Energy Audit Surprise Yields a Big Opportunity for Savings

​By Sara Vinson, Sustainable Newton Co-Founder & Secretary

This year, we're highlighting Newton County residents who have used Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and rebates, most of which end this year. We call these individuals our Sustainable Stars. They have used the incentives to increase household energy efficiency and transition to clean energy.

Our fourth and final Sustainable Star for 2025 is Nancy Schulz. Nancy is a wife, mother, and grandmother who has served Newton County as a former commissioner and continues to lead through civic engagement. She is a past president and dedicated member of Sustainable Newton, where she chairs the Waste Reduction and Diversion Committee. She also currently serves on the board of Newton County Tomorrow.  We asked Nancy some questions about her efforts to improve her home's energy efficiency. ​

What inspired you to start with a home energy audit, and what did you learn from the process?
Honestly, had it not been for having an energy audit, I would not have known that I had NO insulation in the roof or walls of my office. I learned about the home energy audit through Sustainable Newton. Frankly, when I heard Sara Vinson speak about her energy audit experience, I thought, "why not". Interestingly, my home was inspected 2 years prior and the home inspection did not reveal the missing insulation because my office is in a space technically considered an auxiliary space.

How did the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits and rebates influence your decision to move forward with spray foam insulation?

Once the home energy audit revealed the missing insulation, I had a contractor install the spray foam and it was an added benefit to take the 30 percent tax credit.
 
What changes have you noticed in your home since the insulation was installed—comfort, energy bills, or both?
The difference is startling. Last summer, I was miserable in my office. No amount of air conditioning, fans or working at certain hours could provide relief. Now I look forward to spending time in my office. I was also able to install an energy-efficient glass door that provides natural light and allows me to see the birds on the adjacent trees while I work in comfort. The energy audit also revealed that the largest percentage of energy demand was from my office. Since adding the insulation and the energy efficient door, my electric bill has dropped 20 percent. 
 
Were there any surprises or challenges along the way as you worked on improving your home’s efficiency?
The biggest surprise was realizing I had no insulation in the office. On the other hand a welcome surprise was knowing how efficient the main portion of my home is. The only additional recommendation for the main portion of my home was to add an insulation blanket to my water heater -- which is relatively inexpensive. 
 
What final thoughts do you have for other Newton County residents who are thinking about getting an energy audit and possibly upgrading their home’s insulation?
The cost of the $500 audit for my home was worth every penny. I cannot tell you how dumbfounded I was that there was no insulation in a portion of my home that was otherwise so energy efficient. 

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Editor’s note: The federal tax credit for home insulation and air sealing is 30 percent up to $1,200 and is 30 percent up to $150 for household energy audits. See 2025 IRS instructions for more information.