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Shop energy-efficient products for your home, lighting, smart thermostats, water-saving tools, and more at discounted prices with instant rebates for Delaware residents.
Do you have questions about our program offerings? Please see a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. If this still does not answer your questions, feel free to reach out to us directly.
What is BPI?
The Building Performance Institute (BPI) is a national resource for building science technology that sets standards for assessing and improving the energy performance of homes. All contractors participating in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program are BPI contractors, which means they utilize advanced diagnostic equipment to test the home and identify necessary energy efficiency improvements.
As a customer, what am I responsible for and what is my contractor responsible for throughout the work being completed?
You are responsible for:
Your contractor is responsible for:
How long does it take to receive the rebate?
Rebates are issued within 4–6 weeks after work is completed, paperwork is submitted, and the final inspection is passed.
Can I receive a rebate for work or equipment already installed?
No. Rebates apply only to work completed after the home energy audit.
Can I apply for another rebate if I’ve received one before?
Yes, if the new project addresses areas not previously upgraded at the same property.
Are rebates available for new heating or cooling systems in spaces that previously had no HVAC?
No. Rebates are for upgrades to existing systems, not for new zones, additions, or spaces without prior heating or cooling.
Are rebates available for new windows or doors?
No. Rebates do not cover windows or doors. However, installing ENERGY STAR® rated products is still recommended to improve energy efficiency.
What is a blower door test?
A blower door test uses a fan to pressurize your home, revealing air leaks around outlets, windows, and doors. It measures your home’s leakage rate against industry standards. Homes with very low leakage may require mechanical ventilation. Important: If asbestos is present, a blower door test should not be performed.
When is the blower door test done?
It is conducted before and after any air sealing or insulation work.
Is the blower door test included in the home assessment?
Yes, in most cases.
What are health and safety issues in home performance?
These include hazardous insulation, moisture problems, and combustion by-products. All must be addressed before energy-saving measures are installed.
Why is health and safety testing important?
BPI-certified contractors inspect and test combustion appliances (heating systems, water heaters, ovens) for carbon monoxide and gas leaks before and after energy upgrades to ensure safe operation.
What is air sealing and why is it important?
Air sealing reduces energy loss by stopping air leaks. Combined with proper insulation and ventilation, it creates a more efficient and comfortable home.
How can I tell if my heating system is inefficient or unsafe?Warning signs include uneven temperatures, the system cycling too often, and visible duct leaks. Also, poorly vented fuel-burning appliances can introduce harmful gases like carbon monoxide into your home.
What are the benefits of installing a smart thermostat?
Smart thermostats help lower energy bills, improve comfort, and allow remote temperature control. They also monitor energy use and provide maintenance reminders, like dirty filter alerts.
Why is insulation important?
Proper insulation reduces energy costs, maintains comfort, and prevents structural issues by slowing heat transfer between indoors and outdoors.
Why is ventilation important?
Ventilation removes excess moisture and indoor pollutants, preventing mold growth and maintaining healthy indoor air quality.
Why do homes develop mold and mildew?
Mold forms when warm, moist air condenses on cold surfaces, often due to poor insulation or ventilation. A home performance assessment can help identify and solve these issues.
Why is properly sized heating and cooling equipment important?
Oversized systems cycle on and off too frequently, reducing efficiency and comfort. Proper sizing extends equipment life and ensures optimal performance.
Are doors and windows important for efficiency?
Yes. ENERGY STAR® certified windows and doors improve comfort and reduce condensation and energy costs, though they are not eligible for HPwES incentives.
How can a homeowner improve water heater efficiency?
Options include insulating the water tank and pipes, upgrading to a more efficient model, or switching to a gas or heat pump water heater.
How can homeowners improve lighting efficiency?
Using ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs saves energy and money. LEDs are longer lasting, turn on instantly, and maintain brightness better than older technologies.
Note: Lighting upgrades are not eligible for HPwES incentives.
What is the best way to select a contractor?
Contractors participating in the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® (HPwES) program are specially trained and certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). Use our Trade Ally Database to find BPI-certified contractors serving your area. It’s recommended to contact several contractors, discuss pricing, and compare services before making a decision. Please note: the program does not warrant the products or services provided by participating contractors.
Do I have to use a participating contractor?
Yes. To qualify for HPwES incentives, work must be completed by a BPI-certified contractor participating in the program. Independent contractors who have not been trained and approved by BPI are not eligible.
Do all contractors offer the same services?
No. Contractors may specialize in specific work areas:
Can I use more than one contractor for the project?
Yes. Each contractor will be responsible for submitting the required paperwork for the work they perform.
May a contractor use subcontractors on my project?
Yes, under certain conditions. Subcontractors must either:
Hold the necessary BPI certifications for their portion of the work, or
Be directly supervised by a BPI-certified contractor who oversees the work. The primary contract must be with the participating HPwES contractor. Any work paid directly to subcontractors by the homeowner is not eligible for program incentives.
Can I do the work myself and still qualify for incentives?
No. All work must be performed by an approved BPI-certified contractor participating in HPwES to qualify for incentives.
If I have a complaint about a contractor, who can I contact?
Call 877-524-1339 for assistance.
What are the requirements to participate as a contractor?
To join the HPwES program, contractors must:
How do I become a participating contractor?
Send a participation request to DEGeneral@FranklinEnergy.com to begin the approval process.
What is the role of Energy Advisors?
Energy Advisors support contractors by:
When can I attend program orientation?
Once your company is approved, you can schedule a free orientation session by emailing DEGeneral@FranklinEnergy.com.
Orientation sessions last 2–3 hours and cover program requirements, processes, and include time for open discussion. Staff members are welcome to attend.
Will I be reimbursed for BPI training and certification costs?
No, contractors are currently responsible for all costs related to BPI Building Analyst and Envelope Professional training and certification.
How can I get help with Home Performance software?
Delmarva Power:
Delmarva Power’s Green Power Connection Team
Email: gpc-north@pepcoholdings.com
Phone: 866-634-5571
View Website
Delaware Electric Cooperative (DEC):
Email: interconnection@delaware.coop
Phone: 855-332-9090
View Website
City of Dover:
Email: solar@dover.de.us
Phone: 302-674-7551 or 302-736-7087
View Website
Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC):
Scott Lynch – Vice President, Asset Development
Email: slynch@demecinc.net
Phone: 302-653-2733
View Website
DEMEC represents and serves the eight individual municipalities listed below:
Public Service Commission:
Delaware Division of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC):
Delaware Division of the Public Advocate:
Community Solar Key Terms