A Pilot Program of Renew Rocktown
Energy Check connects local households with no-cost programs & resources that improve their home’s energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and increase home comfort.
To learn more about available programs, and to see what you qualify for, complete our 5-minute interest form below. A member of our team will connect with you soon. Thank you!
How it Works
Learn About Your Options
Receive a Free Home Energy Audit
Improve Home Energy Efficiency
High utility bills? Uncomfortable home? Complete our 5-minute form and we’ll let you know what programs and resources are available to you!
A certified energy auditor runs tests on your home and investigates where you are losing the most energy. This is your chance to learn about your home and where there are opportunities to save!
If you qualify for a program, contractors or staff hired by non-profit providers make home improvements based on your energy audit. Improvements could include air and duct sealing, insulation, HVAC, and more!
From our Clients
Renew Rocktown’s energy audit showed us exactly where our home was losing energy and which fixes would make the biggest difference in comfort and utility bills—things we never would have discovered on our own. If you live in Harrisonburg or Rockingham and want practical guidance on making your home more efficient and affordable to run, their program is an incredible local resource.
– Kim F., Bridgewater, VA
As new, first-time homeowners, it has been hard to know all the ins and outs of our house, especially one that is over 80 years old. Having Renew Rocktown bring in professionals to help us learn more about our house and even provide tangible upgrades to improve our home’s energy efficiency has been extremely empowering.
– Katie C., Harrisonburg, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Renew Rocktown do the work?
Renew Rocktown will connect you with the programs and resources that best fit your household and situation. This could be an existing program through your utility company or the Weatherization Assistance Program. In these cases, Renew Rocktown is simply a referral partner. For certain households that may not qualify for existing programs, Renew Rocktown works with local contractors to provide grant-funded energy audits and select energy efficiency improvements at no cost to the owner or renter.
How much does the work cost?
All programs we work with are no-cost to the homeowner or renter. For households that do not qualify on income or age for available programs, we will connect you with rebates, incentives, and other resources to help you improve your home’s energy efficiency.
All HEC customers are eligible for a free, certified energy audit at no-cost to them thanks to our partnership with Harrisonburg Electric Commission!
How long does the process take?
Several programs have waitlists between 6 months and 2 years. Energy efficiency and weatherization programs are designed to be comprehensive and impactful, saving you money years after work has been completed. Improvements often total in the thousands of dollars, and can even include new HVAC systems and select home repair. It’s worth the wait!
For households Renew Rocktown serves through our grant-funded pilot, audit and related work is usually completed in 1-2 months.
What if I rent my home?
You are still eligible for programs! Often programs will need signed permission from the property owner/landlord to conduct an energy audit and any related work. Renew Rocktown can help you connect with and explain the program to your landlord.
What happens during an energy audit?
An energy audit is like a wellness check up for your home. A certified energy auditor looks at your insulation, doors and windows, heating and cooling systems, appliances, and more to determine where you are losing the most energy. Watch the video below by the Department of Energy to learn more about a typical energy audit.
Does Renew Rocktown help pay overdue utility bills?
Our program does not help pay for overdue or high utility bills. For support with paying utility bills, contact:
People Helping People (540) 433-7286
Salvation Army: (540) 434-4854
Department of Social Services Energy Assistance Program
Program Partners
Outreach
United Way was an early supporter connecting programs with households who need them. Prior to Renew Rocktown’s current capacity, United Way CSV handled intake and referrals for the program.
Outreach
Shenandoah Valley Black Heritage Project (SVBHP) leads outreach efforts in Harrisonburg’s North East neighborhood. SVBHP partnered with us on our grant request to the JustPax Fund.
Outreach
We work with Valley Program for Aging Services to support case worker time in connecting seniors in need with these programs.
Weatherization
Community Housing Partners (CHP) is the State-designated nonprofit weatherization provider for our area, and the main program provider for Dominion Energy and Columbia Gas customers.
Funding Partners
Energy Check is made possible through local grants and generous community donations. Thank you!
