Skip to main content
#
Schedule Online

Top Viewed Articles

Home Comfort Tips

I invite you to explore my YouTube channel, where you'll see first-hand how insulation looks in dark and mysterious attics, crawl spaces, and basements scattered across Maryland. Witness first-hand how we tackle the unique challenges found in these hidden spaces, and gain valuable knowledge on how to conquer your own house.

Insulation Video Library

Insulation Video Library

Like this article? 

Get two free guides:

Replacement Window Report &

Home Efficiency Report

Join a community!


Learn how to move the
home comfort needle!

Save Energy

Effective Tips

From a Certified Pro

Energy Auditor

 

Eric Gans
Certified Energy Auditor

Subscribe
Submit

Residential Comfort & Energy Efficiency

Home Comfort Newsletter Signup

* indicates required

I invite you to explore my YouTube channel, where you'll see first-hand some of the issues we are out there fixing.

Tuesday, August 10 2021
100 Reasons to Get a $100 Maryland Home Energy Audit

Energy auditor and window specials

Written by Eric Gans

I have over 1500 energy audits under my belt in Maryland.  I like to take my personal experiences with each of my audit customers and try to get the things that concern them out into the world so others can make good home improvement decisions - in the right order - according to their needs.

 

It does not surprise me that with some thought, I was able to come up with 100 reasons why you should get a Maryland home energy audit through BGE or Pepco. 

Each reason is worth $1.  Seems like a very good value when you look at it like this...

There are probably hundreds more that are not listed.  I have broken it down into ten categories.  

Health & Safety

A home energy audit tests several key health and safety elements around a home that need to be monitored from time to time just to be sure everything is working right.

    1. Foundation Inspection
    2. Combustion Analytics
    3. Spillage Testing
    4. Natural/Propane Gas Leakage Testing
    5. Mold/Mildew Inspection
    6. CO Monitoring/Detection
    7. Combustion Zone Safety Inspection
    8. Smoke Detector Assessment
    9. Flue/Chimney Inspection
    10. General Electrical - Visual

More Comfortable Home

Most people think they have to live with a hot upstairs in summer or drafts in the winter, but maybe you don't.

    1. Attic Ventilation Evaluation
    2. Indoor Air Quality
    3. Humidity Mitigation
    4. Draft Mitigation
    5. Window/Door Assessment
    6. Overall Insulation Assessment
    7. Overall Air Barrier Assessment
    8. HVAC General Evaluation
    9. Exhaust Fan Evaluation
    10. Temperature Variance Control Methods

Save Money

Using less energy = $ savings and you get more comfort in return.  There is a win/win for ya!

    1. Understand Where You Lose Energy
    2. Find New and Unknown Leakage Points
    3. Focus Efforts on Correct Things
    4. Get a Report Detailing Usage
    5. Hot Water Temperature Reading
    6. Immediate Energy Saving Installs @ Audit
    7. Thermostat Recommendations
    8. Thermal Imaging to Pinpoint Issues
    9. General Advice on What Actually Works
    10. Avoid Spending on Wrong Solutions

Create a Home Improvement Priority List

There is no worse sinking feeling then when someone tells you that you should have done that first and you know you gotta do what you already did again.

    1. Identify Areas in Need of Attention
    2. Begin to See Your Home in Three Dimensions
    3. Learn About the Highest Impact Project for You
    4. Whole House Approach
    5. Easy Do it Yourself Project Tips
    6. Avoid Doing Projects Out of Order
    7. Avoid Common Home Improvement Pitfalls
    8. Unbiased Recommendations
    9. Material Condition Summary
    10. Unbiased Roof Evaluation

Home Improvement Education

An old cliche: Knowledge is Power

    1. Building Science Principles
    2. Proven Examples of Success
    3. Testing with an Element of Your Participation
    4. How Physic Plays a Role
    5. Learn the Basics About What is Most Impactful
    6. Take the Knowledge with You
    7. Ask Questions About Your Home
    8. Reorganize Priorities
    9. Learn from Other Homeowners
    10. Comprehensive Reporting Package

Contribution to Sustainable Future

A typical HVAC machine in our area runs for about 20 years.  With less usage the life span easily goes up to 30.

    1. Slow Climate Change
    2. Do Your Part!
    3. Structural Sustainability
    4. Better Indoor Air Quality – Better Health
    5. Less HVAC Usage = Longer Machine Life
    6. Teach Others what You Learn
    7. Longer lasting HVAC equipment
    8. Money Savings
    9. Use Less Energy
    10. Better Resale Value

A Different Home Improvement Experience

Working within the BGE/Pepco program gives the homeowner and the energy contractor a clear way to interact that leads to successful results.

    1. Not a Sales Call
    2. No Pressure
    3. Unbiased Information
    4. Work with a Contractor who is on Your Side
    5. Third Party Verification
    6. Quality Control Levers
    7. Confidence in Certifications
    8. A Comprehensive Service
    9. No Sales Gimmicks
    10. Measured Projects Mean Managed Projects

Unlock Rebates

Take advantage of rebates that are driven by how much energy you can save.

    1. Higher Incentives for Doing it Right!
    2. Get Higher Return on Investment Ratios
    3. Get Guidance on AC Efficiency Ratings
    4. Learn which Furnace Rating is Right for You
    5. Get Guidance on the Best Water Heaters to Buy
    6. Learn About Rebates for Energy Efficient Windows
    7. Determine if thermostat rebates will make sense
    8. Special Increased Incentive periods
    9. Determine the Simple Payback (Years)
    10. Learn About Door Replacement Incentives

Feel Empowered

Make confident decisions when it comes to other projects around the home knowing which will and which won't actually save you energy.

    1. Make Home Project Decisions from a Place of Knowledge
    2. Use the Knowledge Gained to Solve Issues Around Your Home
    3. Know the Projects Around Your Home that Are and Are not Feasible
    4. Value from auditor insights (we see stuff every day)
    5. Less Likely to be Taken Advantage of by Contractors
    6. Know Exactly where Your Home’s Performance Stands – Snapshot!
    7. Blower Door Test Uncovers Real Leakage Areas for Treatment
    8. Rule Theories In or Out
    9. Understand the Science Behind the Solutions
    10. Know what Issues Exist so you can do a Little at a Time

Attic and Crawl Inspection

There are not too many people that like to go into an attic or crawl space and it is an energy auditors job to do so.

    1. Professional Assessment
    2. Discover Deficiencies
    3. Moisture Evaluation in “dark places”
    4. Pest Evaluation
    5. Ventilation Evaluation
    6. Roof Sheathing Inspection
    7. Structural Inspection
    8. Electrical Inspection
    9. Insulation Inspection
    10. Duct inspection
Comments:

Post comment
Name
 *
Email Address

Message
(max 750 characters)
*
* Required Fields
Note: All comments are subject to approval. Your comment will not appear until it has been approved.

Insulation Video Library

Insulation Video Library

    Specialized Maryland Contractor

     

    • MHIC Licensed
    • Building Analyst Certified
    • Envelope Professional Certification
    • EPA Lead Renovator Certified
    • YouTube Learning Channel
       

     

    Our mission is to help Maryland homeowners create a more comfortable home and save energy. We achieve this by applying building science principles and modern air sealing and insulating techniques.


    Google Reviews

    Services & Service Areas

    SERVICE AREA COUNTIES
    Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Baltimore City, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County

     

     

    hometrust is an energy star partner

    Contact Us
    our facebook page youtube

    MHIC License # 114593
    Approved BGE Energy Contractor
    Approved Pepco Energy Contractor

     

    MHIC 114593
    8345 Sperry Court
    Laurel, MD 20723
    301.957.6532
    info@hometrustremodeling.com

     

    Hometrust Remodeling

    Proudly working in BGE & Pepco's Home Performance w/ ENERGY STAR program in Maryland to deliver whole-house energy savings to improve comfort & help protect the environment.
    2024 Hometrust Remodeling | All Rights Reserved

    An Energy Auditor's Purpose 
    "Energy auditors visit residential buildings and talk to owners and residents.  They inspect, test, and measure to decide what energy-efficient retrofits are practical and cost-effective." Residential Energy