Sustainable Lawrence’s Secretary, Jori Fahrenfeld, learned some great energy saving news for homeowners regarding PSEG’s latest residential programs. Here’s her info on just one of these programs (she’ll have more program descriptions in the near future):
In 2020, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) approved PSE&G’s Clean Energy Future energy efficiency programs.
One of the many PSE&G programs available is for residential buildings: Home Performance with ENERGY STAR. This program takes a whole home approach to make one- to four-family homes and low-rise multi-family buildings more energy efficient and lower energy consumption.
There are contractors associated with this program and they have been certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI) (https://www.bpi.org). They are specially trained and use advanced diagnostic equipment to test your home and identify energy efficiency improvements that may work for your house.
The contractor’s tests may include:
- Use of a blower door and infrared scan to test for air leakage
The blower door will be temporarily installed in an outside door opening, all exterior windows/doors need to be closed
The infrared scan can generate a picture; the various colors indicate leakage or where additional insulation is needed
- A series of combustion-related tests
- Explore ways to improve your home’s insulation, heating and cooling equipment, appliances and lighting
After the tests are completed, you and the contractor can discuss what improvements can be made and what they will cost.
Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in the ENERGY STAR program, you need to be a current residential PSE&G customer (with a valid account number) and be the owner of the residence where the assessment will be performed.
Participation Costs
The contractor will set the cost of the initial energy assessment, and the total project costs are dependent on the upgrades chosen. Some of the costs may be offset if there are rebates available or if the homeowner qualifies for on-bill repayment that will offset or defer the costs of eligible improvements.
Recommended Improvements
These improvements may include:
- Sealing gaps, cracks and other leaks to prevent outside air from entering your home and conditioned air from leaving your home
- Adding insulation to the building
- Insulating or replacing air ducts that run through unconditioned spaces (crawl spaces, attics, unconditioned garages)
- Repairing or replacing old or poorly functioning heating and cooling systems
- Installing ENERGY STAR certified lighting, etc.
Making the Recommended Improvements: yes or no
After the energy assessment is complete and the contractor has shared recommendations with you – it is your decision whether to move forward with the improvements.
As the homeowner, you are under no obligation to have the recommended work performed, but these recommendations can lower your energy bills as well as improve indoor air quality.
Time Frame for Improvements
Depending on the scope of the energy efficiency upgrades you choose to make to your home, the time needed to complete them will vary.
As with any work to be performed at your house, you will need to coordinate times and dates. The contractor will be able to tell you the amount of time needed to complete the work. PSE&G recommends that you meet with the contractor at the beginning of each day before work begins and at the end of the day to review progress made. On a multi-day project, this may be somewhat difficult to coordinate, but it is worth it to follow the work closely.
Home Energy Upgrades and Health and Safety Testing
The BPI certified contractors perform combustion safety-related tests before and after completing the energy improvements to your home. Testing combustion appliances (such as gas-fired heating equipment, water heaters, ovens) for proper performance and carbon monoxide emissions helps ensure safe, efficient operation.
Eligibility for the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR for Multi-Family Homes Program
Enrollment in this program must be done at the building management level rather than by individual residents. If interested, your property manager can contact PSE&G at 855-846-2895.
Multi-family properties that are three stories or less or have three of more dwelling units that are attached to each other. Townhouses where units are not attached, but still receive gas or electric service from PSE&G also may qualify.
Eligibility for the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR for Renters
If you live in a single-family home, the property owner may contact a participating contractor (https://homeenergy.PSE&G.com/find).
However, if you live in a building with three or more units, the residence does not qualify. The building may be eligible to participate in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR for Multi-Family Homes Program if the property owner or manager decides to enroll.