Frequently Asked Questions

Home heating and cooling are the largest expenses in a typical home. Many homeowners are not getting the comfort they are paying for due to problems such as poor insulation, leaky duct systems, drafty windows and inefficient appliances. To make sure you get your money’s worth from your energy bills, LIPA offers Home Performance DIRECT.

What is Home Performance DIRECT ?
Home Performance DIRECT (HPD) is a unique program for customers who have  central air conditioning. It’s designed to help you reduce overall electricity use, save money, as well as improve the health and safety of your home. Services include a FREE high quality Comprehensive Home Audit (CHA), same day installations of efficiency measures such as duct and air sealing, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and health and safety testing. A report is provided with comprehensive recommendations for further energy efficiency measures and information on available LIPA rebates.

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What is a Comprehensive Home Audit?
A Comprehensive Home Audit is the first step towards improving a home’s efficiency and reducing your home’s energy bills. The Building Performance Institute (BPI) accredited contractor will use a number of tests to evaluate heating and cooling equipment, insulation levels, and air infiltration and will explain what improvements can be made. Specifically, the contractor will look for opportunities to improve your home’s insulation, heating and cooling system, windows, appliances and lighting.

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Aren’t all energy audits the same?
A true, comprehensive energy audit uses a variety of testing measures to look at your home’s unique features and provide an in-depth audit, including a cost and energy savings estimate. The individual or company conducting a comprehensive energy audit should have the proper licenses and credentials. LIPA has developed a network of independent home improvement contractors who are accredited by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). These contractors take a “whole-house” approach when testing homes and identifying necessary energy efficiency improvements. From air leaks in the attic to your heating system in the basement, your home will be thoroughly reviewed to maximize energy-saving opportunities. In Suffolk County, companies performing or advertising home energy audits must be certified with the Building Performance Institute (BPI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, or the equivalent.

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Why is BPI certification for contractors important?
The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is a national resource for building science technology that sets standards for auditing and improving the energy performance, as well as the health and safety of homes. Home Performance DIRECT participating contractors are BPI accredited and certified. A Comprehensive Home Audit performed by a Home Performance DIRECT participating contractor is required in order to qualify for LIPA rebates and incentives. For more information about BPI, please visit the Building Performance Institute Web site: www.bpi.org.

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What can I expect during a Home Performance DIRECT visit?
An initial visit can last up to four hours depending on site specific circumstances. Two energy advisors will perform a Comprehensive Home Audit that will include:

  • Duct sealing services and air sealing services (in attics and other areas), if applicable.
  • Diagnostic testing to uncover carbon monoxide and/or moisture problems.
  • Installation of appropriate energy saving measures to reduce water heating costs (if electric hot water).
  • Replacement of incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) models at no cost to you.
  • A final report with findings and recommendations for additional energy efficient measures.

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Are there rebates available through Home Performance DIRECT?
Rebates are available through LIPA’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® (HPwES) Program if you choose to follow up on recommended energy efficient measures as outlined in your final report.

Homes with Central Air Conditioning may also be eligible for LIPA’s Cool Homes “Early Retirement Program”.

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What if I don't have central air conditioning?
If your home does not have central air conditioning, you should still consider a Comprehensive Home Audit with a LIPA Home Performance with ENERGY STAR participating contractor. The audit is fee-based and rebates do not apply.
For a free information packet, including a list of participating BPI-accredited contractors and information on LIPA rebates and financing, call 1-877-ESTARLI (378-2754). For additional LIPA energy efficiency programs, click here.

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How do I get started?
Contact LIPA at 1-877-ESTARLI (378-2754) to determine your eligibility and schedule a Comprehensive Home Audit. One of LIPA’s energy experts will help determine if your CAC qualifies as high use.

A BPI accredited contractor will perform your energy audit and give you a report that outlines your energy saving opportunities and estimated payback for additional measures.

Schedule your follow-up work with the participating contractor of your choice, qualify for generous LIPA rebates and start saving money…. It’s as simple as that!

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Home Performance

ENERGY STAR Award

Call 1-877-ESTAR LI (378-2754) and have one of LIPA’s energy experts help determine if your CAC qualifies as “high use.” Please have your Customer ID handy.

For Contractors