Do you have rooms that never feel quite right or power bills that jump in the summer? You are not alone in Harrison, especially in older lake‑area homes. The good news is you can get clear answers and a simple plan with EPB’s Home Energy Checkup. In this guide, you will learn what the visit includes, how to schedule it, common findings in Harrison homes, and the steps that lead to lower bills and better comfort. Let’s dive in.
What EPB’s checkup does for you
EPB’s Home Energy Checkup is an in‑home assessment for residential customers that helps you spot where energy and comfort are getting lost. A trained technician looks at how your home is built and how your systems run. The goal is to find air leaks, insulation gaps, duct problems, and equipment issues that make rooms stuffy, drafty, or uneven.
You receive a summary of findings, a prioritized list of upgrades, and estimated savings ranges. You also get guidance on rebates or financing that may help with costs. Program names and details can change, so confirm the current checkup name and any updates on EPB’s customer pages.
Who qualifies and how to schedule in Harrison
If you are an EPB residential electric customer in Harrison, you are typically eligible. The fastest way to confirm is to check your service address with EPB or call customer service. Scheduling is usually available online or by phone. Ask EPB for the current options.
Plan for about 45 to 90 minutes for a standard visit in a typical single‑family home. Be present so you can walk the technician through hot or cold rooms, moisture concerns, and any recent changes to your HVAC or insulation. Technicians should carry company ID and explain their scope, which is inspection and recommendations, not major repairs on the spot.
Expect a written or electronic report, estimated savings for suggested upgrades, and information about next steps. If deeper testing is needed, such as detailed duct diagnostics, it may be scheduled as a follow‑up.
What gets inspected
Building envelope
The tech will look at exterior doors and windows, weatherstripping, and any obvious gaps. In the attic, they check insulation type, depth, and condition, and whether coverage is complete. They may point out common air leak points like recessed lights, plumbing penetrations, or fireplaces. Some assessments include simple air‑leak checks or infrared imaging to show hot and cold spots.
HVAC systems
You can expect a review of your system’s age and condition, air filter status, and thermostat settings. When practical, techs may check temperature splits or airflow patterns and offer maintenance tips or thermostat upgrade ideas to help your system run better.
Ductwork
Many comfort issues trace back to ducts. The tech will note where your ducts are located, such as in an attic or crawlspace, and look for loose connections, visible gaps, or crushed runs. Recommendations often include sealing, insulating, or improving return air paths.
Water heating
The visit typically includes a look at your water heater type and age, temperature setting, and whether the hot‑water pipes are insulated. Suggestions may include insulating accessible pipes or considering a more efficient model when you are ready to replace.
Lighting and appliances
Expect quick wins here. LED lighting can cut lighting energy use by about 75 percent compared with incandescent bulbs. You may also get tips on ENERGY STAR appliances and simple habit changes that add up over time.
Moisture and ventilation
In our humid climate, moisture control is key. The tech may look at crawlspaces or basements for signs of dampness, ventilation needs, or encapsulation opportunities. They also consider attic ventilation and overall humidity control.
Safety checks
Standard practice is to note visible hazards and check combustion appliances for proper venting when relevant. Ask the tech to explain any safety findings and their recommendations.
Common findings in Harrison’s lake‑area homes
Older homes near the lake often show similar patterns. Air leaks around older windows or unsealed penetrations can pull hot, humid air inside in summer and create drafts in cooler months. Attic insulation may be thin, compressed, or missing in key areas. Ducts located in hot attics or damp crawlspaces can leak or lose conditioned air before it reaches your rooms.
You may also see aging HVAC equipment that struggles to keep up or control humidity, especially on peak summer days. Crawlspace moisture can make a house feel clammy, reduce insulation performance, and stress your system. The result is uneven rooms, short cycling, and bills that do not match your comfort.
Why it matters: in our humid subtropical climate, cooling and moisture control drive energy use. Tightening the envelope and fixing duct issues often deliver big comfort gains and steady savings.
How the checkup turns into comfort and savings
Air sealing
- Impact: Fewer drafts and better humidity control by stopping unneeded airflow.
- Typical savings: Often part of measures that deliver about 5 to 15 percent in whole‑home energy savings when combined with insulation.
- Cost and payback: Usually low cost with a payback that can be as quick as 1 to 5 years.
Attic insulation
- Impact: Less heat moving through the roofline, which supports stable indoor temperatures and reduces strain on your HVAC.
- Typical savings: Can help achieve 10 to 20 percent reductions in seasonal HVAC energy when paired with air sealing.
- Payback: Several years to a decade, depending on energy prices and scope.
Duct sealing and insulation
- Impact: More even room temperatures and better system efficiency, especially if ducts run through attics or crawlspaces.
- Typical benefits: If leakage is significant, sealing can reduce HVAC energy use by around 10 to 20 percent and improve comfort.
- Payback: Often favorable, and even better when combined with routine HVAC service.
HVAC tune‑up or replacement
- Impact: Better comfort, improved humidity control, and lower energy use with modern high‑efficiency systems, including heat pumps.
- Savings: Depends on your starting point. Replacing older systems or resistance heat can deliver meaningful annual savings.
- Tip: Ask about available rebates and right‑sizing for your home.
Thermostat upgrades
- Impact: Better schedule control and the ability to set back temperatures when you are away or asleep.
- Savings: Modest on their own but add up when paired with sealing and insulation.
LEDs and efficient appliances
- Impact: Immediate lighting savings. LEDs use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs for the same light.
- Payback: Often within 1 to 2 years, sometimes faster.
Rebates, financing, and contractor tips
EPB and TVA have historically partnered to offer energy efficiency programs and rebates. Check current EPB and TVA EnergyRight resources for active offers on measures like insulation, HVAC, and smart thermostats. Many audit participants receive instructions on how to claim incentives after the visit.
If you qualify for income‑based assistance, the Weatherization Assistance Program can help with air sealing, insulation, and health and safety improvements. These programs are administered locally, so check Tennessee resources for eligibility and application steps.
When you hire a contractor, verify licensing, insurance, and references. Ask for itemized bids that list materials, equipment efficiency ratings, and expected performance. Keep your documentation for rebate applications and for your records.
Financing may be available through utility, state, or private programs. Ask EPB and TVA EnergyRight about current financing or on‑bill options.
How to prepare for your visit
- Before: Gather the last 12 months of bills if you have them, note rooms with comfort issues, and make sure the attic, crawlspace, and mechanical areas are accessible.
- During: Walk through with the tech, point out problem rooms, and ask for a clear order of priorities. Ask how each recommendation affects comfort, humidity, and indoor air quality.
- After: Read the report, compare contractor bids, and confirm rebates before work begins. Keep copies of invoices and product specs.
A simple next‑step plan
- Confirm eligibility and schedule your EPB Home Energy Checkup. 2) Walk the tech through your home and review the report. 3) Tackle low‑cost fixes like sealing and LEDs first, then plan larger upgrades like insulation or HVAC. 4) Line up rebates or financing before you sign. 5) Monitor your bills and comfort over the next few months to see the impact.
Small changes like weatherstripping or LED swaps can show up in the next billing cycle. Bigger upgrades, such as insulation or new HVAC, deliver savings after installation and may take a season to show the full effect.
Ready to get comfier in Harrison?
A quick, guided checkup can take the guesswork out of hot and cold spots, humidity issues, and rising bills. If you are planning a move, a remodel, or even a new build, understanding home performance helps you make smart choices that last.
Have questions about neighborhoods, build options, or how efficiency upgrades may support your goals? Reach out to Jooma Homes to talk through your plan and connect your next home decision to long‑term comfort and value. Start Your From‑Dirt‑to‑Doorstep Journey.
FAQs
Is EPB’s Home Energy Checkup free for Harrison residents?
- Many utilities, including EPB, have offered free or subsidized assessments, but you should confirm current cost and eligibility with EPB before you schedule.
How long does the visit take and do I need to be home?
- Plan for about 45 to 90 minutes for most single‑family homes, and it is best for you to be present to discuss comfort issues and review recommendations.
Will the technician fix problems during the checkup?
- The visit focuses on assessment and advice. Minor tasks may happen on site, but major repairs or installations require a contractor and separate agreement.
What kinds of problems are usually found in older lake‑area homes?
- Common issues include air leaks, thin attic insulation, duct leakage in attics or crawlspaces, moisture concerns, and aging HVAC that struggles with humidity.
When will I start to see lower energy bills after upgrades?
- Quick wins like LEDs and thermostat tweaks can show up on the next bill. Insulation, duct sealing, or new HVAC typically show savings over the following months.
Will the checkup include advanced tests like blower‑door or duct tests?
- Some programs include simple air‑leak checks and thermal imaging during the visit. More detailed diagnostics may be scheduled as a follow‑up if needed.
