ecobeco's August 2012 Newsletter
ecoTips, News, Deals, and More - And it's Free!
|
|
|
|
|
| ecobeco is a Rockville-based energy efficiency company. We are a participating contractor in energy savings programs from Pepco Maryland, Baltimore Gas & Electric, Potomac Edison (Allegheny Power), and Northern Virginia-LEAP. Learn more about us by visiting www.ecobeco.com |
Greetings!
After the warmest winter on record, we're now experiencing the warmest summer! Your high air conditioning bills might be a bit shocking, and we're here to help. Read on for:
- $100 Energy Audits and 50% Rebates State-Wide in Maryland for 2012
- ecoTip: How to Control Moisture in Your Home
- Multi-Family Quick Energy Check-Ups
- 2012 Energy Code Takes Effect
- Introducing new ecobeco Staff
- Upcoming Events: Riverdale STEP-UP, Hyattsville Arts Festival, DC Green Festival, King Farm Fall Festival
- ecobeco's Referral Program Extended Through August 31
- ecobeco wins Century Club award from Department of Energy
- ecobeco launches Quick Home Energy Check-Ups with Pepco and Potomac Edison at No Charge
- Low Interest Financing from Maryland for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
- Sungevity Solar Power for Maryland Homes
- We'd Love to Hear Your Feedback
Enjoy! |
$100 Energy Audits and 50% Rebates State-Wide in Maryland for 2012
|
| Pepco, BGE, Potomac Edison, and SMECO have officially launched one of the country's most aggressive Home Performance Rebate Programs right here in the State of Maryland.
The new program features:
- $100 Energy Audits (for a standard-sized home).
- Installation of CFLs, low-flow showerheads, water heater pipe wrap, and more, at no charge to the customer.
- 50% cash rebates on air sealing, insulation, and more. This cash rebate will be limited to $2,000 per household.
If you're ready to take advantage of these savings, give us a call today!
|
|
ecoTip: How to Control Moisture in Your Home
| |
(This article is taken from the EPA's website on mold. Click here to view the complete site.)
Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.
There are many ways to control moisture in your home: -
Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. (The ground should slope away from the house.) Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow.
-
Put a plastic cover over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
-
Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic). Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
- Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
 -
Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
-
Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside.) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat to the cold surfaces. Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
-
Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often. In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
|
|
Huge Savings for Apartments & Condos with Quick Energy Check-Ups
| | 
In the last 2 months, ecobeco has become heavily involved in Pepco's Multi-Family Quick Energy Check-Up program. We've been busy bringing energy efficient light bulbs, low flow sink aerators, low flow showerheads, and more to residents living in apartments and condos, saving residents thousands of dollars annually.
The best part about this service is that there is NO COST for buildings in the Pepco Maryland service territory. Both individually metered and master metered condos are eligible. Quick Energy Check-Ups are sponsored by EmPower Maryland. A typical home or apartment can save about $100 annually in electricity and up to $50 in water and sewer costs, from having a Check-Up!
A resident at one of our recently completed condo building projects, The Forum in North Bethesda, blogged about the fantastic experience she had with the Multi-Family Quick Energy Check-Up. Her building is projected to save over $10,000 annually and she intends to track the progress over the next few years!
To residents of multi-unit buildings, we encourage you to bring this information to your Property Manager or Board of Directors. Encourage your neighbors to support this program for the building and ask us to help you in speaking with the property management or neighbors. To Property Managers, we invite you to contact us and we are happy to answer all your questions about this no-cost program and get your building signed up to participate. Go green and give us a call today to help you and your building be more environmentally friendly while saving money!
240-396-2141
|
|
2012 Energy Codes Take Effect in Montgomery County, MD
| |
 |
|
Montgomery County Council Adopts the Latest ICC Codes
Ecobeco strives to make recommendations that help bring our customers' homes to current or better standards of code. Montgomery County has recently updated their codes. Hopefully this will lead to greater energy efficiency in Montgomery County, the state as a whole, and your home!
Codes typically apply to new homes and any new additions being put onto existing homes. Existing structures may need to be updated to bring the additions into compliance. Discuss the details with your contractor or Montgomery County's Department of Permitting Services
On June 26, 2012, the Montgomery County Council adopted the 2012 editions of the International Building Code (IBC), the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), the International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), the International Mechanical Code (IMC), and the International Residential Code (IRC). These govern all buildings and structures within Montgomery County.
Of particular interest is the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which is adopted by many state and municipal governments in the United States to address energy conservation and efficiency requirements. It applies to aspects of energy use in both commercial and residential construction, including heating and ventilation, lighting, water heating, and power usage for appliances and building systems. The 2012 IECC saves 32.1% of energy spent for heating, cooling, water heating, and lighting against a 2006 IECC baseline.
Maryland adopted the 2012 version of the International Energy Conservation Code in January 2012. The jurisdictions within the state then have a period of time to adopt/implement the latest code. Montgomery County has now adopted the 2012 IECC.
These codes are applicable to the construction, alteration, addition, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and/or maintenance of all buildings and structures, and their service equipment, within Montgomery County. Utilizing the 2012 codes keeps Montgomery County in compliance with the Maryland Building Performance Standards (MBPS).
Ecobeco is pleased that the State of Maryland and Montgomery County are working to help ensure a more energy efficient future.
Information regarding this resolution can be found at: http://www6.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/council/pdf/res/2012/20120626_17-483.pdf
|
|
Introducing NEW ecobeco Staff!
| |
 | Matt, Monica and Melissa
|
ecobeco would like to introduce a few new faces that support the expert energy efficiency work we bring to the community.
We are excited to welcome Melissa Johnston, Director of Human Resources and Accounting. We've also added 5 new Energy Auditor Assistants to the team, who are out in the field working with our auditors and customers every week. They are Ed Naessens, Daniel Ferrante, Pete Strain, Alena Martinez-Hart, and Matt Bonventre.
Finally, we have expanded our efforts for Multi-Family Quick Home Energy Check-ups. Monica Downs, our Operations and Logistics Specialist, is responsible for making sure our projects run smoothly.
You can learn about all of our ecoAdvocates by visiting our website:
http://www.ecobeco.com/about_meetAdvocates.asp |
|
Upcoming Events: September and October
| |
Saturday September 8, 11:30am-1pm
Small Town Energy Program
Riverdale Park Town Hall
This is a STEP (Small Town Energy Program)-UP event. STEP-UP was created to help homeowners lower their energy bills and provide financial incentives for making energy saving improvements . Come see what it's all about. Learn more about the Small Town Energy Program
Saturday September 22nd, 11am-5pmHyattsville Arts Festival
5331 Baltimore Ave.
Hyattsville, MD 20781The fifth annual downtown Hyattsville Arts Festival will take place in the Gateway Arts District at the intersection of Route 1 & Jefferson St, at the Shoppes at Arts District Hyattsville retail town center. Last year over 2,000 residents came out to enjoy the festival. There will be over 50 exhibiting artists, live entertainment, and great food. Learn more about the Hyattsville Arts FestivalSaturday September 29, 10am-7pm Sunday September 30, 11am-6pmDC Green FestivalWashington Convention Center801 Mt. Vernon Place, NWThe nation's largest and most diverse sustainability event is returning to Washington DC in late September! The weekend will feature an organic, vegetarian, and vegan food court as well as an organic beer and wine garden. In addition to numerous other activities there will be an eco-fashion show, a Green Pets Stage, DIY workshops, cooking demos, and a Green Marketplace featuring a variety of products and services. In the past, more than 30,000 individuals have taken part in DC Green Festival! Learn more about DC Green FestivalSunday October 7, 12pm-4pm6th Annual King Farm Fall Festival300 Saddle Ridge CircleRockville, MD 20850The 6th Annual King Farm Fall Festival will take place in early October and is sure to be a good time. There will be activities for children including scarecrow making, hayrides, pumpkin painting, and giant inflatables. Additionally, there will be music, vendors, and a Business Fair. Learn more about the King Farm Fall Festival
Sign up to attend and let us know you're coming on facebook!
|
ecobeco's Referral Program Extended to August 31
|
| Good news! ecobeco customers have been on a roll with referrals in 2012. We'd like to keep this positive momentum going and we are extending the Referral Program to August 31st!
As a reader of our newsletter, we know you support ecobeco's mission to help home owners save energy, money and the environment. We appreciate the many referrals made over the past few years.
We want to continue to reward you for all the referrals by putting a little money in your pockets when you refer your friends to ecobeco!
Click here to send an email to your friends about ecobeco's  services. Tell your friends about our award-winning Home Energy Audit services, and when they purchase an audit (and mention you when they book it), we'll send you $25. They can call us at 240-396-2141 to get started. Tell your friends about Sungevity Solar, and if they sign up for solar power using the "ecobeco" referral code and mention your name in the notes section of their iQuote, we'll send you a check for $250. One more thing to mention. You don't have to be a customer of ecobeco to take advantage of the referral program. Tell your friends about our program and they can tell their friends and we'll spread the green around! www.ecobeco.com/referral Check the referral program website for more information. Thanks for your support!
To qualify, audits must be booked and solar leases signed by August 31, 2012.
|
|
ecobeco wins Century Club award from Department of Energy
| |
The Century Club Award has arrived and is on display at the ecobeco offices! The Department of Energy named ecobeco to its Century Club, which recognizes contractors who complete Home Performance projects at 100 or more homes.
"Century Club Contractors have focused their businesses on providing comprehensive solutions resulting in whole-house improvements backed by ENERGY STAR. These improvements increase the comfort and value of a home, and reduce the amount of energy used to operate the home. That means money in the homeowner's pocket, a more reliable grid, and a healthier environment," said Ely Jacobsohn, Program Manager of Home Performance with ENERGY STAR.
|
|
ecobeco Launches Quick Home Energy Check-Ups with Pepco and Potomac Edison at No Charge To You
| | |
In an effort to provide basic energy upgrades and education to large numbers of Maryland ratepayers, the Maryland Public Service Commission ordered utilities to provide the Quick Home Energy Check-Up (QHEC) at NO CHARGE.
During a QHEC, your ecobeco energy auditor will install CFL Lighting and other energy-saving measures. Most home owners will save over $100 per year in electricity and another $50 per year in water and sewer costs.
      
Who is eligible for a Quick Home Energy Check-up?
This service is available to all residents who live in a condo, apartment, townhouse or single family home in the Pepco service territory. Your electricity does not need to be supplied by Pepco.
Should I get a QHEC or a Comprehensive Energy Audit?
The Comprehensive Energy Audit now includes the same direct install measures as the QHEC. There is no substitute for the thoroughness and instrumented testing done in a Comprehensive Energy Audit, and for anyone looking to make a change the Comprehensive Energy Audit should be your first choice. For people who are feeling budget constrained, or who feel they will not be making any improvements over the next year or two, the QHEC is a good way to get started on saving energy and to get educated on Pepco's other programs.
Can I get both?
If you have had a QHEC, you definitely can get a Comprehensive Energy Audit so you become eligible for 50% rebates up to $2,000 per household. Since Energy Audits now include direct installs, if you have had an Energy Audit, you are not allowed to obtain a QHEC later. If your Energy Audit is from 2011 or earlier, you can receive the no cost direct install measures from your Home Performance Contractor when you make your energy efficiency improvements. Just tell your contractor when you sign your contract that you need those items installed.
Can ecobeco install measures for me during my Test-Out?
No, ecobeco is not allowed to install measures during your Test-Out. Your Home Performance Contractor should install measures while they are making your home energy efficiency improvements.
Visit our website www.ecobeco.com/qhec for more information. You can make an appointment for a QHEC by calling the ecobeco office.
240-396-2141
|
Low Interest Financing from Maryland for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
|
|  The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has partnered with the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC), with support from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop an innovative energy efficiency financing initiative for Maryland property owners. As part of the Governor's Smart, Green, and Growing Initiative, the Maryland Home Energy Loan Program (MHELP) will help Marylanders take control of their energy future and stimulate new "green collar" jobs. There are two interest rates available for eligible consumers - 6.99% or 9.99%. A rate of 6.99% APR is available for consumers completing a Home Performance Energy Audit (that's what ecobeco does) and installing various energy efficiency measures including insulation, duct sealing, weather stripping, equipment replacement, chimney repairs, and more. They've recently adding solar PV systems and geothermal systems to the list of eligible items! Details on what kind of work is eligible is available at their website. The first step toward securing a 6.99% loan is completing a Home Performance home energy audit performed by ecobeco. The resulting audit report will recommend several ways a home can save energy. Work performed by ecobeco's recommended contractors qualifies for the loan.
With audit recommendations in hand, Marylanders can start here to apply. Loans are available for primary residences only and condos are not eligible.
A second rate of 9.99% APR is available for consumers completing equipment upgrades only, such as a furnace or HVAC unit that meet MCEC and ENERGY STAR standards. A Home Performance energy audit is not required for the 9.99% program. Loans are available up to $30,000.
If you need help getting work done, or you want to schedule an audit, give us a call at (240) 396-2141.
Questions regarding the loan program can be directed the Maryland Clean Energy Center at 301-738-6280 or loans@mdcleanenergy.org.
|
Sungevity Solar Power for Maryland Homes
|
| |
You finished the energy efficiency improvements in your home, and you are wondering what else can you do? Going solar seems like an interesting project, but fronting $40K for a system does not. No longer.
Sungevity Solar brings its groundbreaking Solar Lease to Maryland helping you do your part for the environment and increase your home's value. Sungevity is a top-ranked California solar company and has expanded its coverage area to Maryland. The solar lease features:
- $0 Down Lease or Prepaid Lease - Instead of paying full price up-front, you can lease the panels for a low monthly cost. Alternatively, by prepaying the lease, you can avoid finance charges and eliminate monthly payments completely.
- Instant Savings with Guaranteed Output - Sungevity's performance guarantee states upfront what your expected solar output will be so that there is no guesswork. Plus, most customers are saving an average of 15% on their monthly energy bills with the solar panels!
- Full-Service Solar - Sungevity maintains the panels at no cost to you for the life of the lease.
- A free, no-hassle iQuote within 24 hours - Using super-smart satellite technology, Sungevity can provide your iQuote in 24 hours. Then, the Sungevity sales consultant will answer your questions by phone. Everything is electronic. You can go from iQuote to contract as soon as you're ready.
- Be sure to use referral code "ecobeco" to ensure discounted pricing.
- Note the Sungevity Lease is currently available only to Maryland customers with FICO scores of 700 or higher. This requirement fluctuates, so we encourage customers with 600 - 700 FICO scores to obtain iQuotes so Sungevity can contact you when the lease requirements change.
- Sungevity solar is only available in Maryland
CURRENT SPECIALS:
Special 1: Receive one month's lease payment from ecobeco!* Be sure to enter referral code "ecobeco" on the last page when you create your iQuote. Or call us at (240) 396-2141 x 2 and we will be happy to submit the iQuote request for you.
*ecobeco will provide a cash payment equal to one month of Sungevity lease payments up to a total of $150 per household (fully prepaid leaseholders will receive $150). Allow 6 weeks after activation of your solar system to receive payment. To qualify, customer must use the referral code 'ecobeco' when creating an iQuote. Visit http://www.ecobeco.com/solar for more information.
|
| We'd Love to Hear Your Feedback |
| |
We're a service business and your opinions and referrals matter to us!
Over the past 2 years, your feedback helped us win the 2010 & 2011 Super Service Award for Energy Efficiency Auditing from Angie's List. Please take a moment to share your experiences with our team and help inform your community about its local businesses. We appreciate your time to make our processes and products better!
Find out what other customers have been saying about ecobeco and leave a few comments of your own by going to Angie's List, Checkbook, Yelp and/or Facebook. If you are a member of these sites, please rate us and help grow our network!
Thank you!
|
We hope you enjoyed reading our newsletter. We'd love to hear from you. Please feel free to forward this information to friends and family.  Thanks,
Brian, Reuven, Gina, Melissa, Cindy, Nick, Mike, Jonathan, Jim, George, Olu, Vince, Suresh, Jillian, Mike M, Patrick, Ellen, Matt, Daniel, Ed, Pete, and Alena.
(240) 396-2141
info@ecobeco.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
