Green Story

After 18 years in the HVAC industry, in 2007 Ed Henningsen decided to try something new. That year, after receiving certification for home inspections, he launched Henningsen Inspections out of his Eliot, Maine home. Initially Henningsen hoped that the real estate market would bounce back and give him plenty of customers. However with the market remaining on shaky ground, Henningsen decided to bolster his range of services. Noticing an increased demand for the expertise, Henningsen first got certified for radon testing – something he felt every home, particularly here in New England, ought to have. But Henningsen not only tested for radon; he provides mitigation services that reduce the levels to make the homes safe.

When the winter of 2008 arrived, bringing with it unprecedentedly high oil prices, Henningsen had another calling. “It got everyone thinking about energy use in their homes,” recalls Henningsen. “That’s when I decided to get into energy audits.”

Having worked for nearly 20 years in the world of HVAC and heat recovery, Henningsen -- whose company provides services all over New England, primarily for the industrial sector and universities along with some commercial clients -- had the knowledge to easily move into the world of residential energy.  Since making it an official arm of his business, Henningsen claims energy audits have become his company’s second most sought-after service, right after the all-important radon mitigation.

Henningsen is currently working to take advantage of a unique program presented by Efficiency Maine which offers consumers a rebate between $1500 and $2500 to make energy improvements on their home. There’s also a program in the works that would pay Mainers a $1000 bonus to get their homes audited and weatherized before the end of the year.