Most homeowners can save 10-30% on their annual home energy bill, enjoy greater comfort and significantly lower their environmental impact when they implement the strategies identified by a home energy assessment of their home. My Green Home Plan follows standards established by the PA Home Energy and EPA Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® programs, the Building Performance Institute and the Home Energy Rating System® to evaluate how all the building components, systems and occupants are working together to drive the performance profile of your home.
Step 1: Decide to Save!
Decide to save money, save energy and help save our environment. Once you have made this decision, or to help you decide, contact us at 1-888-MaGrann. We can answer your questions and schedule a convenient appointment to conduct the energy inspection of your home.
Step 2: Getting Ready
It’s easier than you may think to gather the past energy usage information which we’ll need to prepare your report – even if you haven’t kept your monthly utility bills! Prepare for My Green Home Plan will show you how, and provides you with a list of things you can do to ensure clear access to the various areas in your home we’ll need to look at.
Step 3: The Inspection
After a brief interview with you about your home, our Analyst will conduct a thorough visual inspection from the basement to the attic. You will want to make the Analyst aware of (1) any spaces or rooms that are uncomfortable because they are either too hot or too cold; (2) any moisture locations (window condensation, roof or basement dampness, mold spots, etc.) and any other areas of the home that cause you concern.
The Analyst will take measurements inside and out and perform a series of combustion safety tests on any oil or gas fired systems. Data from diagnostic tests, which may involve blower door, smoke wand, infrared thermography, combustion gas analyzers and other specialized equipment, will be recorded for input into our energy modeling system back at the office. At the end of the inspection, the Analyst will advise you if they have observed any unsafe conditions that should be addressed immediately, and will give you an indication of the most significant energy saving opportunities that will be more fully explained in the report.
During the inspection, the Analyst may do some or all of the following:
- Operate heating, cooling and/or hot water systems
- Run the dryer, ventilation fans and/or other appliances
- Take measurements and photographs
Step 4: My Green Home Plan
You will receive a written report within 10 business days of your inspection, with detailed information on a variety of topics related to your home, including:
Your Assessment
- Air leakage through the building envelope
- Insulation locations, condition and values
- Heating, cooling and ventilation systems
- Combustion safety
- Thermostats and controls
- Moisture and humidity
- Lighting and appliances
- Your Home Energy Rating on the ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick
- Annual energy use and carbon emissions
Your Plan
- Detailed findings and recommendations
- Cost effectiveness and prioritization
- Things you can do yourself
- Assistance with contractor selection
- Tax credits and state programs
- Financing options
Step 5: Implementing the Plan
Many of the report recommendations will be actions you can take yourself – in how you operate your home and the choices you make when you buy and use appliances. Some of the major energy savings opportunities will require professional installation. MaGrann will be there to help guide you through the process and verify that the work is done right. We will provide you a list of contractors you can choose from, including a growing number certified by the Building Performance Institute to implement the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR approach recommended by My Green Home Plan.
In Pennsylvania, there are options available to help pay for qualifying improvements under the Keystone Home Energy Loan Program. Visit www.keystonehelp.com for more information on this program.
Step 6: Follow-up Inspection / Test-out
The EPA’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program requires that a specific “test-out” procedure be performed. After work has been completed in your home, MaGrann will return to review the results and, most importantly, check for any change in combustion safety (which can be impacted by significant changes to HVAC systems, air sealing or insulation). This re-inspection will be included in the price of the home energy assessment when you use a contractor referred by My Green Home Plan (or we can provide this this service separately for a fee).
Step 7: Quality Assurance
With MaGrann Associates, you can count on a company with a 25 year track record of quality and integrity. We conform to the quality requirements of the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), which governs the national standards for the Home Energy Rating System (HERS). RESNET sets the highest standard of quality in the industry, requiring us to file a regularly updated Quality Assurance Plan administered by a certified Quality Assurance Designee, and to submit our results for independent annual review by RESNET.
And beyond these technical standards, we aim to exceed your expectations for professionalism and service in every way – including scheduling, inspection, the report, contractor referral and verification. Above all, we will provide you with real answers you can use to address your home energy concerns.
