“I was very pleased with the work Edge Energy did in my house. Every person I spoke with (supervisors and workers) were very professional and personable. Even my dog liked everyone.” -Phyllis D.
Retirement should be a time to relax, but for Phyllis, her home was becoming a source of stress. Uneven temperatures, utility bills that kept creeping up, and broken systems made life difficult.
That’s when a neighbor recommended that she call EDGE Energy at (888) 586-3343.
We came out for a full audit, uncovered the issues, and created a plan that qualified for thousands in EmPOWER Maryland rebates. Now, her home is finally the safe, comfortable place it was meant to be, and she’s saving money every month.
If you have questions about how to improve your home in Maryland, Washington D.C., or Virginia, don’t hesitate to send us a message anytime. We’re here to help.
The problem: A leaky, inefficient home
Here’s what we uncovered during Phyllis’ home energy audit:
- Air leakage of 2,476 CFM50—the equivalent of leaving multiple windows open 24/7
- Outdated attic insulation (just 5 inches) that barely slowed heat loss
- Loose, leaky HVAC ducts wasting over 48% of conditioned air
- An old water heater guzzling electricity
- Bathroom fans that vented moisture into the attic—creating long-term risks
We found almost no attic insulation
The solutions for comfort and energy savings
We wanted to help Phyllis make the most of her fixed income. For temperature differences and high energy bills, we recommended that she replace her aging water heater, seal air leaks, and add insulation.
Heat pump water heater
- Replaced a standard electric tank with a 50-gallon ENERGY STAR® model (UEF 3.35)
- Cut water heating costs by up to 70%
“I love my new water heater!” -Phyllis D.
Why your water heater matters
Most people don’t realize just how much energy their water heater uses. In fact, water heating is the second biggest energy expense in most homes – right behind space heating and cooling.
It can make up about 18% of your total energy bill, so if you’re looking to cut costs, upgrading to a high-efficiency model is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s a simple swap that can lead to big savings month after month.
ENERGY STAR offers the following estimated energy savings when you upgrade to a heat pump water heater:
| Household Size | Annual Energy Savings (kWh) | Annual Cost Savings ($) | Payback Period (Years) | Lifetime Savings ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1,880 | $270 | 5.5 | $2,050 |
| 3 | 2,820 | $410 | 3.7 | $3,830 |
| 4 | 3,760 | $550 | 2.7 | $5,610 |
Air sealing + attic insulation
- Sealed major leaks, attic bypasses, and gaps in framing
- Installed R-49 loose-fill fiberglass insulation
- Sealed and insulated attic hatch
- Result: Air leakage dropped by nearly 500 CFM50
We sealed leaks and insulated Phyllis’ attic to R-49
Adding insulation to an under-insulated attic is often the most cost-effective upgrade you can make to your home. Attic insulation keeps the warm conditioned air in your home during the winter months, and it prevents the sun from overheating your home throughout the summer.
Duct sealing with Aeroseal®
The ducts in your home deliver conditioned air from your heating or cooling system to the rooms in your home. When we tested the ducts in Phyllis’ home, we found that they leaked 385 CFM25 – about half of the conditioned air moving through them.
In other words, half of the air that Phyllis paid to heat and cool was being completely wasted – leaking through holes, cracks, and gaps in your ducts.
- After duct sealing, we reduced her duct leakage to 110 CFM25.
- Improved airflow, indoor air quality, and system performance
Phyllis’s ducts were leaking like a soccer-ball-sized hole blowing air into her walls. After AeroSeal, it shrank to the size of a baseball, a big win for comfort and efficiency.
Administering the Aeroseal®
How does Aeroseal work?
AeroSeal works from the inside out. Instead of taping or sealing duct leaks manually, it sends a safe, non-toxic mist of sealant particles through your duct system. These particles are drawn to the leaks, where they stick and build up until the gaps are sealed.
It’s precise, mess-free, and incredibly effective—reducing leakage by up to 90% without having to tear into walls or ceilings.
The solutions for cleaner indoor air
The work mentioned above helps with indoor air quality too. In particular, air sealing and duct sealing keep the clean air where you want it. BUT we noticed another problem for the air quality in Phyllis’ home: her bathroom fan.
Bathroom ventilation
- Replaced hallway fan with ENERGY STAR® model
- Rerouted two fans through the roof with insulated ductwork
- Added a smart “air-cycler” switch to meet ventilation code
Why bathroom ventilation matters
Bathrooms are a major source of moisture and pollutants in the home—from shower steam to cleaning products. Without proper ventilation, that humid air gets trapped, increasing the risk of mold, mildew, and poor indoor air quality. This can make allergies and respiratory issues worse, especially in older homes.
By replacing outdated fans, rerouting ductwork to vent properly outside, and adding a smart “air-cycler” switch, we made sure stale, humid air gets out—and fresh, healthy air stays in. This upgrade not only improves comfort but also protects the long-term health of the home and everyone living in it.
The Results: Comfort, Savings, and Peace of Mind
“It was easy. EDGE Energy has been a Godsend.” -Phyllis D.
With most of the improvements complete, Phyllis’ home is now:
- Safer – with proper attic ventilation and code-compliant bathroom exhaust
- More comfortable – her rooms are warmer in the winter, cooler in the summer
- More Efficient – projected annual savings: $628
Next up on her list: Phyllis is now working with EDGE Energy to install solar panels on her roof.
Want to Save Like Phyllis?
If your energy bills are creeping higher or your home feels drafty or stuffy, you’re not alone. EDGE Energy can help you cut costs, boost comfort, and cash in on rebates through programs like EmPOWER Maryland.
Just give us a call at (888) 586-3343., or send us a message to get started.
