Recently, our friends at Elysian Energy sent us some useful information about free and low-cost audits – see below.
In addition, you can find other certified auditors at the website of Maryland Home Performance or Virginia Energy Sense. The District Department of the Environment also has a lot of useful information (including how to do a DIY audit).
********************
Elysian Energy, LLC is an energy auditing company located in Silver Spring, Maryland. They believe in a triple-bottom-line of people, planet, and profit. Over the past five years, their experienced auditors have been conducting energy audits to help local homeowners save money on their bills, increase their comfort, and live more sustainably.
An energy audit is way to prioritize home improvements in terms of their energy efficiency. It consists of a home visit from an certified energy auditor as well as a detailed report that contains energy efficient recommendations. An audit is typically priced at $450. However, for most homes located within Washington, DC or Maryland rebates are available to provide audits at no cost or a reduced price.
Jim Conlan of Elysian Energy performs an energy audit on the home of Hannah Schardt in Washington.
Photo from IIPDigital.
In Washington, DC, an energy audit can be completely free. The full cost of an energy audit is rebated through the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) as long as the home is under 4,000 sq. feet. This audit includes a blower door test to find air leakage points in your home and a 2.5 hour home visit from an energy auditor. This program may be ending in July, so hurry and sign up if you are interested. You can sign up by contacting ElysianEnergy at 202-455-0644.
In Maryland, all BGE and PEPCO customers with central air and/or electric heat are now eligible for $100 energy audits as long as the home is under 4,000 sq. feet. This audit includes a blower door test to find air leakage, infrared scans to expose insulation gaps, combustion testing of mechanical equipment to find safety concerns, and a 4 hour home visit from an energy auditor. An $100 energy audit in Maryland is also required to be eligible for up to 50% off of the total cost of insulation and air sealing home improvements. You can sign up by contacting ElysianEnergy at 202-455-0644, or by visiting BGE’swebsite or Pepco’swebsite.
Additionally, there is a free visual check in Maryland through BGE and PEPCO. This includes a visual inspection of your home, compact fluorescent light bulbs, efficient flow showerheads and aerators, pipe insulation, and a 2 hour home visit from an auditor. You can sign up for this program by contacting ElysianEnergy at 202-455-0644, or by visiting BGE’swebsite or Pepco’swebsite.
