Free Home Energy Audits Available from DC Government

• What: Home energy audits.
• Who: Through the District Department of Environment (DDOE).
• How: For information or to schedule an audit, call DDOE at (202) 673-6700 or visit their Web site.
• Why: Lower your heating bills, and maybe get a tax credit for the improvements you make.

From DDOE’s October 14 news release:

District residents can prepare their homes for winter with a free energy audit from the District Department of the Environment (DDOE). The audits recommend easy, inexpensive ways to improve energy efficiency. For example, reducing air leaks can save up to 30 percent of the energy consumed in a home.

In an older, historic home, this could mean as much energy loss as leaving a window open all winter. DDOE energy audits help residents save money and reduce global warming by wasting less energy.

DDOE has contracted with Elysian Energy, LLC and Patuxent Environmental Group to perform the audits. Inspectors measure energy characteristics, such as insulation levels, window efficiency, wall-to-wall ratios, heating and cooling system efficiency, the solar orientation of the home, and water heating systems. Diagnostic testing, which may include a blower door for air leakage and duct leakage testing, is often part of the rating.

At the end of the process, the homeowner or renter receives a one- to five-star rating for energy efficiency, and a report listing cost-effective ways to improve the rating. DDOE also offers information on tax credits and financing for energy-efficient home improvements.

For more information, or to schedule an energy audit, call DDOE’s Energy Office at (202) 673-6700 or visit our website.