood Burning and Oil Heat Form (if applicable), Utility Release(s) and your $95 payment for your audit.
1. Homeowner Input Form: This form asks for more detailed information about your home to help us to do your pre-audit. This form allows us to make sure that your home would benefit from an audit. Don't worry if you can't answer all the questions. If you're having difficulty filling out this form please call or email us. If you have not received this form, click the link below, complete the form and email it or mail it back.
2. Wood Burning and Oil Heat Form: This form is only for those that use oil or wood burning heat. Again, if you have questions please contact us.
3. Utility Releases: Depending on where you live in Washington state you may have one or two utility releases that need to be completed before we can start your audit. These releases allow us to see your past energy use and are essential to us preparing an accurate pre-audit.
4. Payment: Before your audit begins we must receive your $95 payment. Your payment can be made by cash/check/charge or through financing. We will assist you in obtaining financing.
Step 3: Preparing for your audit
Great news: your audit has been scheduled! Two skilled auditors will perform the audit and it should between 2-4 hours. Please contact the SW office if you have any questions. If you need to reschedule your audit we ask that you give us at least 48 hours notice. If you miss your audit appointment, there will be a $100 fee to reschedule your audit appointment.
Please make the following preparations to insure that your audit goes smoothly:
1. We need access to all rooms if possible. Contain your pets if necessary.
2. Make sure your fireplace is extinguished; clean all ashes out of the fireplace and close dampers and doors.
3. If you have a wood stove close the air intake.
4. Make sure that all of your heating and cooling vents are uncovered and easily accessible.
5. Make sure all interior doors are open and windows are closed.
6. Make sure that your furnace and water heater are accessible.
7. Make all showers/baths accessible.
8. Locate and clear opening to your attic and crawlspace.
9. Write down any particular concerns that you have about your home (e.g. are some rooms drafty, do windows have condensations, etc.)
10. Set your thermostat to at least 10 degrees warmer than the outdoor temperature at least 1 hour before the audit to allow us to use an infrared camera.
