HOME ENERGY AUDIT

Step 1 of 9 - Introduction

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Reducing your electricity and water use is a little like a detective activity. You need to look for clues about why your bills are as large as they are and then decide on practical ways to reduce your bills without disrupting your life too much.

Completing the audit is easy and takes just 10 minutes!

Read the questions and select either 'Yes', 'No' or 'Not applicable'
Everyone in your household can help to save energy, so if you live with someone consider them also when answering
At end of the audit you will be provided with advice on what can you do to save energy based upon the answers you provided

After you submit this form

If you like, we will send you an email with the advice provided during your audit

What happens with your information?

Information requested on this form is required by Swan Hill Rural City Council in order to process the audit.

We will handle any personal information you provide on this form in accordance with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014. We record this information on our customer databases and make it available to relevant Council staff in line with our Privacy Statement.

You can access your personal information by contacting our Privacy Officer.

Section 1 - Heating and cooling: Heating and cooling can account for over a third of your energy use.

Q1. Do you only heat and cool rooms that are being used?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q1 answered

What you can do to save money
Consider closing doors to unused rooms so you only heat or cool the smallest possible area. If you have a ducted system it may already be divided into zones e.g. living areas and bedrooms. Make use of zones to only heat or cool occupied areas.

Q2. In winter, do you open curtains, blinds and external shades so the sun can heat your home?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q2 answered

What you can do to save money
Sunlight shining directly onto north, east and west facing windows can produce the same amount of heat per square metre as a one bar radiator. Use the compass in the kit to determine which direction your windows face.

Q3. When heating, do you set the temperature as low as you feel comfortable with?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q3 answered

What you can do to save money
Most people will find a temperature between 18°C and 21°C comfortable for heating. Every 1°C higher adds 10% to the running costs of your heating system.

Q4. Do you maintain your heating and cooling systems to ensure they operate efficiently?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q4 answered

What you can do to save money
Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and have your systems serviced regularly.

Q5. When cooling, do you set the temperature as high as you feel comfortable with?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q5 answered

What you can do to save money
Most people will find a temperature between 24°C and 27°C comfortable for cooling. Every 1°C lower adds 10% to the running costs of your cooling system.

Q6. In summer, do you shade windows to keep your home cool?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q6 answered

What you can do to save money
In summer, close curtains and shade windows to prevent heat from entering your home. External shading of windows is the most effective way to keep the heat out. Sunlight shining directly onto north, east and west facing windows can produce the same amount of heat per square metre as a one bar radiator. Use the compass in the kit to determine the direction your windows face.

Q.7 When you purchase a heating or cooling system do you seek advice about: the most appropriate system, the right size system, the energy rating label or, if there is no label, the running costs?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q7 answered

What you can do to save money
The most efficient heating or cooling system is one that is suitable for the area it is heating or cooling and, where relevant, has been sized appropriately. Choose a system with a high Energy Star Energy Rating: www.energyrating.gov.au

Q8. Do you use reversible ceiling fans to assist your heating and cooling systems?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q8 answered

What you can do to save money
Reversible ceiling fans create cool breezes in summer and can redirect warm air down in winter. They cost just 1c per hour to run.

Q9. Does your home have insulation?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q9 answered

What you can do to save money
Consider having insulation installed in your ceiling and walls if you don’t have it. If you have insulation already, ask a licensed insulation installer to check its effectiveness or upgrade your insulation to a higher R-value.

Q10. Have you sealed up gaps around doors and windows that let draughts in?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q10

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Q10 answered

What you can do to save money
Use draught excluders, door and window seals or gap filler to prevent draughts. Use the thermal the camera in the kit to check for draughts around your home.

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TOTAL HEATING COOLING - NOS

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TOTAL HEATING COOLING - STAR

You're acing your heating and cooling game!
Your smart choices, like only heating or cooling the rooms in use, harnessing the sun's warmth through open curtains, setting comfortable temperatures, shading windows, seeking expert advice, using reversible ceiling fans, insulating your home, and sealing gaps, are all contributing to optimized energy usage and a cozy living environment. Keep up the impressive work!

Section 2 - Water heating: Heating water for showers and clothes washing is a major energy user.

Q11. Do you take short showers – i.e. less than four minutes?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q11

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Q11 answered

What you can do to save money
Taking shorter showers will save water and reduce the energy needed to heat water.

Q12. Do you have a solar, electric heat pump or a five star energy rated gas water heater?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q12

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Q12 answered

What you can do to save money
Choose an energy efficient water heater when your current water heater needs replacing.

Q13. Is there insulation on external water heater pipes?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q13

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Q13 answered

What you can do to save money
Insulate pipes with foam tubing, known as lagging, to prevent heat loss.

Q14. Do you have a 3 star WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rated showerhead?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q14

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Q14 answered

What you can do to save money
If the flow rate is more than nine litres per minute on your current showerhead, consider installing a 3 or more star rated water saving showerhead. Use the stopwatch in the kit to check your showerhead flow rate.

Q15. Do you ensure taps don’t drip in your home?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q15

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Q15 answered

What you can do to save money
Have dripping taps fixed as soon as possible. Not only do they waste water, leaking hot water taps waste energy too.

Q16. Do you know what temperature your thermostat is set to?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q16

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Q16 answered

What you can do to save money
Set instantaneous hot water systems to 50°C and storage systems to 60°C. Important: Some systems will require a licensed professional to change the thermostat temperature.

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TOTAL WATER - NOS

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TOTAL WATER - STAR

Kudos to you for being energy-savvy!
Your awareness of factors like shower duration, water heater efficiency, pipe insulation, water-efficient showerheads, and preventing dripping taps shows your commitment to saving energy and reducing costs. Keep up the great work!

Section 3 - Other appliances: Running costs for all the appliances in a home can add up.

Q17. Do you know how much power your appliances use?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q17

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Q17 answered

What you can do to save money
Use the Power-Mate meter in the kit to find out how much energy your household appliances are using.

Q18. Do you use the energy rating labels to compare running costs when you purchase appliances?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q18

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Q18 answered

What you can do to save money
Consider the ongoing running cost when choosing an appliance. Energy efficient models will cost you less to run over the life of the appliance. Choose a system with a high Energy Star Energy Rating: www.energyrating.gov.au

Q19. Do you run your dishwasher and washing machine with a full load?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q19

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Q19 answered

What you can do to save money
Washing a full load means fewer washes overall and reduces the amount of wasted energy and water.

Q20. Do you always wash clothes on a cold water cycle?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q20

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Q20 answered

What you can do to save money
Cold water cycles will use less energy than warm or hot cycles. The majority of energy used by washing machines is for heating water.

Q21. Do you hang your clothes out to dry?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q21

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Q21 answered

What you can do to save money
Clothes dryers can use a lot of energy. Hanging clothes out to dry is more energy efficient. Clean your lint filter regularly to ensure your dryer is operating efficiently.

Q22. When you purchased your washing machine or dryer, did you select an energy efficient model that was the right size for your needs?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q22

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Q22 answered

What you can do to save money
Consider an energy efficient model when you replace your old washing machine or dryer. Choose a system with a high Energy Star Energy Rating: www.energyrating.gov.au

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TOTAL OTHER - NOS

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TOTAL OTHER - STAR

You're a pro at appliance energy efficiency!
Your mindful approach to power usage, comparing energy rating labels, running full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine, opting for cold water cycles, and air-drying clothes is truly admirable. Choosing energy-efficient models that suit your needs further demonstrates your dedication to long-term energy conservation. Keep up the fantastic work, and keep making a positive impact!

Section 4 - Fridges and freezers: Most fridges and freezers are switched on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Q23. Do you run one fridge and freezer?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q23

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Q23 answered

What you can do to save money
Only run additional fridges and freezers when necessary – e.g. a bar or second fridge could be turned off when not required.

Q24. When you purchased your fridge and freezer did you choose an efficient model that was the right size for your needs?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q24

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Q24 answered

What you can do to save money
When you replace your old fridge or freezer choose an energy efficient one. Choose the right size fridge first then select the model with a high Energy Star Energy Rating: www.energyrating.gov.au

Q25. Is your fridge temperature between 3°C and 5°C?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q25

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Q25 answered

What you can do to save money
Adjust your fridge temperature to between 3°C and 5°C. If colder, more energy is used while higher temperatures allow food poisoning bacteria to grow. Use the thermometer in the kit to check the temperature of your fridge.

Q26. Is your freezer temperature between -15°C and -18°C?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q26

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Q26 answered

What you can do to save money
Adjust your freezer temperature to between -15°C and -18°C. Use the thermometer in the kit to check the temperature of your freezer.

Q27. Are your fridges and freezers located in a cool, well ventilated area and out of direct sunlight?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q27

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Q27 answered

What you can do to save money
Move unit to a cooler location if possible or shade windows to stop direct sunlight. Ensure air can circulate around all sides.

Q28. Do your fridge and freezer doors seal properly?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q28

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Q28 answered

What you can do to save money
Replace door seals if ineffective. Use the thermal camera in the kit to check if your fridge and freezer are sealed properly.

Q29. Is there less than 5mm of frost build up in your freezer?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q29

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Q29 answered

What you can do to save money
Defrost your freezer regularly. An auto defrost model should do this automatically.

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TOTAL FREEZE - NOS

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TOTAL FREEZE - STAR

You're a fridge and freezer champion!
Your efforts to optimize energy usage and ensure efficient operation are praiseworthy. Running a single fridge and freezer, choosing the right-sized and energy-efficient models, maintaining appropriate temperature ranges, locating them in cool, well-ventilated areas away from direct sunlight, ensuring proper door seals, and minimizing frost build-up all showcase your commitment to energy efficiency. Keep up the excellent work in keeping your fridge and freezer systems in top shape!

Section 5 - Lighting: Make a habit of switching off lights when you leave a room.

Q30. Do you turn off lights when you leave a room?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q30

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Q30 answered

What you can do to save money
Leaving lights on in an empty room wastes energy and adds to your bills. Make a habit of turning off lights.

Q31. Do you open curtains and blinds to use daylight instead of turning on lights?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q31

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Q31 answered

What you can do to save money
Daylight costs you nothing. Open curtains and blinds before turning on a light.

Q32. Do you have energy efficient lights – e.g. CFLs or LEDs?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q32

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Q32 answered

What you can do to save money
Consider replacing inefficient lights with energy efficient lights. Replace incandescent globes with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) and halogen down lights with Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs).

Q33. If you have outdoor lighting, is it operated by motion sensors?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q33

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Q33 answered

What you can do to save money
If you regularly leave your outdoor lights on, consider installing sensor lights so they only come on with movement and turn off after a short period.

Q34. Do you use low wattage lights?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q34

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Q34 answered

What you can do to save money
Select a light with the lowest wattage for your needs – it costs less to run.

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TOTAL LIGHT - NOS

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TOTAL LIGHT - STAR

Bravo on your illuminating achievements!
By turning off lights when leaving a room, embracing natural daylight through open curtains and blinds, using energy-efficient lighting like CFLs or LEDs, employing motion sensors for outdoor lighting, and using low wattage lights, you're making a notable impact on energy consumption. Keep up the outstanding work in reducing your energy usage and creating an eco-friendly ambiance!

Section 6 - Cooking: Use smaller cooking appliances when you can.

Q35. Does your oven door seal properly?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q35

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Q35 answered

What you can do to save money
Replace door seals if ineffective.

Q36. Do you use small kitchen appliances instead of the oven – e.g. microwaves, electric fry pans?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q36

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Q36 answered

What you can do to save money
Smaller appliances generally use less energy.

Q37. Do you defrost frozen food in the fridge?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q37

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Q37 answered

What you can do to save money
Plan ahead and avoid using the microwave to defrost frozen food.

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TOTAL COOK - NOS

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TOTAL COOK - STAR

Your kitchen energy-saving skills are top-notch!
Your focus on proper oven door seals, using small appliances like microwaves and electric fry pans, and defrosting frozen food in the fridge is impressive. These choices demonstrate your dedication to minimizing energy consumption and maximizing efficiency in the kitchen. Keep up the fantastic work and keep those energy-saving techniques rolling!

Section 7 - Standby power: Switch off at the wall to avoid standby power costs.

Q38. Do you leave appliances on standby – e.g. televisions, stereos, and computers?(Required)

Yes

Not applicable

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Q38

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Q38 answered

What you can do to save money
Turn appliances off at the wall to prevent standby power use. Use the Power-Mate meter in the kit to measure standby power use.

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TOTAL STANDBY - NOS

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TOTAL STANDBY - STAR

You're a standby power superhero!
Your awareness of leaving appliances like televisions, stereos, and computers on standby mode is commendable. By actively reducing standby power consumption, you're making a significant impact on energy waste and overall efficiency. Keep up the stellar work in staying mindful of standby power usage and being an energy-saving champion!

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TOTAL NOS

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TOTAL STARS

Home Energy Audit Results

Energy Efficiency Seeker!

It appears that you're embarking on a journey to save energy! While there's room for improvement, you're taking the initial steps toward making your home more energy efficient. Keep exploring opportunities to save energy and finding ways to enhance your household's efficiency..

Home Energy Audit Results

Energy Efficiency Explorer!

You've taken the first steps toward turning your home into an energy-efficient haven. By actively seeking innovative ways to improve your household's efficiency, you'll have a positive impact on both your bills and the environment!

Home Energy Audit Results

Energy Efficiency Adventurer!

By implementing simple yet effective changes, you're already making a positive impact on your energy consumption. Continue exploring opportunities to save energy and enhancing your household's efficiency.

Home Energy Audit Results

Energy Efficiency Enthusiast!

Your commitment to energy efficiency is commendable, and you're making progress! Keep exploring ways to save energy and further elevate the efficiency of your home.

Home Energy Audit Results

Energy Efficiency Champion!

Your smart energy choices have led to significant reductions in your energy consumption. Continue exploring ways to save energy and further enhance the efficiency of your home.

Home Energy Audit Results

Energy Efficiency Innovator!

Your sustainable choices and energy-saving habits will have a substantial effect on your home's energy consumption. You're paving the way as a trailblazer in energy efficiency and well on your journey to becoming an expert in saving energy. Keep exploring ways to save energy and further elevate the efficiency of your home.

Home Energy Audit Results

Energy Efficiency Superstar!

You're absolutely rocking it with your extraordinary energy-saving efforts, making an exceptional impact on both your bills and the environment. Your dedication and commitment to energy efficiency are truly commendable. Keep up the fantastic work!

Ready to take your energy-saving to the next level?

Borrow a Home Energy Audit Toolkit from Council's library services and embark on a comprehensive energy-saving experience!

The Home Energy Audit Toolkit is your ultimate guide to conducting a thorough energy audit of your home, revealing valuable insights on how to combat those never-ending household bills. Packed with an array of practical tools, our kits are designed to assist you in identifying water leaks, inefficient fixtures, energy-guzzling appliances, costly energy consumption habits, and even sneaky building design flaws like gaps under doors and around windows. With this toolkit by your side, you'll uncover a wealth of energy-saving opportunities to bring those bills down and maximize efficiency in your home. There is one toolkit available at each of Council’s library services:

Swan Hill Regional Library
Robinvale Learning & Community Hub
Swan Hill Mobile Outreach Library Vehicle.

For more information on the Home Energy Audit Toolkits, please contact Swan Hill Regional Library on (03) 5036 2480.

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email results

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Please provide your contact details below, and we will promptly email you a comprehensive copy of your Home Energy Audit results, which will include all the valuable tips and recommendations mentioned during your audit.

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