Residential Comfort & Energy Efficiency

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. 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. 11. Attic Ventilation Evaluation
   12. Indoor Air Quality
   13. Humidity Mitigation
   14. Draft Mitigation
   15. Window/Door Assessment
   16. Overall Insulation Assessment
   17. Overall Air Barrier Assessment
   18. HVAC General Evaluation
   19. Exhaust Fan Evaluation
   20. 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. 21. Understand Where You Lose Energy
   22. Find New and Unknown Leakage Points
   23. Focus Efforts on Correct Things
   24. Get a Report Detailing Usage
   25. Hot Water Temperature Reading
   26. Immediate Energy Saving Installs @ Audit
   27. Thermostat Recommendations
   28. Thermal Imaging to Pinpoint Issues
   29. General Advice on What Actually Works
   30. 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. 31. Identify Areas in Need of Attention
   32. Begin to See Your Home in Three Dimensions
   33. Learn About the Highest Impact Project for You
   34. Whole House Approach
   35. Easy Do it Yourself Project Tips
   36. Avoid Doing Projects Out of Order
   37. Avoid Common Home Improvement Pitfalls
   38. Unbiased Recommendations
   39. Material Condition Summary
   40. Unbiased Roof Evaluation

Home Improvement Education

An old cliche: Knowledge is Power

1. 41. Building Science Principles
   42. Proven Examples of Success
   43. Testing with an Element of Your Participation
   44. How Physic Plays a Role
   45. Learn the Basics About What is Most Impactful
   46. Take the Knowledge with You
   47. Ask Questions About Your Home
   48. Reorganize Priorities
   49. Learn from Other Homeowners
   50. 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. 51. Slow Climate Change
   52. Do Your Part!
   53. Structural Sustainability
   54. Better Indoor Air Quality – Better Health
   55. Less HVAC Usage = Longer Machine Life
   56. Teach Others what You Learn
   57. Longer lasting HVAC equipment
   58. Money Savings
   59. Use Less Energy
   60. 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. 61. Not a Sales Call
   62. No Pressure
   63. Unbiased Information
   64. Work with a Contractor who is on Your Side
   65. Third Party Verification
   66. Quality Control Levers
   67. Confidence in Certifications
   68. A Comprehensive Service
   69. No Sales Gimmicks
   70. Measured Projects Mean Managed Projects

Unlock Rebates

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

1. 71. Higher Incentives for Doing it Right!
   72. Get Higher Return on Investment Ratios
   73. Get Guidance on AC Efficiency Ratings
   74. Learn which Furnace Rating is Right for You
   75. Get Guidance on the Best Water Heaters to Buy
   76. Learn About Rebates for Energy Efficient Windows
   77. Determine if thermostat rebates will make sense
   78. Special Increased Incentive periods
   79. Determine the Simple Payback (Years)
   80. 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. 81. Make Home Project Decisions from a Place of Knowledge
   82. Use the Knowledge Gained to Solve Issues Around Your Home
   83. Know the Projects Around Your Home that Are and Are not Feasible
   84. Value from auditor insights (we see stuff every day)
   85. Less Likely to be Taken Advantage of by Contractors
   86. Know Exactly where Your Home’s Performance Stands – Snapshot!
   87. Blower Door Test Uncovers Real Leakage Areas for Treatment
   88. Rule Theories In or Out
   89. Understand the Science Behind the Solutions
   90. 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. 91. Professional Assessment
   92. Discover Deficiencies
   93. Moisture Evaluation in “dark places”
   94. Pest Evaluation
   95. Ventilation Evaluation
   96. Roof Sheathing Inspection
   97. Structural Inspection
   98. Electrical Inspection
   99. Insulation Inspection
   100. Duct inspection