Here are frequently asked questions regarding Roanoke Cooperative Upgrade to $ave (U2$) program.
Upgrade to $ave is an energy efficiency program geared towards producing savings on member’s electric bills through upgrades i.e., improved insulation, duct, and air sealing, heat pump improvement, water heater wrap, and LED lighting.
A free assessment of the home is scheduled with the member-owner for an auditor to evaluate energy efficiency and measures to be taken to improve efficiency. Homes free of energy-related repairs can move into the U2$ program with a blower door test, weatherization measures, and heat pump installation. The Program Operator discusses eligibility per the results of the assessment with the member-owner. A member-owner is under no obligation to review and/ or accept a U2$ offer for energy efficiency upgrades.
No. Roanoke Cooperative invests in your home’s energy efficiency by paying the upfront costs. Upgrade to $ave is not a loan program but a tariff-based program. No application is required and no credit check. Roanoke Cooperative will recover the upfront costs through a fixed charge (tariff) on your bill that is significantly less than the estimated savings. The monthly tariff will start 45 days after the work is completed.
Roanoke Cooperative's cost recovery is tied to your meter where the upgrades are installed. The tariff is applied to any subsequent member-owners bill until the costs of the upgrades are recouped.
Yes, if 25 years or less old, on a permanent foundation, wheels removed and hitch cut off.
Yes, requesting a free assessment is no different from the homeowner, except the property owner has to agree to program participation and sign the Owner’s Agreement before work begins. A renter, as a homeowner, is under no obligation to review and/ or accept a U2$ offer for energy efficiency upgrades.
No
An existing duct system is preferred but not mandatory. This is because ductless systems are offered through U2$, and in many cases, are less expensive to install (and operate) than traditional central HVAC systems. The best way to answer this question is “It depends.” This will be determined on a case-by-case basis during the assessment process.
- Low-flow shower heads
- Water heater wraps
- LED lights
- HVAC upgrade
- Insulation (blown-in)
- Air sealing (caulking)
- Duct sealing
- Health and Safety (energy-related repairs i.e., leaky roof/ ceiling, weak floor, wall damage) may be covered under Roanoke Cooperative's Solar Share Program. The Program Operator will discuss eligibility for this program along with the assessment results following the audit.
Yes. The three major halts to proceeding with U2$ participation are structural integrity of the building not being sound; mold infestation requiring professional remediation; and the home currently under major renovation and exposed to the outside. The auditor will determine if such circumstances exist during the assessment.
No. New windows never justify the cost in energy savings. The U2$ program does not cover appliances.
Local contractors handle the U2$ upgrades through Roanoke Cooperative's Program Operator. Yes, after completing the work, an assessment of the upgrades is conducted to ensure the U2$ measures yield the estimated savings.
Sign up is quick and easy through the assessment intake form. After submitting the online form, an assessment of the home is scheduled by our Program Operator.