ecobeco's December 2012 Newsletter
ecoTips, News, Deals, and More - And it's Free!
December 03, 2012
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!

Buckle in because we're expecting a blistery cold winter this year! Many folks have already had a Comprehensive Home Energy Audit from ecobeco, plus work to improve their homes and are feeling a difference. We've also been busy this year making strides for Energy Efficiency in the DC Metro region and our President has been honored for his efforts. Find us in your community this fall and read on for: 
  • What's in Store for Winter Weather This Year  
  • ecoTip: ecobeco Keeps the Stink Bugs Out
  • $100 Comprehensive Energy Audits and $2,000 in Rebates in Maryland       
  • Huge Savings for Apartments & Condos w/ Quick Energy Check-Ups  
  • ecobeco's Referral Program Extended Through December 31  
  • 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   
  • Does Your Small Business Need Money to Make Energy Efficiency Improvements?  
  • We'd Love to Hear Your Feedback 

Enjoy!

What's in Store for Winter Weather 2012
As our region rebounds from super storm Sandy there are predictions that we are in for just as harsh a winter.
In NJ, Storm Sandy displaced the Star Jet coaster into the ocean.
Notable local meteorologist Judah Cohen from Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER) has developed a methodology for forecasting temperatures for the eastern United States based on early patterns and observations in Siberia. Cohen predicts temperatures this winter will average below normal across the Mid-Atlantic and the Northeast. This also includes the D.C. metro region. He also offers that we'll see more precipitation this wintertime compared to last year. Although Cohen remains purposely vague on his forecast for amount of snow, he seems to hint that there will be heavy snowfall.

However, Accuweather.com is more direct in their forecast for copious amounts of snow this year. Accuweather surmises that storm Sandy, and the storms ensuing shortly thereafter in the Northeast, is the start of the active winter storm season we'll have.

That being the case, we hope that many of you have started considering air sealing and insulation measures for your homes. The benefits of this work are that your home will be able to retain heat inside the house for longer periods of time and your HVAC equipment will not have to work as hard. This will aid in the longevity and durability of your equipment.  Get started now by calling ecobeco for a Comprehensive Home Energy Audit.

 

ecoTip: ecobeco Keeps the Stink Bugs Out

This past fall ecobeco helped some of our customers to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of their home. At the same time, our efforts doubled to prevent stink bugs from entering the house, according to one of our customers, John W. in Silver Spring, MD. John also found this video, from the University of Maryland Home and Garden Information Center, about preventing stink bugs from entering the home, which we shared with our facebook followers a couple months ago. The video demonstrates some of the weak areas around a house where these pests can enter and provides practical solutions on how to keep them out. Areas of the home that may be overlooked when looking for places the bugs can infiltrate are windows, the attic, pipe penetrations, and soffit vents.

The good news is that some of the measures to prevent stink bugs can actually make your home more energy efficient. Air sealing and properly weather stripping weak areas around the house is a great way to keep stink bugs out and make your home more comfortable. Before the stink bugs return next year, make sure to prepare the house to keep those critters outside. Get your home ready for them and the cold weather by getting a Comprehensive Energy Audit to find out where the leaks are in your home. You can even start with a No-Cost Energy Check-Up from ecobeco.

For real time updates and tips from ecobeco please join our facebook page!
 
 
$100 Home Energy Audit and $2,000 in Rebates in Maryland

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!

 

240-396-2141

 

 Or learn more by clicking here!

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  
ecobeco's Referral Program Extended to December 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 December 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 December 31, 2012.

 

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

sungevity

 

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. 

Does Your Small Business Need Money to Make Energy Efficiency Improvements? 
Pepco offers an Energy Savings Program for small businesses, non-profits, faith-based, and government customers too! Want to know how your business can benefit from the Pepco C&I Energy Savings Program?

Contact the Pepco Small Business Program, 866-353-5798, to get started with no-cost Energy Assessment, which is the first step in the Program. During the Walk-Through Energy Assessment, conducted by Program-trained Trade Allies or Program staff, your organization will be provided an action list of Low Cost/No Cost measure recommendations as well as capital projects that can receive Program incentives. Once the Low Cost/No Cost Measures are completed, the customer is eligible for the enhanced incentives. Typical measures which fit into this category have little or no capital cost for labor and materials.

More enhanced incentives can include money for HVAC upgrades, refrigeration upgrades (for restaurants/grocery stores), lighting, water heating appliances, building envelope improvements, specialized controls and more.

Currently, ecobeco is not offering Small Business services, but we are planning to start offering them in 2013.  We didn't want to hold this news.

Find out more about the program by visiting the Pepco website or call or email the Program office, PepcoEnergyEfficiency@LMBPS.com.
 
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.      
 
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Thanks,

Brian, Reuven, Gina, Melissa, Cindy, Nick, Mike, Jonathan, Jim, Mario, Olu, Vince, Suresh, Ed, Sara, Stephen, Heather, Jillian, Patrick, Ellen, Quinn, Jake, Greg, Eraico, Jennifer, Rebecca, Ernesto, Robi and Alena.
(240) 396-2141

info@ecobeco.com