Written by Eric Gans, Building Analyst & Envelope Professional
I'm a certified energy auditor and insulation contractor in Maryland. I have completed over 2,000 energy audits and taken over 2,000 trips to attics.
Did you know that at any given time, there are around 40 contractors approved by BGE & PEPCO to perform energy audits across Maryland?
Sounds like a lot of options, right? But here’s the reality:
- Not every audit is created equal.
- And not every auditor sees your home the same way.
Now and then, I get a call from a Maryland homeowner who has already had their audit done but wants a second opinion. When that happens, and they authorize it, I can access their previous file through the BGE/PEPCO system.
And to be totally honest?
I’m amazed at how many audits I review that barely scratch the surface.
Some are missing key findings. Others are just boilerplate. Very few include real-world insights that empower the homeowner to make informed decisions.
A great energy audit isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about telling the story of your home. And to do that well, the person holding the clipboard needs more than just a license.
- They need experience.
- They need curiosity.
- They need to care.
So, how do you make sure the person showing up at your house is the right one?
Start by asking these five questions—yes, even if you’re talking to me.
1. How many BGE energy audits have they completed?
Experience matters. An auditor who’s done 50 homes won’t catch the same patterns as one who’s done 500. Every audit requires time in the attic, time at the rim joist, and time listening to you. A seasoned auditor knows how to balance the technical checklist with real-time problem-solving.
Your $100 audit? It’s a one-shot deal at the discounted price. Make it count.
2. What’s their background before becoming an auditor?
Not all auditors are cut from the same cloth. Some came from the HVAC world. Some from sales. Me? I started in home contracting. Replacement windows, vinyl siding, gutters, entry doors, and, these days, insulation. I’ve lived the problems I help solve now.
Ideally, your auditor should understand homes from the inside out, not just from behind a laptop screen. Bonus points if they’re also a homeowner. Because when you’ve lived with a cold baby’s room or an icy kitchen floor, you don’t need a manual to know where to look.
3. What kind of detail will be in the final report?
Yes, BGE provides a standard template. But the magic is in the details.
A mediocre report feels generic—like it could’ve been written for any house. A great report reflects your home. It echoes your questions. It includes photos, recommendations, and context that make it a valuable reference, not just a PDF you’ll forget about.
4. What’s the physical condition of the auditor? (Yes, really.)
This job isn’t for the faint of heart or knees.
A thorough audit requires crawling through tight crawlspaces, climbing into sweltering attics, and inspecting every inch of the home’s shell. If your auditor can’t (or won’t) go where the problems hide, how can they find what’s going on?
Great energy audits don’t happen from the living room couch.
5. Can they communicate clearly and care enough to explain?
This is the big one.
A great auditor isn’t just a building scientist. They’re also a teacher—someone who can simplify technical concepts without dumbing them down.
If the person can’t explain the stack effect, duct leakage, or R-value in plain English, the report won’t help you. And if they don’t take the time to answer your questions, you’ll be left with more doubt than direction.
Bottom Line: Choose Your Auditor Like You’d Choose a Doctor
Your home is a system. And just like with your health, understanding what’s going on takes more than a glance. It takes the right person asking the right questions, in the right way.
So before you book your BGE energy audit—ask a few questions of your own.
And if you want someone who will crawl through the attic, listen to your concerns, and give you the full picture?
Because you don’t need a sales pitch, you need answers.
