Frequently Asked Questions
Heating, Cooling, Water Heating, Electrification
Is a heat pump better than a furnace?
Heat pumps tend to be significantly more energy efficient than furnaces, which leads to significantly lower environmental impacts.
Are there incentives for Electrification?
There are many incentives available for Maryland utility cusomters. Elysian Energy works directly with BGE, PEPCO, and Potomac Edison to ensure you receive rebates and subsidies available to you. In addtion, Montomgery County has additional incentives. See the links below for details or click to get an Instant Quote.
What size electric panel do I need for home electrification?
The panel size needed is different for every home. Elysian Energy will perform an NEC calculation to ensure your home has sufficient electricity service for any electrification upgrades.
How do I electrify if I have a boiler?
Electrifying if you currently heat your home with a boiler and cool with window units can be tricky. Mini-splits are heat pumps that do not need ducts and work as both heaters and air conditioners. Elysian Energy can discuss if this solution is right for you.
Does Elysian Energy perform a Manual J calculation?
Elysian Energy performs a Manual J load calculation before every heat pump install wherre we're switching from fossil fuels. The Manual J makes sure that we are sizing your equipment correctly. Undersized or oversized equipment can lead to discomfort in the home, moisture issues, mold problems, and other health and safety issues.
Weatherization, Assessments, QHECs
How long does an assessment take? (for QHECs and audits, different times for each)
A typical Quick Home Energy Check-Up takes 1-1.5 hours. A Home Energy Audit takes 3-4 hours to complete. You will receive a Home Energy Report Card within 10 days of your audit.
Does it cost me anything? What’s the catch?
Quick Home Energy Check-Ups (QHECs) are funded by your utility. You support the Quick Home Energy Check-Up program when you pay your monthly utility bill. Technically, you’ve already paid for one! That’s why we encourage all homeowners to take advantage of the program, which we provide at no additional cost. The Quick Home Energy Check-Up alone saves over $100 annually for the average homeowner. In Maryland, Home Performance Audits cost $100 for homes under 3,000 square feet. We service homes in BGE, Pepco, and Potomac Edison territories. In the District of Columbia Home Performance Audits cost $400 for most homes.
Why do I need a new bath fan with my weatherization work?
Homes need a certain amount of fresh, outside air to maintain good indoor air quality. Before weatherization, most homes are way too leaky. Our job is to seal the home up as much as possible, but still make sure there's sufficient outside air. The bath fan is a great tool to ensure the exact minimum amount of air enters the home. See the videos on bath fans and timer switches below.
What do I need to do before my QHEC?
Not much! For the most accurate inspection we need to have access to the entire home, and a ladder for accessing the attic.
What do I need to do before an Energy Audit/Site Visit Assessment
Not much! For the most accurate inspection we need to have access to the entire home, and a ladder for accessing the attic. In addition, do not use the fireplace the day before our appointment, and vaccuum any ash, as it will likely be moved around by the blower door test.
Elysian Energy
How long has Elysian Energy been in business?
Elysian Energy was founded in 2007. We are a locally owned business run by our original founder Jim Conlon. Since 2007 we have helped more than 150,000 local residents in Maryland and Washington, DC.
What kind of expertise do Elysian Energy employees have?
All Elysian Energy auditors and assessors hold a BPI certification or a license in their field of expertise. In addition, the company has HVAC-R Masters, a Master Electrician, as well as many employees with EPA Lead-safe, OSHA and numerous other certifications.
Can I schedule on the weekends/evenings?
We schedule Quick Home Energy Check-Up appointments on weekdays between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Because audits take 3-4 hours to complete, we schedule Home Performance Energy Audits between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. We do not offer services on the weekends or in the evenings. Our operations team will work with you to find a time that best fits your needs.
Does a bigger company own Elysian Energy?
No. Elysian Energy was founded by Jim Conlon in 2007, and he remains its owner and President. Elysian Energy is focused solely on residential energy efficiency in this region. All of our employees live in Maryland, DC, or Virginia.
Will my technician/auditor have identification?
When our technician arrives at your door they will have an identifying business card that says “Elysian Energy.” Oftentimes, our Auditor will be wearing a BGE or Pepco badge. All of our employees have had a background check conducted. Most employees will be wearing Elysian-Energy-branded clothing and driving an Elysian-Energy-branded vehicle. We take the security of our customers and employees very seriously. For further assurance, please call our office at 877-456-9928.
