Frequently Asked Questions about BGE's Heating & Cooling Program
 
General Questions 
1. Can I use any contractor or only a participating contractor?
2. How long will it take to get my rebate check?
3. Do I receive the rebate or does the rebate go to the heating and cooling contractor?
4. Do I still qualify for the rebate if I buy my gas or electric energy from a supplier other than BGE?
5. Can I complete the Rebate Application online?
6. What if I have other questions and need to speak with a BGE Customer Service Representative?
 
Heating & Cooling Diagnostic Tune-up
1. What is the difference between regular maintenance and a diagnostic tune-up?
2. If I already have a maintenance agreement for my heating and cooling equipment, do I still need a diagnostic tune-up?
3. Can a diagnostic tune-up increase my home’s energy efficiency?
4. Can I receive one $75 rebate for each unit I have serviced?
5. How much does it cost?
6. What if I have other questions and need to speak with a BGE Customer Service Representative?
 
Heating & Cooling Duct Sealing
1. Will sealing the duct distribution system make a difference in my home’s energy use?
2. Does duct sealing and insulating improve the safety of a home?
3. How do I know if my duct distribution system is leaky?
4. What should I expect from a qualified duct sealing participating contractor?
5. What else should I consider when sealing my duct system?
6. How much does it cost?
7. Where can I learn more about duct sealing?
8. How can I get more information?
 
Heating & Cooling Equipment Rebates
1. Can I use any contractor or only a Participating Program contractor?
2. Do I have to purchase certain brands or models?
3. When does the BGE Heating & Cooling Rebate Program begin and when may I qualify?
4. How long will it take to get my rebate check?
5. Do I receive the rebate or does the rebate go to the Heating & Cooling contractor?
6. Do I still qualify for the rebate if I buy my gas or electric energy from a supplier other than BGE?
7. Will someone from BGE verify my new Heating & Cooling installation?
8. How can I get more information?
 
Heating & Cooling Quality Installation
1. How does a Quality Installation differ from a regular installation?
2. Does improper installation really reduce my equipment’s energy efficiency?
3. What is a SEER rating and how is it affected by the installation?
4. Can I use any contractor or only a Participating Contractor?
5. Can I receive one $200 rebate for each unit that receives a Quality Installation?
6. If I recently had a new A/C system, heat pump, or gas-fired furnace installed, can I apply for a Quality Installation rebate?
7. What if I have other questions about the program?

 

General Questions

1. Can I use any contractor or only a participating contractor?
The BGE Heating & Cooling Program requires a licensed heating and cooling contractor to register with BGE first as a participating contractor before they can participate in the rebate program. If your contractor of choice is not a participating contractor, have them call (410) 290-1214 to obtain details on how to enroll.

2. How long will it take to get my rebate check?
Once BGE receives your completed Rebate Application, it will take approximately 6–8 weeks to process your rebate check.

3. Do I receive the rebate or does the rebate go to the heating and cooling contractor?
The rebate will be sent to either the homeowner or the contractor, as indicated on the Rebate Application. You and the contractor may agree to have the contractor discount your services by the amount of the rebate, in which case the contractor would receive the rebate directly.

4. Do I still qualify for the rebate if I buy my gas or electric energy from a supplier other than BGE?
In order to qualify, the homeowner must be a residential BGE customer with a BGE account number. The offer is open to all BGE residential electric and/or gas customers regardless of their electric and/or gas supplier.

5. Can I complete the Rebate Application online?
Only an approved contractor can complete an application.

6. What if I have other questions and need to speak with a BGE Customer Service Representative?
Please call the BGE Smart Energy Savers toll-free number at 1-877-685-SESP (7377).

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Heating & Cooling Diagnostic Tune-up

1.  What is the difference between regular maintenance and a diagnostic tune-up?
While regular maintenance and service is beneficial, the BGE Residential HVAC Diagnostic Tune-up goes the extra mile. Your participating HVAC contractor will use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to evaluate your HVAC equipment and then make adjustments to bring the equipment to like-new operating conditions—maximizing efficiency, lowering energy use costs, and increasing the reliability of your system. Diagnostic Tune-up services include:

  • Measuring airflow across the coil and/or indoor heat exchanger.
  • Verifying proper refrigerant charge.
  • Measuring amperage and voltage for the entire system.
  • Inspecting all electrical components for wear and operation.
  • Verifying gas flow rate and temperature rise for gas furnaces to ensure proper equipment operation and desired comfort level.
  • Inspecting and verifying proper sizing and operation of combustion venting systems.
  • Performing carbon monoxide testing.
  • Inspecting and assuring proper operation of all system controls.

2. If I already have a maintenance agreement for my heating and cooling equipment, do I still need a diagnostic tune-up?
While regular maintenance services can be beneficial in maintaining or servicing heating and cooling equipment, they generally do not include diagnostic tune-up services. The BGE Residential HVAC Diagnostic Tune-up requires some routine items often included in a maintenance agreement, but also involves a more in-depth evaluation of the existing HVAC equipment and verifies current system efficiency.

3. Can a diagnostic tune-up increase my home’s energy efficiency?
Yes. Even though your home feels comfortable, heating and cooling system problems can double your operating costs. A diagnostic tune-up can help identify inefficiencies in your home’s heating and cooling equipment. Contractors then make adjustments to bring the heating and cooling equipment to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) operating specifications, which prolongs the life of the equipment and boosts energy savings.

4. Can I receive one $75 rebate for each unit I have serviced?
Yes. You can receive one rebate per piece of equipment serviced through a diagnostic tune-up. This is a one-time offer and cannot be renewed.

5. How much does it cost?
Diagnostic Tune-up costs can vary depending on the contractor, so BGE suggests that you shop around. BGE will provide a $75 rebate, in the form of a check, for each unit serviced. The rebate will be sent to either the homeowner or the contractor, as indicated on the Rebate Application. You and the contractor may agree to have the contractor discount your services by the amount of the rebate, in which case the contractor would receive the rebate directly. Note: All installations must meet the program's guidelines, and your contractor must be approved by the program to submit the necessary documentation on your behalf.

6. What if I have other questions and need to speak with a BGE Customer Service Representative?
Please call the BGE Smart Energy Savers toll-free number at 1-877-685-SESP (7377).

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Heating & Cooling Duct Sealing

1. Will sealing the duct distribution system make a difference in my home’s energy use?
Yes. Ducts that move air to and from a forced air furnace, central air conditioner, or heat pump are often big energy wasters. Sealing and insulating ducts can improve the efficiency of a heating and cooling system since a typical house loses 20-40% of the air that moves through the duct system due to leaks, holes, and poorly connected ducts.

2. Does duct sealing and insulating improve the safety of a home?
Yes. During normal operation, gas appliances such as water heaters, clothes dryers, and furnaces release combustion gases (like carbon monoxide) through their venting systems. Leaky ductwork may cause gases to be drawn back into the living space instead of expelled outdoors.

Additionally, fumes from household and garden chemicals, insulation particles, and dust can enter leaky duct systems, aggravating asthma and allergy problems. Sealing ducts can help improve indoor air quality by reducing the risk of pollutants entering ducts and circulating through the home.

3. How do I know if my duct distribution system is leaky?
Proper procedures require your duct distribution system to be tested by a professional contractor trained in duct leakage testing and industry accepted duct sealing practices.

4. What should I expect from a qualified duct sealing participating contractor?
A qualified duct sealing contractor will:

  • Conduct a visual inspection of a home’s entire duct system.
  • Evaluate the duct system’s supply and return air balance.
  • Repair damage, including straightening flexible ducts and repairing duct supports.
  • Seal all leaks and connections with mastic, metal tape or an aerosol-based sealant.
  • Seal all registers and grills tightly to ducts.
  • Insulate ducts in unconditioned areas, such as attics.
  • Include a new duct filter as part of any duct system improvement.
  • Evaluate airflow before and after duct repairs and sealing to determine performance improvement.

5. What else should I consider when sealing my duct system?

6. How much does it cost?
Duct sealing costs can vary depending on the contractor and the type of duct sealing provided, so BGE suggests that you shop around. BGE will provide a $200.00 incentive in the form of a check offered to either a customer or contractor who perform the duct distribution system sealing to a separately metered, single family home (detached or attached) with a gas or electric system. All installations must meet the program's criteria and your contractor must be approved by the program to submit the necessary documentation on your behalf.

7. Where can I learn more about duct sealing?

8. How can I get more information?

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Heating & Cooling Equipment Rebates

1. Can I use any contractor or only a Participating Program contractor?
The BGE Heating & Cooling Program requires a licensed Heating & Cooling contractor to register first as a Participating Contractor before they can participate in the Rebate Program. If your contractor of choice is not a Participating Contractor, have them visit www.BGESmartEnergy.com to obtain details on how to enroll in the Program.

2. Do I have to purchase certain brands or models?
Many Heating & Cooling manufacturers make available combinations of equipment that meet the energy efficiency requirements of the BGE Program. Your Participating Contractor can advise you, and must verify that the system equipment installed meets our required efficiency rebate levels.

3. When does the BGE Heating & Cooling Rebate Program begin and when may I qualify?
The Program begins April 20, 2009. It covers products purchased and installed on or after April 20, 2009.

4. How long will it take to get my rebate check?
Once BGE receives your completed Rebate Application, it will take approximately 6–8 weeks to process your rebate check.

5. Do I receive the rebate or does the rebate go to the Heating & Cooling contractor?
The rebate will be sent to either the homeowner or the contractor, based on what you and your contractor agree on.

6. Do I still qualify for the rebate if I buy my gas or electric energy from a supplier other than BGE?
The offer is open to all BGE residential electric and/or gas customers regardless of their electric and/or gas supplier. In order to qualify, the homeowner must be a residential BGE customer with a BGE Account Number.

7. Will someone from BGE verify my new Heating & Cooling installation?
The Rebate Application, along with the Contractor’s Invoice, and the Terms and Conditions Signature Form will be sufficient for BGE to verify — provided that the equipment installed meets our Rebate requirements. BGE reserves the right to conduct random on-site verification visits to further verify that equipment installed is as stated in the Rebate Application.

8. What if I have other questions and need to speak with a BGE Customer Service Representative?
Please call the BGE Smart Energy Savers toll-free number at 1-877-685-SESP (7377).

9. How long will it take to get approval of my Contractor Participation Agreement?
Once BGE receives your completed Contractor Participation Agreement it will take approximately 5-7 business days to process your application provided we have received your Maryland HVACR License and the Certificate of Liability insurance from your insurance carrier.

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Heating & Cooling Quality Installation

1. How does a Quality Installation differ from a regular installation?
A Quality Installation includes accurate sizing of equipment, proper equipment selection, correct duct distribution design, proper refrigerant charge, and correct airflow. The result is improved comfort, optimal equipment operation, and intended energy efficiency of the installed equipment.

2. Does improper installation really reduce my equipment’s energy efficiency?
Yes. Improper installation can reduce your HVAC system’s energy efficiency by as much as 30 percent, which increases energy use and can shorten the life of the equipment.

3. What is a SEER rating and how is it affected by the installation?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, which is assigned to heating and cooling equipment to indicate a unit’s energy efficiency. The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient a piece of equipment is. However, equipment must be properly installed to perform at its peak SEER rating. For example, an improperly installed 16 SEER A/C system can have an actual operating SEER rating as low as 11.5. 

4. Can I use any contractor or only a Participating Contractor?
The BGE Heating & Cooling Program requires a licensed Heating & Cooling contractor to register first as a Participating Contractor before they can participate in the rebate program. If your contractor of choice is not a Participating Contractor, have them visit BGESmartEnergy.com to obtain details on how to enroll.

5. Can I receive one $200 rebate for each unit that receives a Quality Installation?
Yes. You can receive one rebate for each A/C system, heat pump, or gas-fired furnace that receives a Quality Installation.

6. If I recently had a new A/C system, heat pump, or gas-fired furnace installed, can I apply for a Quality Installation rebate?
Installations performed prior to October 12, 2009 are not eligible for Quality Installation rebates.

7. What if I have other questions about the program?
Please call the BGE Smart Energy Savers toll-free number at 1.877.685.SESP (7377).

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