September 3, 2010
Westchester County is launching a new program this week that will offer free home energy assessments to the first 2,000 homeowners to call the United Way’s “2-1-1” Call Center. By signing up for an assessment, you can learn how to make your home more energy efficient, and, of course, save money. As of yesterday afternoon, 300 callers had scheduled appointments.
The Home Energy Assessment Program, sponsored by Westchester County, the Workforce Investment Board and the Business Council of Westchester have partnered to offer the assessments through professional contractors. The homeowner can then decide whether or not to go forward with more comprehensive testing and repairs if needed.
“These assessments are free, come with no obligations and may help homeowners save money in the long run,” said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. “Wasted energy costs money and hurts the environment, and this program can help on both fronts.”
Homeowners can call the United Way’s special call 2-1-1 number to set up an appointment with an authorized contractor. A representative will screen the caller to determine whether they qualify for a free assessment and answer any questions. To be eligible for the program, the homeowner’s property must be located in Westchester County; the person contacting the Call Center must be the owner of the property; and the prospective client’s dwelling must by 4,000 square feet or less. An authorized contractor will then call the homeowner directly within 24 hours to schedule an appointment.
The following contractors have been hired by the county with the help of a $200,000 federal grant: Bright Homes Energy Ideas, Comfort Solutions, Green Star Energy Solutions, All HVAC Service, Bright Home Energy Solutions and Franszoso Contracting. The participating contractors (who responded to a bid request by the county) are being reimbursed $100 for each audit they complete.
The program will run through May 31, 2011 (or until 2,000 audits are conducted – whichever comes first).
Homeowners will get the results of the complimentary assessment immediately after the contractor’s visit. At that point, homeowners can decide whether they should follow up—at their own expense—by hiring that contractor, or another, for a more comprehensive assessment, which usually involves several diagnostic tools and specialized computer software. At that point, if additional repairs are needed, the homeowner would need to arrange for those independently.
Call takers at the United Way’s 2-1-1 Call Center can also help homeowners learn about federal grants or state incentive programs that could help with any needed repair costs.
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