ecobeco's February 2013 Newsletter
ecoTips, News, Deals, and More - And it's Free!
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| 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!
We hope your 2013 is off to a fantastic start! This is our first newsletter of the year and we have lots to tell you about. The mercury is falling fast, and these arctic temperatures may reveal that your home is draftier and less insulated than you had thought. Extreme weather also brings with it the threat of power outages. Discover how our award-winning services can help you prepare for possible power outages. With new deals and discounts, now is the perfect time to make your home super cozy! Read on for:
- $500 Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency Reinstated for 2012 and 2013
- ecobeco Earns 2012 Angie's List Super Service Award and 2012 Pepco Home Performance Award
- DeVere Insulation $100 OFF Coupon Through February 28
- New Rules for Pepco and BGE Home Performance Rebates Starting February 1, 2013.
- Northern Virginia LEAP offers Audit Discounts and Rebates for Energy Efficiency
- ecoTip: Preparing for Power Outages, The Energy Efficient Way
- Get Your Rebates Now: Maryland Energy Audits Expire After One Year
- ecobeco Visits the Net-Zero House at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
- $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
- 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! |
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$500 Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency Reinstated for 2012 and 2013
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Thanks to the American Taxpayer Relief Act (also known as the Fiscal Cliff bill), the federal tax credit for Energy Efficient Property is back.  This credit allows for a 10% tax credit up to $500 when purchasing qualified energy efficient materials installed in existing homes. This includes the materials costs for adding insulation, air sealing, replacing heating/cooling systems or hot water heaters and windows/door upgrades, and many more items. The best source of information is the EnergyStar website. Check here:
https://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index
This credit is retroactive, meaning anyone who completed work in 2012 can make a claim to receive the credit in their 2012 tax returns. Remember, if you have taken this credit in the past (especially during the 2010-11 ARRA Stimulus act that raised the limit to 30% up to $1,500), you cannot claim the tax credit again. Talk to your accountant or the IRS for more information.
To claim this credit, ask your insulation contractor for an estimate of the materials costs for the installation at your home. If you want to get this credit, but haven't started your process yet, be sure to call ecobeco for a Comprehensive Home Energy Audit at 240 396 2141 or click here.
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ecobeco Earns Esteemed 2012 Angie's List Super Service Award and Pepco Home Performance Award
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It's award season for ecobeco! The Golden Globes are not the only awards being handed out this time of the year.
ecobeco has now received the Angie's List Super Service Award for Energy Audits for the 3rd consecutive year! This award is an honor awarded annually to approximately 5% of all the companies rated on Angie's List, the nation's leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies. We thank Angie's List very much for the recognition and strive to continue giving service worthy of this award!
 ecobeco is also proud to be the recipient of the 2012 Pepco Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Participating Contractor Award for Most KwH Saved for Energy Audits. We appreciate the recognition from Pepco and deeply value our relationship with Pepco and the service we bring to the Pepco territory.
Congrats to the entire ecobeco team for their service and hard work!
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DeVere Insulation $100 OFF Coupon
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ecobeco wants to let our customers know about a new savings opportunity! Our preferred air sealing and insulation partner, DeVere Insulation, is offering a $100 OFF coupon, good towards an air sealing and insulation job that costs over $1000. DeVere Insulation is Maryland's largest independent insulation contractor.
Make sure to mention this offer upfront when booking a job with DeVere. Offer expires February 28. Do not delay!
If you already have an audit, call DeVere at (443) 770-1111.
If you do not have an audit, call us first so you can get this discount in addition to Maryland or LEAP-Virginia discounts!
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New Rules for Pepco and BGE Home Performance Rebates Starting February 1, 2013.
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For customers who will have Audits or Audit Updates on or after February 1, 2013, Pepco and BGE have tightened the requirements for obtaining the 50% up to $2,000 in rebates.
These changes were received well by the Home Performance Industry because they are aimed at ensuring customers make good decisions about how to invest their money, and that jobs are following Building Performance Institute (BPI) standards more closely. Here are the highlights:
- To obtain a rebate on air sealing, the house must achieve a 20% reduction in building air leakage.
- If a customer needs air sealing in the attic, and the customer declines air sealing, then the customer will NOT be eligible for attic insulation rebates.
- Attic Insulation rebates will only be paid when the insulation value is less than or equal to R-20 and is improved to more than or equal to R-38.
- The costs of venting bathroom fans to the exterior of the home qualifies for rebates.
Some rules are still being finalized, and utilities are developing exceptions to the rules above for certain situations, so talk to your auditor and your Home Performance contractor about additional details and performance guarantees.
Visit ecobeco's Energy Audit webpage for more information and to view our technical document that explains the new rules.
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Northern Virginia LEAP offers Audit Discounts and Rebates for Energy Efficiency.
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If you live in Northern Virginia, there are some new deals for you! First, if you live in Arlington, you can receive $250 in Rebates .jpg) for a Home Energy Assessment from ecobeco! Just enroll in the LEAP Program and ask for ecobeco to perform your audit. This incentive runs through July 31 or while funds last. Here is a link: http://www.leap-va.org/Further, you can receive low-interest loans (0% in Arlington, and good rates elsewhere in Northern Virginia) and $1,000 in cash rebates (Arlington only) for completing a project that reduces your energy bills by 20% or more. Learn more about the Home Performance program by visiting the LEAP website here: http://leap-va.org/hpwesThis is great news for Virginia customers. To see a full list of incentives from LEAP, Washington Gas and Dominion Virginia Power, visit ecobeco's incentives page and click on the Virginia tab. http://www.ecobeco.com/incentives
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ecoTip: Preparing for Power Outages, The Energy Efficient Way
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No one wants to be stuck at home  without power, especially in the winter or summer.
The extreme conditions can make a home almost inhabitable and cause damage by spoiling food or freezing water lines. According to Home Energy Magazine (HEM), many rush out to purchase expensive generators during black outs, especially after Hurricane Sandy. However, generators have their drawbacks and are not the most energy-friendly solution.
An alternative investment, that has better long term returns, would be to improve the energy performance standards of your home. As HEM points out, "unlike generators, these measures provide benefits all the time, not just during emergencies." Adding additional insulation and air sealing will aid in maintaining a comfortable temperature inside your home for a longer duration once power is lost. Several of ecobeco's energy audit customers, who completed insulation and/or air sealing work, have reported that their homes were much more comfortable than their neighbors during last year's power outages. With an energy audit you can start to understand how beneficial it can be to add insulation to your home and prepare for when extreme weather hits our area next!
To learn more about our services please visit our website, www.ecobeco.com or call us at (240) 396-2141
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Get Your Rebates Now: Maryland Energy Audits Expire After One Year
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Even energy audits have an expiration date! Did you know after one year, ecobeco's Energy Audit Report expires and will no longer qualify you for up to $2,000 in rebates on energy efficiency work without an audit update?
Sometimes customers are not prepared for facing an expiring energy audit and the headaches it can entail. Scheduling the work following an energy audit can take time. Many Home Performance contractors have a backlog of energy improvement jobs, and may have to push your scheduled work date out a couple weeks on the calendar. If you waited until the last month before the audit expires, not knowing if you will make your deadline, can cause stress and anxiety.
However there is recourse. If your audit report expires, ecobeco can help you to renew the report and become eligible again for rebates. The cost for renewal is $100 and will require a revisit to the house to perform an updated blower door and combustion safety test.
To avoid the stress, time, and additional cost for renewal; ecobeco has some tips for managing your improvement project. Preparation is key! Make sure to start early. Don't wait too long after the audit to make contact with the contractor who will perform your work. Or if you still have hesitation after the audit, call your auditor! ecobeco schedules free Review Calls for ALL audit customers. After you receive your personalized Energy Audit Report, call the ecobeco office and we will schedule a time for your Energy Auditor to call you to discuss your options and answer your questions. Secondly, avoid waiting until the last 3 months before expiration to act. If a problem arises in the improvement project, you want to allow yourself ample time to react. Though snags in the work are not common, you want to be prepared in the worst case scenario. Third, ecobeco makes referrals to make your life easier. You may take a look at page 10 in your report. On page 10, you'll find a list of contractors provided by ecobeco that we identified to help you with any action items suggested for your home. This is intended to help facilitate the whole process from start to end, and we hope it saves you time in your search for a contractor who can keep you eligible for rebates.
We hope these tips will make it easier to manage your home energy efficiency project and truly help you to reap benefits for you and your home.
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ecobeco Visits the Net-Zero House
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On December 19th, ecobeco employees had the special opportunity to tour the Net-Zero Energy Residential Test Facility (NZERTF), located on the campus of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg. ecobeco team member, Nick, suggested and arranged the visit, and the tour was led by Dr. A. Hunter Fanney, Chief of and Supervisory Mechanical Engineer in the Energy and Environment Division at NIST.
Consisting of 2700 square feet of living space, the NZERTF was designed to resemble local MD homes. During its first year, researchers will use it to demonstrate that houses of similar size, and containing such amenities, can function in the real world while using zero kilowatts off of the grid. To achieve this, the design incorporates highly efficient systems, such as a multi-split heat pump system, three different earth-coupled heat pump systems, and a solar thermal water heating system. It also contains photovoltaic cells on the roof to generate electricity. Extreme detail was paid to sealing and insulating the building envelope: the above-grade walls are insulated to R-48; the attic, to R-75.
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Robots used to simulate "humans" in the Net-Zero house.
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Curious as to who are the lucky inhabitants of this house? They aren't human: special devices will mimic the heat and humidity produced by an average family of four, while lights, faucets, toaster ovens, and hairdryers will turn on and off according to usual familial habits. The facility's garage houses the computers controlling the "family" and recording all the data, so that the heat they emit won't affect conditions in the house.
NIST researchers will monitor the indoor conditions and the energy load during the facility's first year to prove that an average residence can comfortably support an average family while remaining 'net-zero'. In the years to come, researchers will be able to use the NZERTF to test up-and-coming energy efficient systems and designs in a realistic setting.
To watch a short video on the NIST Net-Zero home, click here: ABC 7 Reporting on the NIST Net-Zero home.
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$100 Home Energy Audit and $2,000 in Rebates in Maryland
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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!
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Huge Savings for Apartments & Condos with Quick Energy Check-Ups
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ecobeco is one of the largest providers 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
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ecobeco's Referral Program Extended
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| 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 March 31st, 2013!
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. Also, 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! Check the referral program website for more information. Thank you for your support!
www.ecobeco.com/referral
To qualify, audits must be booked and solar leases signed by March 31, 2013.
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ecobeco Launches Quick Home Energy Check-Ups with Pepco and Potomac Edison at No Charge To You
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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
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Low Interest Financing from Maryland for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
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|  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.
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Sungevity Solar Power for Maryland Homes
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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.
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| We'd Love to Hear Your Feedback |
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We're a service business and your opinions and referrals matter to us!
Over the past 3 years, your feedback helped us win the
2010 & 2011 & 2012 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!
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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, Mario, Olu, Vince, Suresh, Ed, Sara, Stephen, Heather, Alena, Doug, Emmett, Greg, Jillian, Ellen, Quinn, Nicole, Jake, Eraico, Jennifer, Rebecca, Ernesto, Robi, Nanda, Daniel and Jacob.
(240) 396-2141
info@ecobeco.com
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