Alban Home Inspection Service Develops Strategic Partnership to Help Homeowners Save on Rising Energy Costs

Frederick, Md - Through an alliance between Alban Home Inspection Service and Home Energy Team, budget-conscious homeowners in Maryland, DC and Northern Virginia can now protect themselves against energy cost increases. This alliance provides a one-stop solution to reducing energy bills and managing homes' energy efficiency. Loss of energy in homes results in thousands of dollars wasted annually.

Home Energy Team is a network of energy auditors and contractors who work together to help homeowners solve energy-related issues. All auditors and contractors are independent and have all the necessary licensing, insurance and accreditations to perform the work required. As independent contractors, their responsibility is to the homeowner. Homeowners benefit by having a one stop shop to perform energy audits and needed improvements, delivered with the highest integrity. "We are pleased to develop this strategic alliance with Home Energy Team," said Arthur Lazerow, President of Alban Home Inspection Service. "These solutions can help save homeowners money on their energy bills, help protect the environment, and make their homes more comfortable to live in."

Through Alban Home Inspection Service, an independent energy auditor will perform in-home evaluations, the first step in the process. The Alban Chief Energy Auditor and Inspector, Joe Dempsey, is in process of obtaining his certification by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET®) to become one of the first RESNET certified energy auditors in the area. RESNET's mission is to ensure the success of the building energy performance certification industry. During an audit, Dempsey uses diagnostic equipment to evaluate the performance of each customer's home and generate a customized list of improvements. It is not always easy to pinpoint the problem, but fixing it can make a home more energy-efficient and comfortable. "During this period of recessionary pressures on families, the energy audit is inexpensive and many of the suggestions can be accomplished with minimal expense," said Dempsey.

Inspections are made both outside and inside the home. The thermal boundary, also called the "envelope" or "shell," is made up of the outer walls, ceiling, windows, doors, and floors of the house. Air leaks through the envelope and inadequate insulation are two common problems in many homes and can lead to discomfort and high energy bills. When the home envelope is performing well, it will help keep homeowners comfortable while keeping energy bills low during the hottest and coldest times of the year. Energy audits are an effective way to identify the root cause of energy loss in a home and an associated home improvement plan to mitigate those losses.

Energy audits should be conducted regardless of the age of the home, as newer homes are not exempt from energy leaks. They are also paramount whether you live in your home, or if you are in the market to buy or sell. As a seller, your home will have a differentiating market advantage with an energy audit. As a buyer, you want to request an energy audit as part of your discovery process.

Homeowners who want to proceed with the Alban auditor's recommendations have a network of independent contractors and service providers who have been vetted by Home Energy Team to meet specific professional and ethical standards. "All contractors within the Home Energy Team network have undergone a thorough investigation with references checked," said Sean Zobaa, Vice President of Home Energy Team. In addition to being eligible for tax credits for energy improvements to their homes customers may also be eligible to receive a rebate for the work performed-by selecting a contractor from the network that is marked with an R (Rebate) on the homeenergyteam.com web site. "This is an excellent way to cover the cost of improvements," said Zobaa. To learn how you can start saving money visit HomeEnergyTeam.com.

Homeowners can schedule their energy audits by calling 1-800-309-6006 or at http://www.HomeEnergyTeam.com/schedule