Charlottesville, Virginia – Starting today, homeowners in Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson can be among the first in the nation to receive a Home Energy Score as part of a pilot program with the Department of Energy. The pilot program, offered through the Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP), will give homeowners a rating of their home’s energy performance on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the most energy efficient) and is similar to the MPG rating for cars. The pilot runs through early summer, so homeowners are encouraged to take advantage of this limited time opportunity.
“The Charlottesville area has long been on the cutting-edge of sustainability and energy solutions, and homeowners can again be part of that leadership by getting a Home Energy Score,” said Cynthia Adams, Executive Director of LEAP. “The Score is easy for a credentialed contractor to run, easy to understand, and a great overall value for homeowners.”
Homeowners interested in scoring their home through this pilot program should visit www.leap-va.org/energyscore to learn more and find a participating building analyst.
“The U.S. Department of Energy is testing the Home Energy Score around the country to give homeowners the information they need to make crucial decisions on what types of home energy improvements they should make. These energy improvements will reduce their energy costs and make their homes more comfortable in all seasons,” said Joan Glickman, Senior Advisor, U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency.
Central Virginia homeowners have the option of conducting a comprehensive home energy assessment as part of LEAP’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program, which takes into account behavior (as shown through utility bills) as well as health, safety and durability issues. The Home Energy Score is more limited in scope, but can be a good, less costly entry-level assessment. Some local building analysts may offer the Home Energy Score along with the full assessment.
“I was interested in getting a Home Energy Score because I am always looking for ways to make our home more energy efficient and to reduce our utility bills. I also believe in trying to minimize my impact on the environment wherever I can,” said Deborah Steva, a Charlottesville homeowner who today will be one of the first in the country to receive a Home Energy Score. “I am looking forward to finding out if there are any additional steps we can take, that would be relatively easy and low cost, to make our home more energy efficient. I also feel like this is a way I can do my part in the current effort to make this country as a whole more energy efficient and ‘green.’”
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