State energy office urges homeowners and renters to prioritize home energy assessments; rebate program awaits DOE approval

The Energy Programs Office told attendees of a statewide webinar on Oct. 5, 2025, that residential energy assessments are the first step to cutting household energy costs and improving comfort and that utility-backed rebates through “Penn Energy Savers” will launch only after U.S. Department of Energy approval. Heather, a presenter from the Energy Programs Office, gave practical, low-cost steps renters and homeowners can take and described planned rebate and contractor-training elements of the home energy rebates program.

Why it matters: the office said roughly three-quarters of household energy use is heating and cooling, so small fixes that reduce air leakage and improve insulation can deliver outsized savings compared with single upgrades such as replacing one window. The office also warned that sealing homes can change indoor radon levels and advised retesting after work is completed.

The office’s guidance focused on establishing a baseline from utility bills, doing a small DIY “mini-audit,” and then choosing low-cost fixes (caulking, door weather-stripping, sealing tub panels and attic hatches) or hiring a professional for a blower-door test and a full audit. “Energy assessments are a critical piece to managing your home's energy use and helping you get your utility bills under control,” Heather said during the presentation. She walked through examples from Pennsylvania data (the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Residential Energy Consumption Survey, 2009 and 2020) showing air conditioning has grown to nearly one-quarter of some household electric bills while heating plus cooling now represent about 75% of home energy use.

Heather recommended simple diagnostic tools — a flashlight, incense or candle to find drafts, and an inexpensive infrared temperature gun — and described common contractor measures such as adding insulation to an attic or sealing ductwork with mastic or foil tape rather than duct tape. She recommended an attic R-value of about R-49 and warned that compressed insulation or gaps at joists lower overall performance. For air sealing she recommended spray foam used per label instructions and cautioned on appropriate product selection and safety gear.

On financing and programs, Heather said utilities in Pennsylvania offer a range of audit and rebate programs and that the office’s Penn Energy Savers home rebates will include separate tracks for appliance rebates and broader home-efficiency rebates. “We have our subcontractor on board,” the moderator said, describing a pending contractor network and training; Heather added that contractor training for heat-pump installations will be required before those rebates are available. The office said it is waiting on DOE approval to launch the home energy rebates program and associated appliance and heat-pump incentives; program eligibility details and FAQs are posted at pennenergysavers.com.

Heather also urged residents to retest for radon after sealing work: “Exposure to radon gas is the second leading risk factor of lung cancer in the United States, and 40 percent of the homes tested in Pennsylvania have radon levels above the action guidelines,” she said. She encouraged property owners to check municipal contractor registration requirements, verify insurance certificates, and look for certified installers (for example, contractors with Building Performance Institute or RESNET certification) when hiring work.

Q&A and next steps: the webinar included many chat questions on contractor availability, cellulose insulation, sealed vaulted ceilings, and federal tax credits. The presenters said tax-credit rules are changing and advised consulting the IRS or a tax preparer for details. The office will add follow-up spotlights focused on tax credits and on industrial energy assessments and is maintaining mailing lists for the home rebates launch.

Less critical details: Heather illustrated do-it-yourself steps such as vacuuming refrigerator grills, uncovering radiators, using advanced power strips to cut “vampire” loads, and choosing ENERGY STAR appliances when replacing equipment. She said professional blower-door audits typically run in the range of $250 to $1,000 depending on home size, and noted utilities sometimes offer subsidized audits or incentives. The moderator closed by thanking Heather and encouraging attendees to sign up for follow-up materials in the chat.