#GreeningTheGrid - October ESCO and Subscription Solar Update

​Note: To power your home with renewable energy, see the most recent Subscription Community Solar chart (and FAQ) and 100% Renewable Electricity chart. 

By Gerri Wiley, HeatSmart volunteer and Energy Navigator

Hello Green Beings,

If you’re like me, you hold off as long as possible before flipping the home heating switch to ‘on,' but it won’t be long until we start seeing dollars pouring through the cracks and crevices of our generally poorly sealed and insulated homes. I’ve already spoken with you about the importance of a Home Energy Assessment that includes a blower-door test so that you’re able to target areas of your home envelope that need  better weather-proofing.

There are several companies that conduct Home Energy Assessments. In a recent survey, company reps told me whether they run a blower door test and what the charge is for the Home Energy Assessment, which may or may not include a blower door test.

I’ve listed phone numbers so that you can inquire further. Be sure to ask about the geographic area they serve or if there is an additional fee for longer distances traveled. As you know, good companies need to be adequately reimbursed to stay in business, so please understand that I’m not judging charges as necessarily good or bad.

Company	Blower Door Analysis	Empower/AHP* income level	​Above AHP income level
Zero Draft	No	No cost	$350-450	315-455-9376
HALCO	Yes	No cost	No cost	​315-688-1945
The Insulation Man	Empwer/AHP only	No cost	$550+tax	​607-775-3035
Foam It	Yes	No cost	No cost	​607-215-4787
Simply Installs	Yes	No cost	Cost dependent on project	​585-698-7876

*AHP = Assisted Home Performance

Keep the questions coming. We learn and make progress together.

Renewably Yours, 
Gerri