📄 Ensuring Work Quality, Financial Savings & Community Support

Lesson 4: Ensuring Work Quality – Post-Project Inspection & Retro-Commissioning

Before releasing final payments, conduct a post-installation inspection to confirm work meets the agreed-upon standards.

✅ Checklist for Homeowners:

  • 🔲 Verify installed materials & systems match the SOW
  • 🔲 Ensure air sealing & insulation meet efficiency targets
  • 🔲 Test heating, cooling & ventilation for proper operation
  • 🔲 Check solar system performance (if applicable)
  • 🔲 Confirm warranties, manuals & maintenance instructions are provided

🔬 Retro-Commissioning (System Performance Testing)

This process ensures that installed systems operate efficiently.

  • ✔️ Heat pumps should be tested across different outdoor temperatures.
  • ✔️ Solar system monitoring should be reviewed to ensure expected energy generation.
  • ✔️ Blower door testing confirms whether air sealing measures were successful.

📌 If Something Isn’t Right:

  • ✔️ Document concerns with photos or written notes.
  • ✔️ Request a follow-up visit from contractors.
  • ✔️ Hold final payments until issues are resolved.

Lesson 5: Estimating Financial Savings & Organizing Incentive Applications

Many incentives require post-project documentation and proof of energy savings.

✅ Steps to Ensure You Receive Incentives:

  • 1️⃣ Confirm with your contractor that all necessary documentation is in your project handover folder.
  • 2️⃣ Submit rebate applications promptly – Some programs have deadlines within 90–180 days of installation.
  • 3️⃣ Follow up on processing times – If payments are delayed, contact the program administrator.

📌 Resources for Incentives & Savings:

💡 Pro Tip: Sequence projects wisely to maximize incentives (e.g., upgrading electrical panels first can qualify you for both panel and heat pump rebates).

📌 Lesson 6: Leveraging Community Resources & Staying Engaged

Using Your Neighborhood Listserv for Post-Project Support

Your local listserv is a valuable tool for:

  • ✔️ Sharing retrofit experiences – “Anyone install a heat pump? How’s it working?”
  • ✔️ Discussing incentive programs – “Has anyone had success with insulation rebates?”
  • ✔️ Finding vetted contractors – “Looking for a reliable solar installer—any recommendations?”

📌 Ways to Stay Engaged:

  • ✔️ Log completed projects in a shared community dashboard.
  • ✔️ Join quarterly check-ins to discuss savings & performance adjustments.
  • ✔️ Attend home energy open houses to see completed projects in action.

💡 Pro Tip: Group purchasing programs for heat pumps, insulation, or solar panels can unlock bulk discounts.

🎉 Final Thoughts: Your Home Energy Retrofit Journey

✅ You now understand how to:

  • ✔️ Improve home comfort & energy efficiency
  • ✔️ Work with contractors and verify installations
  • ✔️ Use & maintain energy-efficient systems
  • ✔️ Apply for rebates & incentives
  • ✔️ Stay engaged with your community for long-term support

🔗 Next Steps:

  • 📌 Continue tracking energy use and making improvements.
  • 📌 Encourage friends & neighbors to start their own retrofits.
  • 📌 Share your experience on the listserv to help others!

🏡💡 Your home is now part of the clean energy future!

🎉 Final Thought Exercise:
  • 📌 Take the quiz!