HomeEnergyMD FAQ's
GENERAL
Why should I choose HomeEnergyMD™?
Your HomeEnergyMD™ has earned certification through the Building Performance Institute (BPI), a national resource for building science technology that sets standards for assessing and improving the energy performance of homes. BPI-certified professionals use the most advanced state-of-the-art equipment to test your home and identify energy efficiency improvements. Your HomeEnergyMD will diagnose the ailments of your home and our Energy Management Technicians™ (EMT's) will cure your home of what ails it!
What is "Energy Billitis"?
Energy Billitis occurs when your family's comfort is sacrificed because your energy bills are too high. If you are minimizing your energy usage and your bills are still through the roof, your home is probably suffering from Energy Billitis.
HOME ENERGY PHYSICAL™
What is it?
A comprehensive home assessment is the first step towards improving your home's efficiency, reducing energy bills, and increasing comfort, health and safety. The assessment will test your home for air leakage using a blower door and other state-of-the-art tools. The duct system will be tested for air distribution, and your home's insulation, heating and cooling system, windows, appliances and lighting will be evaluated for energy-efficiency. You will learn what improvements can be made, as well as the cost of making the improvements. During the assessment your HomeEnergyMD will use a carbon monoxide analyzer to test before and after any energy efficiency improvements for safety.
How long does it take to complete the Home Energy Physical™?
Depending on the size of your home, the physical can be completed in 2-3 hours.
Who needs to be home for the Home Energy Physical™?
We require that a homeowner be present for the Physical.
How should I prepare for my Home Energy Physical™?
Before your appointment, you will receive several pieces of information (either by mail or e-mail) that you should take a moment to look over. Also, have the most recent copies of your energy bills handy (gas & electric) and know the size of your house (square footage). Finally, make sure that our HomeEnergyMD™ is able to access your furnace, hot water heater, attic and/or attic crawlspace.
What tools do you use to diagnose my home?
We use state-of the art equipment and software. Some of our tools include: a blower door, infra-red camera and a CO2 (carbon monoxide) detector.
CURING YOUR HOME
What types of remedies do you offer?
Depending on your home's needs, HomeEnergyMD™ can make improvements designed to improve the energy-efficiency of your home. Recommendations will be based on the results of the Home Energy Physical and will be tailored to your needs.
If I choose to use the recommended treatment plan from my HomeEnergyMD, how long until the work is completed?
Most projects can be completed in about 2-4 weeks. Ask your HomeEnergyMD for details.
Can I choose which options of the treatment plan I would like to do?
Your HomeEnergyMD™ will provide a recommended treatment plan. However, it can be customized to your needs based on time, budget and immediate needs.
Can programmable thermostats help lower costs?
Properly controlling a thermostat can help reduce your heating and cooling costs. Programmable thermostats can automatically adjust the temperature at pre-determined times while you are away from your home or while you are sleeping. You can enjoy greater comfort conveniently, without wasting time or energy. However, only a whole house approach can result in maximum energy savings.
Can you help me stop ice dams from forming on my roof?
Yes. Ice dams form when the snow on the roof melts and re-freezes, and the ice backs its way under the roof shingles. Further melting can occur at this point, causing water leaks and damage. A major reason for ice melting on the roof is warm air from the home leaking into the attic, moving past the insulation and warming the underside of the roof. This can happen even when there are thick amounts of insulation in your attic, if the warm air is allowed to by-pass the insulation via air gaps and leaks between the attic and heated living spaces below. This means insulation alone is not always enough to correct the problem. HomeEnergyMD can make improvements to help stop air leaks and ensure proper insulation and ventilation is present to remedy the problem. Because we use special testing equipment such as a blower door we can correct problems conventional contractors often miss
How can I tell if my heating system is running efficiently?
The telltale signs of an improperly functioning heating system include varying temperatures from room to room, the house feels too hot or too cold, and the heating unit cycles on and off excessively. Homes with forced air heating systems use a duct system to distribute air. Most ducts, whether old or new, have cracks, gaps and holes that can waste a large percentage of the treated air. In addition, it's important to have fuel-burning equipment like fireplaces, water heaters, dryers, and furnaces checked for proper venting to avoid harmful gases, including carbon monoxide, from building up in your home.
Why is insulation important?
Whether your home is old or new, inadequate or improperly installed insulation can lead to high energy costs, uncomfortable rooms and structural problems. Proper insulation levels slow the movement of heat through your walls, floors and ceilings, keeping you warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Your HomeEnergyMD will test before and after work is completed to ensure proper installation, as well as ensure holes, cracks and gaps in your home are sealed for air leakage.
Why is ventilation important?
Ventilation is a vital component to every house. Ventilation systems are important for healthy, safe and comfortable living space. These systems help remove moisture from the air to help avoid mold, mildew and condensation problems. Ventilation also helps eliminate potential indoor air pollutants, cooking odors or stale, stuffy air. A house has to "breathe" and proper ventilation can help ensure your home has a steady, healthy amount of fresh air.
Why is air sealing important?
Insulation alone is not always enough to make sure your home is energy efficient. Stopping air leaks, ensuring proper insulation and providing controlled ventilation are the three major objectives to ensure a home is tight while providing a sufficient supply of fresh air.
What about the condition of the doors and windows?
It's important to have well-insulated, high-performance windows and doors. You will see and feel the difference through improved comfort, reduced condensation and lower utility costs. Look for the ENERGY STAR label to identify the most efficient windows, skylights, and sliding glass doors.
Why is health and safety testing important when conducting home energy improvements?
Your HomeEnergyMD has been trained to inspect and test combustion appliances such as heating equipment, ovens and water heaters for proper performance to ensure safe operation. This evaluation includes measurement of carbon monoxide (CO) produced by the appliance and testing to ensure that potentially dangerous combustion gases are not introduced into the home. We test for combustion safety problems before and after performing any energy improvements to your home to ensure they are done right.
What options are available to help finance improvements?
Competitive interest rate financing is available to help pay for home improvements. There are no application fees or closing costs needed for these loans. Additional assistance may be available if you meet certain income eligibility requirements.
