“EDGE Energy did an amazing job! Their ENTIRE team is AMAZING! They were very knowledgeable, thorough, and efficient! They take time to actually listen to your concerns and get the job done RIGHT! I will always choose EDGE over any competitor (including big corporations) ANY day!”
— Dona B.
Living with a silent killer: The gas leak that changed everything
For nearly two years, Dona B. and her children were unable to live in their home.
Shortly after a large HVAC company installed a new gas furnace, she began experiencing alarming symptoms. She would suddenly forget how to breathe, wake up feeling sick, and feel exhausted throughout the day. Her son’s breathing became shallow, but doctors couldn’t find the cause.
One weekend, she stayed at her mother’s house – and felt completely fine. That’s when she realized something in her own home was making her sick.
Dona suspected a gas leak and called the company that had installed the furnace. Instead of fixing the issue, they refused to take responsibility. With no help from the original contractor, she had no choice but to continue looking for help.
On the recommendation of a neighbor, she called EDGE Energy at (888) 586-3343.
The Solution: Electrification with EDGE Energy
When Dona reached out to EDGE Energy, we immediately escalated the issue and sent a team to investigate.
What we found confirmed Dona’s worst fears:
- The heat exchanger was cracked, likely due to improper installation.
- The air was thick with contaminants—installers couldn’t stop coughing while inside.
- The gas leak had been active for years, putting her family at risk.
We Measured CO as high as 350 PPM Throughout the Home
Rather than patching the problem, we created a comprehensive plan to help Dona get rid of fossil fuels and finally feel safe with her family at home.
One of the best parts? We found incentives that covered the entire cost of Dona’s project. We’ll give an overview of the project and results, but first, here’s what you should know about gas leaks.
How to know if you have a gas leak (before it’s too late)
Natural gas leaks are dangerous because they’re not always easy to detect. Gas companies add a rotten egg-like smell to help with identification, but carbon monoxide (CO) is completely odorless and invisible.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- More than 100,000 people visit the ER each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- At least 420 people die annually in the U.S. from accidental CO exposure.
Signs of a gas leak in your home:
- A rotten egg or sulfur smell (added by gas companies to help detect leaks)
- Hissing or whistling sounds near gas lines or appliances
- Dead or dying houseplants (caused by excess gas in the air)
- A sudden increase in gas bills without explanation
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Dizziness, confusion, or trouble breathing
- Headaches or nausea that seem to improve when you leave home
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Blurred vision or difficulty concentrating
What to do if you suspect a gas leak:
- Evacuate immediately. Leave the house and take everyone with you.
- Call 911 and your gas company once you are safely outside.
- Get medical help if anyone in your home is experiencing symptoms.
The safest long-term solution? Remove gas from your home entirely. That’s exactly what Dona did.
The plan: Step-by-step to a gas-free home
EDGE Energy followed a comprehensive electrification plan to remove gas appliances and upgrade the home’s efficiency.
Diagnosing the problem
- Performed a full energy audit, including a blower door test and infrared scanning to identify leaks.
- Inspected ductwork, air quality, and existing gas appliances.
If you have questions about what it would take to get rid of fossil fuels at your home in Washington DC, Maryland, or Virginia, please give us a call at (888) 586-3343 or send us a message:
Installing a high-efficiency heat pump (replacing the faulty gas furnace)
- Removed the gas furnace and installed a 2.5-ton ENERGY STAR® heat pump.
- Connected the system to a smart thermostat for better control.
- Eliminated the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning from gas heating.
Upgrading to a heat pump water heater
- Replaced the gas water heater with a 50-gallon high-efficiency electric model.
- Reduced utility costs while eliminating gas combustion inside the home.
Sealing air leaks and adding insulation
- Sealed all ductwork to improve indoor air quality.
- Added R-60 loose-fill fiberglass insulation to boost home efficiency and comfort.
The results: Safe and healthy – life without gas leaks
“EDGE recently fixed a gas leak caused by a major corporation that refused to take responsibility. I’m finally SAFE and back in my home!” — Dona B.
Dona and her family were finally able to move back into their home—without fear. Her home is now safer, healthier, and more energy efficient than it’s ever been, thanks to her work with EDGE Energy
- No more gas leaks or dangerous air quality issues
- Lower energy bills with efficient electric appliances
- No reliance on fossil fuels inside the home
- A healthier living environment for her and her children
Dramatic reduction in air leaks
Before the project, her home was leaking a significant amount of conditioned air, forcing her HVAC system to work overtime.
All told, the project reduced air leakage by an estimated 1,200 CFM – the same impact as shutting 3–4 windows left open year-round. We also reduced air leakage in Dona’s ducts by 85% – closing the equivalent of a hole the size of a pizza box.
Lower energy bills and all-electric efficiency
Beyond safety, Dona’s home is now cheaper to heat and cool, thanks to electrification and energy efficiency improvements:
- High-efficiency heat pump replaces her faulty gas furnace, offering up to 50% energy savings compared to conventional heating and cooling.
- Heat pump water heater cuts water heating costs by up to 70% compared to a traditional gas water heater.
New Heat Pump and Heat Pump Water Heater
All together, Dona is expected to save nearly $1,000 per year on energy costs—without the risks of gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure.
The final step: solar power
With her home now fully electrified, EDGE Energy is taking the final step—installing solar panels to generate clean, renewable power. This means lower utility bills, energy independence, and a home that’s as safe, sustainable, and resilient as possible.
Dona and her family no longer have to worry about gas leaks, indoor air pollution, or unpredictable energy bills. Instead, they’re enjoying clean energy, fresh air, and the peace of mind of a truly safe home.
Electrification can protect your home, too
Dona’s story is a powerful reminder of the risks of gas appliances and the life-saving benefits of electrification.
If you’re considering a heat pump, heat pump water heater, or insulation upgrades, EDGE Energy can help you create a safer, healthier, and more efficient home.
- Eliminate carbon monoxide risks
- Lower your energy bills with efficient appliances
- Improve indoor air quality
- Reduce fire hazards from gas leaks
If you’d like help with your home in Maryland, Washington D.C. or Virginia, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (888) 586-3343 or send us a message anytime:
