Expertise: Heating & Energy

In 2021, the United States was home to about 4% of the world's population. In that same year, the country also used about 16% of the world's share of energy – that's over 28 trillion kilowatt hours.

Along with energy consumption comes damaging and lasting impacts to our skies, water and land. That's why in 2001, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy came together to create the Home Performance Program – its aim being to reduce the amount of energy used within the United States – and it worked.

In the past year alone, the Home Performance Program resulted in 520 billion kilowatt hours saved. That's equivalent to the average energy consumption of 4 million homes! The program all starts by making small but powerful adjustments to your home.

House & Home spoke with Allied Experts' home solutions director, Jose Diaz, about how the program can not only save homeowners money, but can be the next step to creating a more sustainable and equitable way of living.

What is the purpose of the Home Performance Program?
The Home Performance Program is a collaborative effort between the U.S. DOE [Department of Energy] and EPA [Environmental Protection Agency], which is designed to improve the energy efficiency of American homes, making them safer, healthier and more energy-efficient. It includes a network of utility and nonprofit sponsors, along with home performance contractors, who work together to deliver home energy upgrades.

How does this program work?
The program operates by providing homeowners with a comprehensive evaluation of their homes' energy efficiency. This includes a visit from a Home Performance Energy Advisor who assesses the home and installs energy-saving measures.

What is covered under the program?
Homeowners receive a detailed report with energy-saving tips and potential additional measures for further improvements. These additional measures, such as attic insulation, ductless mini-split heat pumps and air sealing, are eligible for rebates through the program.

How can enrolling in the program save homeowners money?
Improved energy efficiency can lead to significant savings on utility bills for homeowners. Over time, the savings can offset the initial investment in upgrades. Many homeowners want to make their homes greener and more efficient, but they may not know where to start. Energy audits are key to families in identifying suitable projects. By offering rebates and incentives for energy efficiency improvements, households can replace appliances or make home repairs while saving money in the long run. These improvements encompass home weatherization services like ventilation, air sealing, upgraded insulation, and highly-efficient heating & cooling appliances like heat pumps, central air conditioners and water heaters.

What should homeowners know about the Home Performance Program?
Homeowners should be aware of the remarkable opportunities that have been presented by the Home Performance Program making their homes cleaner, greener and more comfortable than ever before. Moreover, this program is a data-driven approach to incentivizing energy efficiency, unlocking innovation and increasing equity. It is a significant step towards a sustainable future for all.

In conclusion, the Home Performance program and contractors like Allied Experts are game-changers in the efforts to promote energy efficiency, sustainability and equity in our communities. Let us seize this opportunity to work together and create a cleaner, greener, and more comfortable future for all homeowners.

Allied Experts
100 Dobbs Lane, Suite 209
Cherry Hill, N.J.
(856) 528-2822
AlliedExperts.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 24, Issue 1 (November/December 2023)
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