Below are some frequently asked questions about our services and Home Performance testing.
Q: Why does Sustainable Solutions charge more for Home Performance assesments than other contractors?
A:
o We are a BPI Accredited company
o We send out two BPI certified professionals for every test in
o Our test in is thorough and includes everything - No extra charge for duct blaster, etc.
o We do not charge extra for the test out if you have us complete the work.
o If we charged less for the test in, we would have to charge more for the work.
o We are detail oriented and get excellent results.
o Average customer spends about $5k to $15k for work, so the test in charge is a relatively small percentage of the overall cost. Provides quality assurance.
Q: Why is Sustainable Solutions so great? Why should I hire you instead of Company X?
A:
o We are a BPI Accredited company
o We are detail oriented and get excellent results.
o Our employees have more combined Home Performance experience than any other company in Oregon.
o Our Home Performance Analysts / Salespeople are salaried, not on commission. We won't try to sell you anything you don't need or anything we wouldn't recommend if your home was our own.
o We have excellent customer satisfaction scores according to the Energy Trust and Angie's List.
Q:Why should I do Home Performance and Air Sealing instead of just insulation only?
A:
o Without air sealing, you don't get the full value of insulation.
o Insulation stops heat loss via conduction, but not via convection (air movement).
o Air goes right through insulation like a filter.
o Warm, moist air can leak into your attic and condense on the roof, potentially causing mold or mildew growth. After insulating, your attic will be colder and this could intensify the problem.
o Air and duct sealing improves indoor air quality.
o You might end up back drafting your water heater or furnace if you don't test. Health and Safety is the first priority.
Q: I can't afford Air Sealing or Home Performance.
A:
o We will prioritize measures for you and work with you to complete your project in stages over time.
o Several of our customers have noticed improved comfort and lower bills just from air and duct sealing alone.
o Health and safety is the first priority.
o Consider calling Green Street lending.
o Consider signing up for the Clean Energy Works Portland program if you live in Portland.
Q: Why don't you give free estimates?
A:
o We need to make sure the customer is seriously interested in hiring us before we spend a lot of time visiting a home and writing up a report and contract. Before when we gave free estimates, we visited a lot of customers not ready to do anything anytime soon, or they were do-it-yourselfers just looking to pick our brains for free advice.
