Maintaining customer satisfaction is a crucial aspect of any business, but it’s even more important for home energy auditors that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award. For CalRATERS, Inc., the key to keeping clients happy is simple: work closely with them to make sure all of their energy efficiency requirements are being met. “A lot of people don’t understand the nuances of this industry, so by working one-on-one with our clients, we’re able to relieve their stress and simplify the process,” explains co-owner Nikole Jonsson. “Once we determine where their homes are losing energy, we’re able to provide them with solutions that help them reduce their energy bills and make their homes more energy efficient.”

CalRATERS has been offering services that are designed to meet the energy needs of residential clients in Contra Costa, Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, Sonoma, Napa and Solano Counties since 2015. The family-owned and operated company is best known for performing home energy audits and Title 24 HERS inspections, but it’s also qualified to help homeowners navigate the BayREN rebate process, provide energy compliance certificates for new construction projects and more.

Unlike less experienced companies that are only qualified to handle one part of the energy auditing process, CalRATERS is a one-stop shop for all things related to energy efficiency. “We can do full home energy audits and provide detailed reports, but we can also help our clients coordinate with top contractors and stay involved throughout the course of their energy upgrade projects,” says Ms. Jonsson. “Once those upgrades are completed, we’ll come back to do the required final testing and submit all of the rebates to make sure they’re paid out in full.”

Ultimately, Ms. Jonsson says CalRATERS’ personalized approach to customer service has been its most important attribute. “We don’t just come in and test our clients’ systems—we provide them with solutions that fulfill their individual needs. We start building relationships with our clients from their very first phone call, and when we go out in the field, we make sure we’re taking care of their homes by wearing shoe booties and taking other protective measures.”

Learn what an energy audit can mean for you and your home.

According to Energy.gov, energy efficiency is “one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to combat climate change, clean the air we breathe, improve the competitiveness of our businesses, and reduce energy costs for consumers.” But while you might see and hear it almost everywhere these days, “energy efficiency” is more than just a buzz phrase. In fact, practical implementation of energy-efficient practices and materials can save you money, keep you more comfortable in your home and/or office, and keep contractors accountable.

“Some people think that energy testing is only useful for permits or because it’s required, but there are absolutely benefits for homeowners,” says Nikole Jonsson, co-owner of CalRATERS, Inc. in San Ramon. “By having energy testing done on your home, you’re making sure your HVAC system and ductwork are as efficient as they can possibly be. You get the benefit of knowing that your contractor has done a quality job, so it validates that you got what you paid for.”

Along with holding contractors responsible for installing equipment correctly and making sure HVAC systems are working efficiently, energy auditors provide additional testing and advice. “The best place to start is figuring out where your energy is being wasted,” offers Ms. Jonsson. “Professional energy auditors perform tests that provide specific information about how home systems are functioning. For example, an air filtration blower test will expose any air leakage within the envelope of a home. Replacing leaky windows, doors, electrical fixtures or lights is a great way to improve home energy efficiency.”

Ms. Jonsson says making those types of minor upgrades and repairs can be enough to keep your rooms comfortable, reduce your heating and cooling bills, limit unnecessary wear and tear on your HVAC equipment, and help you live Greener without a lot of hassle.

Q: How soon can you start my project?

A: It depends on our schedule, but we have a much faster turnaround than our competitors when it comes to scheduling, and we provide final certificates and paperwork within 24 hours of the project’s completion.

Q: What is HERS testing?

A: HERS is a home energy test that’s conducted on any new heating, air conditioning or duct system that’s being installed. It’s required by the State of California and the California Energy Commission. We provide all of that testing in addition to any certificates that are needed to sign off on city permits.

Q: Why are my energy bills so high?

A: Energy loss within homes contributes to high energy bills. We can test energy-consuming items like furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, insulation, appliances, light bulbs and more. Through this advanced testing, we can determine what’s wasting energy and fix the problem.

Q: How can I make my home more energy efficient?

A: Leaky windows, doors, electrical fixtures and lights can cause your home to lose energy efficiency, so you can start by testing those things and replacing them if necessary. We can also depressurize your house and see how much air leakage is coming in and out. Once we pinpoint the areas of energy loss, we can show you how to fix the problem. Sometimes it’s as simple as weatherstripping a door or repairing a window.

Q: What can I do if I don’t want a full energy audit?

A: Through the U.S. Department of Energy, we can give you a free home energy score that rates your home from 1 to 10, from least efficient to most efficient. You’ll also get a small report on the major energy-consuming items in your home.

Q: Can I trust your service providers?

A: Absolutely. Our service providers represent themselves very professionally in the field. They arrive in CalRATERS vehicles and wear shirts and hats with our company logo, and they’ll also wear booties inside your house to protect your flooring.