Energy Inspectors help provide efficiency tips

Homeowners can take steps to save energy while keeping their homes comfortable during the hot summer months, according to Cody McGhie, vice president of operations for Energy Inspectors.

Homeowners can turn up the thermostat when they are sleeping or away from home during the day, set the sprinkler system to the current watering guidelines, and frequently replace furnace and air-conditioner filters, McGhie said.

The company is a member of Nevada Energy Star Partners, a coalition of Southern Nevada home builders, developers, retailers, mortgage providers, energy consultants and local utilities promoting energy conservation, encourages homeowners to take control of their energy use, conserve Nevada's energy resources and lower overall energy bills.

"Our company is committed to helping homeowners reduce their energy costs by providing simple and straightforward energy-saving tips," McGhie said.

"With the rising cost of energy, saving energy is saving money. Most homeowners are not aware of the low-cost options for making a home more energy-efficient."

Energy Inspectors was founded in Las Vegas in 1999 by a group of general contractors to provide third-party, independent inspections primarily for the home-building industry. Energy Inspectors is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Nevada State Energy Office, and the Residential Energy Services Network as a certified Home Energy Rating System provider.

The EPA recently named Energy Inspectors as a 2007 Energy Star Partner of the Year for its outstanding contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through its work as a home energy rating company.

Energy Star, the national U.S. government symbol for energy efficiency, was created by the EPA originally for energy-conserving computers in 1992 and is now jointly implemented with the U.S. Department of Energy. The program has been expanded to include over 40 product categories that conserve energy and protect the environment -- from appliances, electronics, lighting, windows and office products to homes and mortgages.

For more information on Energy Star, visit ThinkEnergyStar.com or visit ReviewJournal.com/realestate and click on the Energy Star link.