So, you're about to buy a new home—or maybe you've just bought one. Regardless of size, style or location, a professional home inspection is invariably one of the terms of the agreement between a buyer and seller. Many homeowners wisely are beginning to focus on the energy that is being used by their future abode and factoring that into their purchase decision. A home energy assessment should be carried out either before closing or promptly thereafter.

You may ask "Why do I need both? Doesn't the home inspection cover the same items as an energy assessment?"

While there is a small amount of overlap, one big difference is perspective. An inspector will test the operation of the existing heating and air conditioning systems, for instance, but it is not his role to say "this boiler is functioning fine but it is only 76 percent efficient and there are now boilers available that are 98 percent efficient" or "this is a 10 SEER air conditioning compressor and there are now 21 SEER units available." The inspector's role is to confirm the proper functioning of the existing equipment. Also, the inspector will test that the existing thermostats are working but not necessarily recommend that all thermostats be changed to programmable models—an inexpensive way to realize energy savings through automatic setbacks of the thermostat at pre-determined times.

Alternatively, a "green" professional looks closely at the state of the building envelope (the portion of the home that is heated and air conditioned) and the efficiency of the equipment, among other things. The question is not only whether there is insulation in the attic and basement but what is the type and quality of the insulation. Is it properly installed? Is it high performance all-borate treated cellulose or spray foam? How leaky is the "building envelope?" Is there a need for caulking, weather-stripping, gaskets, and improved fireplace dampers? What about all of those recessed ceiling lights? Are they air-sealed housings?

Ideally the air in a "tight" home will turn over once every three hours. Most of the homes we visit turn over their air three to four times per hour—and every turnover means re-heating or re-cooling the air. It makes sense to make improvements in the building envelope and HVAC equipment before beginning any painting and other repair work in order to have maximum flexibility and minimize costs.

Air quality is another common concern. Green professionals can assess the safety of the combustion equipment like gas boilers and ranges as well as the presence of asbestos, mold and other items impacting air quality. It is commonplace for new homeowners to plan changes in the appliances—as they should if the appliances are more than 10 years old since appliances are much more energy efficient today than 10 years ago. Replacing refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and laundry machines with Energy Star models will have a noticeable impact on the electric bill.

Best of all, some of the green professionals performing these assessments can help new homeowners with the rebate programs that are available to them, including those offered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). There are also federal tax credits. Depending on the type of assessment and its purpose, homeowners can expect to spend in the range of $300-$1000 for an assessment.

Enjoy your new home! With the outlook for rising energy prices, a home energy assessment in the near future seems prudent and the investment in the assessment and the improvements typically has a relatively short payback period.

Judith Martin is the founder and principal of Green Home Consulting, located in Rye, which focuses on the growing interest in the home-building and remodeling marketplace for environmentally sensitive homes in Westchester and southern Fairfield counties. Green Home Consulting also works with owners of existing homes to improve energy use.