Home energy savings advisor

Homeowners facing high energy bills, people buying older homes, and landlords with a few rental properties.

A flat fee per home visit and report, with optional extras such as follow-up calls, help with contractor quotes or rebate paperwork.

• Understanding how homes use energy
• Clear report writing
• Explaining costs and savings simply
• Customer service

• Check whether your state or city requires a license or certification to call yourself an energy auditor or assessor
• General liability insurance, and ask an insurer whether you need professional liability (errors and omissions) cover
• Incentive programs and rules change often, so confirm details before promising savings
• Avoid guaranteeing specific savings and be clear that results vary
• Check your city or county for a business license and any home occupation rules if you work from home

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the tools you buy, any training or certification you choose and your insurance. These are estimates, so confirm real prices before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around $600 to $3,500, depending on how many home visits you book and what you charge. It is an estimate of revenue, not profit, and you would typically need at least about 8 hours a week.

Check whether your state or city requires a license or certification to call yourself an energy auditor or assessor. Also check insurance, including whether you need professional liability cover, and confirm incentive program details before promising savings.