ecobeco January 2014 Newsletter

ecobeco's January 2014 Newsletter
ecoTips, News, Deals, and More - And it's Free!

January 2, 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!

Happy New Year! We hope you had a wonderful Holiday season with loved ones, and are enjoying this mild winter (so far). If you need help keeping your house warm and cozy this winter, we hope you'll call us! This month ecobeco is proudly announcing a new fundraising program for schools and congregations. Brian Toll, President of ecobeco, shares interesting ideas on home energy efficiency programs, and more.

Announcement: Fundraising Program for schools and churches
ecobeco President Brian Toll on the future of Direct Install Programs
Eco-tip: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint by 40% in 4 Minutes
Energy Industry Newswire: Incandescent Light Bulbs are so 2013...
Pop-Quiz! Best Way to Save Energy in Winter?
Energy Industry Newswire: Energy Efficiency Takes Center Stage
$250 Rebate for Montgomery County Residents Available
Quick Home Energy Check-Ups with Pepco and Potomac Edison at No Charge
$100 Comprehensive Energy Audits and $2,000 in Rebates in Maryland
Get Your Rebates Now: Maryland Energy Audits Expire After One Year
Rules for Pepco and BGE Home Performance Rebates
Low Interest Financing from Maryland for Energy Efficiency Upgrades
$500 Federal Tax Credit for Energy Efficiency for 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!

Announcement: Fundraiser Program for Schools & More

ecobeco is proud to announce a great new fundraising program for schools, congregations, and community groups. The best part is no one has to buy anything!

For every person who completes a no-cost Quick Home Energy Check-up or $100 Comprehensive Home Energy Audit with ecobeco and identifies themselves as being part of the fundraiser for your organization, ecobeco will contribute $15. Your members will receive energy efficient items, save money, AND raise money! It's a win-win-win for everyone.

To learn more and to sign up your group for a fundraiser, call Gina at 240-396-2141 ext. 714

The Future of Direct Install Programs

ecobeco President Brian Toll is featured this month in Home Energy Magazine on the future of direct install programs.

In the article, Brian discusses how utility and state-sponsored programs, such as EmPower Maryland, can lead to widespread gains in residential energy efficiency.

Direct install programs like Pepco's Quick Home Energy Check-up Program are an integral and essential element in sponsored programs because they offer residents a unique one-on-one experience with a certified energy efficiency expert who can not only help them save energy, but also educate residents about other programs they may not hear about otherwise, such as Home Performance and HVAC efficiency programs.

Read the full article HERE.

ecotip: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint 40% in Just 4 Minutes

Switch to Wind Power: and Reduce Your Carbon Footprint by 40% in 4 Minutes

For the past 5 years, ecobeco has powered its offices and warehouse with wind power through Clean Currents , the region's leading independent and sustainably certified green energy provider. By doing so, we have reduced our carbon footprint by the equivalent of burning over 6300 gallons of gasoline.

Now, we're partnering with Clean Currents to offer you a special discounted rate for wind power at your home.

How Does It Work?

If you pay your own utility bill in Maryland or Washington, DC (whether you own your home or rent), you have the power to CHOOSE your electricity supplier. With Clean Currents, you can choose to put the money you are already spending on your electricity bills towards supporting wind power!

Check out ecobeco's special discounted rate and make the switch at:

www.cleancurrents.com/ecobeco

No installations or switching fees
Receive the same dependable power to your home
Continue to receive just one utility bill
Pay fixed rates that are competitive or lower than what your utility offers

Why did we choose Clean Currents?

Clean Currents is more than just a clean energy company. Like ecobeco, it is a local company that is truly committed to building more sustainable community. Clean Currents exclusively sells Green-e Energy Certified wind power and is a B Corp and Benefit LLC. Check out what some of the other businesses and organizations in the area say about their experience with Clean Currents in this VIDEO.

If you have any questions, call Clean Currents at 301-754-0430 x1 or email gogreen@cleancurrents.com

Incandescent Bulbs are so 2013...

New Year's brings changes, and there is no exception when it comes to energy efficiency and lighting.

Beginning January 1, 2014, lighting manufacturers will no longer make 40 and 60-watt incandescent light bulbs. The stock available should dwindle by mid-2014. While we expect many people will stock-up on these bulbs, we hope more people will make the transition now to more energy efficient choices, as the relating law which was signed by George W. Bush in 2007, intended. The reason for the law is that incandescent bulbs waste 90% of their energy as heat, not light. Compact Fluorescent bulbs (CFL) in contrast use 75% less energy to produce the same level of light, and LEDs use even less, and both last years longer than incandescent bulbs.

ecobeco can help you make this transition much easier by installing for you 12 CFLs at no additional charge to your existing Pepco service (along with other energy-saving items) as part of the Quick Home Energy Check-up program.

To find out more about these changes to your lighting options read more at: www.usatoday.com

Pop Quiz! How Do You Save Energy in Winter and Stay Warm?

There's a chill in the air! Do you know the most efficient ways to save energy during the cold winter months without freezing?

A) Use your wood-burning fireplace/stove.
B) Close off rooms you don't use to only heat the ones you do.
C) Put plastic film on your windows to block drafts.
D) Complete air sealing and insulation after a home energy audit.
E) Move to Florida with your great aunt Tilly.

Answer: C, D, and E are all good choices!

Putting plastic film on your windows can help block major drafts and make rooms feel more comfortable. It is also easy to do and inexpensive. However, if you have hidden air leaks in your basement and attic, inadequate insulation, and other issues like many drafty homes do, air sealing and insulation are the comprehensive long-term solution to making your house comfortable and energy efficient. If you aren't sure if you need more insulation and air sealing, one major clue is a buildup of ice dams and uneven snow accumulation on your roof.

A and B are not good solutions, here's why:

Fires make us feel warm when we are right next to them, but using a fireplace actually can cause MORE draftiness in your home. According to the EPA, "Draft from a fireplace tends to suck all the warm air in a home and take it up the chimney. If you use a fireplace, expect other rooms in the home to be cooler due to escaping warm air. And, if you're using central heat while burning in a fireplace, expect your heater to work harder to maintain temperatures throughout the house".

Regardless of how many vents you have open, the heater or air conditioner produces the same amount of air. The added pressure from closing a vent can cause air leaks in your system, causing long-term and unnecessary energy waste. Read here for further explanation.

We hope you stay warm and cozy this winter! If you see a mystery spike in energy bills or are experiencing intolerable drafts, give us a call and we'll help you find the issue, 240-396-2141.

Energy Efficiency Takes Center Stage

Energy efficiency advocates celebrated a major victory last month at the International Code Council's (ICC) Annual Conference and Public Comment Hearings, where building code officials from around the U.S. approved an updated code to reduce energy waste in new homes, while overcoming attempts to roll back the current code's energy-saving measures.

The approved update, known as RE-188, was one of the most significant code updates under consideration. It lets builders comply by using an energy rating index, such as the Home Energy Rating System (known as HERS), to meet the code's energy-saving goals instead of having to install several prescriptive energy efficiency measures specified by the code. The update will benefit homeowners through reduced energy bills and greater MPG-like information on their home's efficiency.

To read more visit http://www.energywisepa.org/node/3753

$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.

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.

Rules for Pepco and BGE Home Performance Rebates Starting

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 rules help ensure customers make good decisions about how to invest their money, and that jobs are following Building Performance Institute (BPI) standards 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 for work completed in 2013

Don't forget about your $500 federal tax credit for being an energy savvy homeowner!

Thanks to the American Taxpayer Relief Act (also known as the Fiscal Cliff bill), the federal tax credit for Energy Efficient Property is available to you if you had work done in 2013.

This credit allows for a 10% tax credit up to $500 for 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 2013 can make a claim to receive the credit in their 2013 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.

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 February 28th, 2014!

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 February 28th, 2014.

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