The problems I faced included (1) a temperature difference between the first and second floors of 4 degrees - doesn't sound like much but, believe me, that is significant enough so if you were comfortable on one level of the house you were either too hot or cold on the other level; (2) air leakage that caused noticeable drafts in the basement and laundry room; (3) a guest bedroom that was always cold in the winter; and (4) monthly letters from Pepco telling me that compared to my neighbors in comparable homes my energy consumption was much, much higher. In terms of monthly bills, I was definitely one of Pepco's residential gold star customers.
I contacted three different insulation companies. Two of them sent estimators whose evaluations, even to my totally untrained eyes, were cursory. They recommended blowing additional insulation into my attic. The estimators produced contracts that were ready to be signed. I did not like what I perceived as high-pressure sales tactics based on a superficial analysis of my energy problems.
Then I contacted Devere. They had great ratings on Washington Checkbook but so did the other two insulation companies. From the first phone call with DeVere, I sensed this would be a different experience. The receptionist was well-informed, asked perceptive questions, took plenty of time to answer my questions and never made me feel that I was taking up too much of her time.
When the estimator came,he spent over an hour and a half carefully going through my house explaining all sorts of things that the other two estimators never addressed. For example, he explained that the location of cobwebs in my basement showed where there was air leakage. He explained how the recessed lights that had been installed in the ceilings of our second floor had not been properly fitted with insulating covers. etc. etc. His visit was quite an education.
He then explained the various remedies that were possible telling me the cost-effectiveness of each remedy. He said he would prepare a contract that would separately list each proposed remedy with its price. I could then choose which ones to opt for.
He also explained Pepco's energy rebate program which neither of the other estimators had mentioned. He said that if they could achieve a 20% reduction in air leakage in my house, I could get a $2,000 rebate from Pepco. He indicated which remedies would result in the 20% or more reduction.
The whole process was professional, informative, no sales pressure and not at all rushed.
When the crew came to do the work, they put on little booties over their shoes so as not to track dirt into our house. My wife really liked that. To my untrained eye, they seemed to work quickly and efficiently. It seemed to me they knew what they were doing and, more importantly, they seemed to CARE about doing a really good job. They were very polite and professional. They spent all day on the job and around 4:00 PM told me they had called for additional help because they would not be able to finish on their own that day. Around 4:30 another Devere truck pulled up with two more workers and a supervisor. The supervisor checked the work and guided the completion of the job.
I asked the men if they could also insulate the area around our electric panel. That was not in the contract. They said sure and did the work with no extra charge. While working around the electric panel they found a couple of other spaces in the cabinetry that they insulated. Again, no extra charge.
When they finished a few hours later, the supervisor took me around the house showing me what they had done.
When Devere finished, I had Energy Efficiency Experts check the job. They had to do this to certify the 20% reduction in CFMs - cubic feet per minute. In checking the job, they found a couple of places that Devere has missed. When I called Devere and told them, they were so polite and concerned. They scheduled a follow-up service call, came promptly and did the work. I received no bill from Devere until after the followup work had been completed and EEE had checked the job once more.
My whole experience with Devere has spoiled me in terms of my expectations from other service providers. I just got my $2,000 rebate check from Pepco. The monthly letters from Pepco showing my energy consumption compared to my neighbors shows me with a MAJOR improvement. The 4 degree temperature difference between first and second floors has disappeared. The guest bedroom is no longer colder than the other bedrooms.
I am one happy camper. read more
