ecobeco
November 2014 Newsletter
eco-tips, news, deals and more
November 3, 2014
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), Delmarva Power, and Dominion Virginia Power. Learn more about us by visiting www.ecobeco.com.  Visit our newsletter archive here. 

We also have great content and news on Facebook:  Like us on Facebook
 

Here are some stories and news topics we'd like to share with you in this month's newsletter:
  • Marylanders Say Yes to Clean Energy: Public Beliefs, Behaviors & Preferences about Energy
  • New: ecobeco now offering Dominion Virginia Power Home Energy Check-Ups!
  • ecobeco Celebrates National Weatherization Day 2014
  • Eco-Quiz: Allergy triggers in the home
  • Cost Savings for Condo and Homeowner Associations
  • Get $25 For Referring Friends and Family
  • Save $100-$200 a Year on Your Energy Bills with a Quick Home Energy Checkup
  • Low Interest Financing from Maryland for Energy Efficiency Upgrades   
  • $250 Rebate for Montgomery County Residents Available 
  • We're all ears: ecobeco wants to hear from You!

Enjoy!

Marylanders Say Yes to Clean Energy: Public Beliefs, Behaviors & Preferences about Energy

Did you know that coal powers 44% of Maryland's electricity? According to a new survey just released, many in Maryland are unaware.

You've heard it before, and you're likely to hear it again: Marylander's love clean energy!

 

In fact, a survey just released by George Mason University's Center for Climate Change Communication, in partnership with the Climate Communication Consortium of Maryland, found that the vast majority of Marylanders would like the state to use more renewable fuel sources to generate electricity.

 

The sources of renewable electricity most favored by Marylanders for further development are solar (78%), and offshore and land-based wind (each 69%). You can see the report or infographic below to learn more!

 

 

 

Click to view the full report, Public Beliefs, Behaviors and Preferences about Energy.

 

Click here to download the infographic.

 

Click here to download the communications considerations.

 

Click here to download the report figures.

 

 

 

NEW PROGRAM: ecobeco is now offering Home Energy Check-Ups in the Arlington region for Dominion Virginia Power Customers!
ecobeco, one of Pepco's largest providers of Quick Home Energy Check-Ups, is now a participating contractor for Dominion Virginia Power's Home Energy Check-Up.
Are you a homeowner or renter in the Arlington region? If so, you likely qualify for a Home Energy Check-Up at no cost to you!**

Have a Home Energy Check-Up completed and you'll receive a personalized report showing the projected energy and potential cost savings you could earn resulting from the implementation of options identified during the check-up. Options include items such as energy-saving lightbulbs, new showerheads and faucet aerators, and more.

ecobeco will install the energy efficiency items of your choice during the visit, and submit all documentation on your behalf.

If you or someone you know have received a Pepco Quick Home Energy Check-Up, and have a friend or family member in the Arlington, Virginia area that would like a similar service, have them give us a call!


*Electric water heater required 
**Certain conditions apply. Call us for details. Visit www.dom./hec-terms to view the Terms and Conditions for the Home Energy Check-Up program.
Visit www.dom.com/hec-faq to view some frequently asked questions.

ecobeco Celebrates National Weatherization Day 2014
ecobeco joins national, state, and local organizations to celebrate the past successes and future opportunities of weatherizing America's homes
by Hillary Tipton


As experts in residential energy efficiency, ecobeco is proud and excited to join our colleagues in the industry to put National Weatherization Day (October 30th) in the spotlight for our customers and our community at large. National Weatherization Day was designed as a way to shine a light on the great work being done to weatherize homes across the counry, and to celebrate the efforts of local, state, and national programs that help homeowners achieve all the benefits of weatherization.

With the DOE's declaration of October as Energy Awareness Month, Weatherization Day is also a chance for us to communicate the far-reaching benefits of preparing homes for optimal performance and energy savings during the cold winter months.

This year alone, ecobeco has helped over 12,400 customers take control of their home's energy usage through  Pepco's Quick Home Energy Check-Up program. Moreso, ecobeco has performed over 260 Comprehensive Home Energy Audits, performed to the standards of the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. An audit is an invaluable tool in measuring a home's capacity to benefit from efficiency, safety and comfort improvements.

In the spirit of National Weatherization Day, here are a few basic energy-saving tips:

* Add insulation to reduce energy demand: Properly installed insulation reduces heating and cooling costs by cutting heat losses and gains through a home's building envelope.
  • According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the typical U.S. family spends close to $1,500 each year on energy bills. DOE statistics show that, typically, 44% of a homeowner's utility bill goes for heating and cooling costs. DOE states that homeowners may be able to reduce their energy bills from 10% to 50% by taking certain steps.
  • Learn more about adding insulation to an existing home.
* Seal your home with caulking or weatherstripping: Air sealing is one of the most cost-effective ways to lower your energy bill while improving your home's comfort. Caulking and weatherstripping are two air-sealing techniques that provide a quick return on investment.
* Install and set a programmable thermostat: You can save as much as 1 percent on your heating bill for every degree you set your thermostat back over an eight-hour period. Resetting your thermostat while you are asleep or away from home can help you save big without sacrificing comfort.

Eco-Quiz
Test your knowledge of environmental health with this fun and educational pop quiz!
by Shira Singer
What is the most common allergy trigger found in U.S. homes?
a)  cockroaches
b)  dust mites
c)  fungi (mold)
d)  pets


The answer is, dust mites.
credit: http://aacos.com/
Although many conditions can lead to allergic flare ups in homes, the most common and widely shared is the much un-loved Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.

Dust mites are microscopic relatives to the spider that feed on dead skin flakes. Dust mites, however unwelcome they may be, happily make themselves at home in virtually every household.

These tiny pyroglyphidae live comfortably in mattresses, pillows, and carpeting. Feeding off of skin flakes, dander and detritus, scientists have counted as many as 19,000 in just 1 gram of dust. Typically ranging between 100-500 mites per gram of dust, these hungry critters live best in humid warm conditions. When disturbed, as is the case when vacuuming, pulling up a bed sheet, or plopping down on a sofa, they become airborne.

Individuals who are allergic to dust mites react to proteins within the bodies and feces of the mites. Dust mites are also triggers for respiratory ailments and have even been linked to the development of asthma in children.

 

While household insecticides have little to no effect on dust mites, you can still take steps to minimize their presence in your home. Here are a few: 

  • Keep pets out of bedrooms at all times to minimize the buildup of dander and skin cells.
  • Measure indoor humidity--keep indoor relative humidity below 55%, and consider using a dehumidifier if humid conditions. House mites die in humidity levels below 40%.
  • Encase mattresses and pillows in "mite-proof" covers
  • Check your filter on your HVAC systems once per month during the heating and cooling seasons. Some filters should be changed every 30 days, while others are rated to last longer. 
  • Avoid in engaging in activities that stir up dust mites, like vacuuming, within 2 hours of going to bed. Even HEPA filtered vacuums  may not be enough to remove mites from becoming airborne.
Cost Savings for Condo and Homeowner Associations
Apartments, Condo, Townhouses, and more!

Regardless of whether you live in a townhouse, condo or apartment building, you can be saving anywhere from $100 - $150 a year on energy and water bills.

Call Ben at 240-396-2141 x714 to learn how your condo or homeowners' association can benefit from Pepco's Multi-Family Quick Energy Checkups.

The best part about this service is that there is NO COST for residents, board associations or property managers within the Pepco Maryland service territory. This service is paid for by EmPOWER Maryland funds and is part of the Pepco Home Energy Savings program.

Whether you are a resident, condo board member, property manager, or landlord,  call us to receive this service while funding is still available:
Get $25 for referring friends and family!


So at this point, I'm sure you're familiar with the Quick Home Energy Check-up service. Well, believe it or not, not everyone has participated yet. Why, you ask? Great question. With your help, we can help more people take advantage of a this service.

  

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. Have them give us a ring at (240) 396-2141 to get started.


 (image: risingdhivehitide, wordpress, 2011)  


 

You don't even have to be an ecobeco customer to take advantage of the referral program!

Save $100-$200 a year on energy bills with a Quick Home Energy Check-Up

All Pepco, Delmarva (Cecil County), 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 is paid for through EmPOWER Maryland funding so you pay nothing extra for the service. Why? Because it's cheaper to do more, with less! 


 

That's right, ratepayers in Maryland are entitled to a QHEC at no additional cost to their regular service. 


 

During a QHEC, your certified ecobeco energy auditor will install CFL light bulbs and other energy-saving measures at your elective. Most home owners will save over $100 per year in electricity and another $50 per year in water bills. You'll also get a quick visual assessment of your attic insulation, furnace, a/c, windows, and major appliances.


 


 

Get stuff like this: 

 


 

Are you eligible for a Quick Home Energy Check-up? 

In most cases, yes. This service is available to all residents who live in a condo, apartment, townhouse or single family home in Pepco Maryland, Potomac Edison, or Delmarva (Cecil Country) service territories.

Check our website www.ecobeco.com/qhec for more information. You can make an appointment for a QHEC by calling this number:

240-396-2141 

 

Low Interest Financing from Maryland for Energy Efficiency Upgrades

 

Finding the money for home improvements can be hard. Here's a thought: Make your home improvement projects pay for themselves by investing in energy savings upgrades, such as adding attic insulation and professionally sealing up hidden air leaks.

 

For homeowners making these kinds of upgrades there are loans available to help at interest rates of 9.99% (which, we should mention, can be much less than the energy savings you'll realize from your new efficient home!).  Details on what kind of work is eligible is available at the MHELP website. 

 

See Program Information Here    

 

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.

 

$250 Rebate for Montgomery County Residents
Even more savings! For Montgomery County residents, you 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.

Your turn -- let us know how we're doing 

We're a service business and your opinions and feedback mean the world to us!

 

ecobeco is a service business and your opinions and referrals matter!

Over the past 5 years, your feedback helped us win many awards, including the Super Service Award for Energy Efficiency Auditing from Angie's List 3 years in a row. 

 

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 Google. 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, Melissa, Nick, Mike, Jim, Mario, Olu, Suresh, Sara, Stephen, Alena, Doug, Emmett, Greg, Jay, Jillian, Ellen, Nicole, Fresi, Oliver, Jake, Eraico, Jennifer, Rebecca, Ernesto, Robi, Nanda, Daniel, Brady, Ben, Henry, Siobhan, Taylor, Shira, Hillary, Justin, Michael, Scott, Arya, Joe, Baruke, Sam, Victor, and our newest member of the family, David.

(240) 396-2141
info@ecobeco.com