New Farmington Hills Business Aims to Make Homes More Energy Efficient

Amanda Godward wants you to feel comfortable in your own home. 

The Farmington Hills resident has combined a background in engineering with a life-long interest in the environment to create Ecotelligent Homes, which moved this year into office space on Hills Tech Drive. The business celebrated a ribbon-cutting with the on Friday.

Godward said she grew up with parents who stressed growing and buying local, reducing, reusing and recycling. 

"My dad says I'm a hippie," Godward said. "I like to say I'm environmentally aware ... As you become more educated about all that's wasted, you realized there's just gotta be a better way."

Godward's business helps homeowners stop wasting energy, by conducting a detailed audit that starts with an interview during which clients share their concerns.

"The majority of our calls come from two things: customers who just want to save on energy bills, or people looking to improve the comfort of their home."

The audit includes reviewing energy bills and taking measurements in the home, checking the furnace and air conditioning system, to ensure there are no gas leaks, that the units running efficiently and that exhaust is "going where it should". Diagnostic testing involves sophisticated electronic equipment that locates areas where insulation is missing, along with a fan that simulates a 20-mile-per-hour wind and helps locate air leaks. 

The whole assessment takes two or three hours, Godward said. The data is used to create a report that shows the homeowner what issues exist and how suggested improvements – everything from simple caulking to replacing windows or even installing solar panels – might help. Ecotelligent Homes also provides a cost-benefit analysis, so the homeowner knows how long it will take for their investment to pay off.

"That's why energy audits are great," Godward said. "They educate the homeowner." 

Ecotelligent Homes also presents a quote for improvements that "focus on areas with a higher payback, but we focus on comfort concerns as well," she added. 

Pricing for the audits is based on the square footage of the home; a 2,000-square-foot home audit would cost about $400. But Godward said rebates are available to cover that cost. In fact, Ecotelligent Homes helps clients apply for all of the rebates available for any improvements they make, she added. 

Ecotelligent Homes is branching out into business audits as well. To learn more, visit ecotelligenthomes.com.