ecobeco October 2013 Newsletter

ecobeco's October 2013 Newsletter
ecoTips, News, Deals, and More - And it's Free!

October 3, 2013

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!

The chill in the evening air has us excited for fall and winter. If you need help getting your house ready to keep you warm this winter, we hope you'll call us! This month we have exciting news that Montgomery County Residents may be eligible for a $250 rebate. Also, we uncover interesting facts about home duct cleaning; the IPCC's report on climate change; and many more interesting news and updates:

Upcoming Events: Silver Spring Greenfest and Takoma Park Festival
Pop-Quiz! What's in the Box?
$250 Rebate for Montgomery County Residents Available
Energy Industry Newswire - Five Important Climate Change Facts
ecoTip: Duct Cleaning: Does it Really Work?
Quick Home Energy Check-Ups with Pepco and Potomac Edison at No Charge To You
$100 Comprehensive Energy Audits and $2,000 in Rebates in Maryland
Get Your Rebates Now: Maryland Energy Audits Expire After One Year
New Rules for Pepco and BGE Home Performance Rebates Starting February 1, 2013.
Low Interest Financing from Maryland for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
$500 Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency Reinstated for 2012 and 2013
Huge Savings for Apartments & Condos w/ Quick Energy Check-Ups
ecobeco's Referral Program - Earn $25
Sungevity Solar Power for Maryland Homes
We'd Love to Hear Your Feedback

Enjoy!

Upcoming Events

Saturday October 5, 10am-4pm

Silver Spring GreenFest

1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910

The 2nd Annual Silver Spring GreenFest is a fun, informative community event for the whole family. The GreenFest features green vendors at the Fenton Street Market, a day-long speaker series in the Civic Center and music, dance and other entertainment at Veterans Plaza.

We hope to see you there! Let us know you're coming on Facebook.

Sunday October 6, 10pm-5pm

Takoma Park Street Festival
Carroll Avenue in Downtown Old Takoma

The Takoma Park Street Festival is a family-friendly music and crafts festival hosted by the Old Takoma Business Association in downtown Old Takoma every year. The festival brings an eclectic mix of live music, artisans, community organizations, children's activities and food vendors to this daylong event. Join us on the first Sunday of October and enjoy our lovely Main Street!

Learn more about the Takoma Park Street Festival.

Let us know you are coming by signing up on Facebook.

Pop Quiz! What's in the Box?

An ecobeco customer recently made upgrades to their home to improve energy efficiency and comfort based on their ecobeco Comprehensive Energy Audit.

Can you guess what's in the box?

Answer: A recessed light.

Recessed lighting is often not sealed around the edges or airtight by design, leaving gaps between the ceiling and attic (or other unconditioned space) where air can circulate and cause drafts. By placing an airtight box around the top of the recessed light fixture and sealing completely with spray foam, you can quickly and easily eliminate this common source of air leakage. There are also options for airtight inserts for recessed lights that are placed in cathedral ceilings with no attic access.

Below is an Infrared image showing air leakage around unsealed recessed lights from in one of our customer's homes. The blue in the image is cold air leaking into the room.

$250 Rebate for Montgomery County Residents

Great news! Montgomery County residents may be eligible for a $250 rebate on a variety of efficiency products and professional services under the Montgomery County Energy Conservation Devices Property Tax Credit. This is a $250 tax credit which can be applied to measures like air sealing, insulation, HVAC appliance replacements, programmable thermostats, and more! Call us at 240-396-2141 for additional information and to schedule your Comprehensive Home Energy Audit that will identify the options you have for making your home more energy efficient, and identify opportunities to qualify for the rebate.

Click here learn more about the rebate, or simply call ecobeco at (240) 396-2141 x1 for more information.

Energy Industry Newswire - Five Important Climate Change Facts

Often, energy efficiency is spoken of in terms of dollars saved, payback periods, and making homes less drafty and more comfortable. However, energy efficiency makes an incredible impact on something much grander and important, which is global climate.

The energy we use comes from coal fired power plants, which release carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses into the air, causing climate change. A new report from the International Panel on Climate Change (The IPCC is a scientific body under the auspices of the United Nations. It reviews and assesses the most recent scientific, technical and socio-economic information produced worldwide relevant to the understanding of climate change.) shows that the world's scientists and research are in agreement on this. Increasing energy efficiency is one of the biggest and easiest ways we can each contribute to affecting the rate of warming and climate change.

The IPCC report reveals five key points:

1) Man's role in global warming is rock solid, and natural variability's role is close to nil.
2) The conclusion is based on "...the largest, most comprehensive scientific assessment in history. Not just of climate change, but of any scientific subject".
3) Warming has slowed in the last 15 years, not stopped.
4) There has been no pause in ocean warming.
5) The warming poses real risks. We hold the key to reducing them.

We love helping customers save money and make their homes more comfortable. It's an added bonus that the work ecobeco does helps make in impact on climate change.

For more information please see the full article, from the Washington Post Capital Weather Gang.

The IPCC's report can be read here.

ecoTip: Duct Cleaning: Does it Really Work?

If you have ever opened one of those coupon packs delivered to your door, you have noticed it seems full of coupons for duct cleaners. You might think the world is full of extremely dirty and dangerous air ducts. Maybe you are even getting yours cleaned this weekend. Before you do, read on!

The official EPA statement on duct cleaning is "Duct cleaning has never been shown to actually prevent health problems. Neither do studies conclusively demonstrate that particle (e.g., dust) levels in homes increase because of dirty air ducts. This is because much of the dirt in air ducts adheres to duct surfaces and does not necessarily enter the living space... Moreover, there is no evidence that a light amount of household dust or other particulate matter in air ducts poses any risk to your health."

So then why are there so many duct cleaning companies and services out there? And what about the pictures of all the gunk they remove?

Duct cleaning can be beneficial in some situations, including when you have significant mold growth, infestation of pests, or substantial deposits of dust or debris. However, you should be careful to identify WHY these things are in your ducts in the first place. A properly functioning HVAC system will not have these problems, and you should consult a professional HVAC contractor to examine your system to identify sources of air leaks in duct work, mold growth, or inadequate filtration of the system.

The major problem with duct cleaning is that the service itself can damage your ducts. Normally, the dust and debris in ducts clings to the surface, with a minimal amount entering the home. Loosening that debris can cause MORE to enter your home if the cleaners don't properly vacuum it all out. Even worse, the brushes used to loosen dirt and debris can damage duct work, especially flexible or common fiberglass-insulated ducts. When damaged, the fiberglass ducts can blow loose fiberglass into your home. Damaged duct work can suck even more dirt, moisture, and unconditioned air into your home.

The bottom line is to be careful before deciding to have your ducts cleaned. There may be an underlying problem with your HVAC system that is causing more dust or mold that normal into your system. And, as with any home service, you should check reviews on websites like Angie's List or Consumer's Checkbook to find a reputable company to work with.

Special thanks to the Consumer Checkbook fall newsletter for bringing this issue to our attention.

Quick Home Energy Check-Ups with Pepco and Potomac Edison at No Charge To You

All Pepco and Potomac Edison customers are eligible for a Quick Home Energy Check-up (QHEC) from ecobeco, at NO ADDITIONAL COST to your existing service! The program supports EmPower Maryland and is part of an effort to reduce electricity use state-wide.

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

$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!

Get Your Rebates Now: Maryland Energy Audits Expire After One Year

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.

New Rules for Pepco and BGE Home Performance Rebates Starting February 1, 2013.

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.

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 .

$500 Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency Reinstated for 2012 and 2013

April is tax month and for all you savvy energy efficient homeowners, you may have a larger piece of the pie coming back to you.

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.

Huge Savings for Apartments & Condos with Quick Energy Check-Ups

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

ecobeco's Referral Program Extended - Earn $25!

Good news! ecobeco customers have been on a roll with referrals since 2012. We'd like to keep this positive momentum going and we are extending the Referral Program to November 30th, 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 November 30th, 2013.

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.

If you are ready for an iQuote or want to learn more, contact ecobeco's office at 240 396 2141 x2 or click to get started.

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 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!

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, Nick, Mike, Jim, Mario, Olu, Suresh, Sara, Stephen, Alena, Doug, Emmett, Greg, Jay, Monica, Jillian, Ellen, Nicole, Fresi, Oliver, Jake, Eraico, Jennifer, Rebecca, Ernesto, Robi, Nanda, Daniel, Brady, Ben Andrew, Henry, Leo, Siobhan, Matt, and Taylor.
(240) 396-2141

info@ecobeco.com