Zero In On Energy
Facts, tips, and secrets of combining efficiency and solar power with comfort
- Did you know that the average American home wastes 33% of heated/cooled air through holes and gaps?
- Did you know that you can cut your heating bills by 50% or more by replacing your old furnace with high efficiency heat pumps, ducted or ductless?
- Did you know that solar energy works well in our climate and Washington State has one of the best incentives in the country for anyone who wants to go solar.
Come to our workshop and find out first hand how to cut waste, improve your home comfort, spend less on home heating without having to put on an extra sweater, and why going solar now will green your home and your wallet. Community Energy Solutions, a non-profit organization dedicated to promote clean energy solutions, has brought together reputable and experienced local home performance contractors who not only understand the integrative approach, but practice it. This means that you will learn how to develop a plan of action that delivers the best value for you right from the beginning.
This workshop goes far beyond the modest savings of changing out incandescent light bulbs. You will learn:
- The advantages of an energy upgrade, and how taking an integrated approach will save you money and time.
- What air sealing and envelope repair are, and why they are so effective.
- How adding insulation can have a profound impact to your home – if it is done correctly.
- That upgrading to a high efficiency heating, ventilating, and cooling system (HVAC) will take a big bite out of your energy bills.
- Why it makes dollars and sense now to install solar.
Air Sealing $
While fresh air is good for a house and its occupants, many houses waste 25% to 50% of their conditioned air through gaps and holes, making them cold, drafty and expensive to heat. Proper air sealing reduces the energy loss caused by air leakage, while still meeting fresh air standards.
Finding and sealing those holes correctly not only results in a more energy efficient home, but a more comfortable and healthier home, as well. And because your furnace will not have to work as hard, you will enjoy lower energy bills, too.
Insulation $$
Insulation helps slow the heat loss from your living space to the outside. If your home already has good levels of insulation (ten or more inches in the attic, six or more inches above the crawlspace or basement), then you are better off just focusing on air sealing. However, if you have lower levels of insulation, or the insulation is in poor condition, then adding insulation can impact your home comfort and your energy bills far more than you’d expect.
HVAC $$$
Upgrading to a high efficiency system can have a profound impact on your bills. If your system’s energy rating isn’t up to snuff, it can make the difference between the bill you lose sleep over or the one that lets you plan your next vacation sooner! But first of all, you want to make sure that your house is not leaky.
Solar $$$$
Washington State has one of the best incentive programs for solar energy in the country, but is scheduled to end soon. Going solar now allows you to take advantage of the program, as well as the declines in costs seen across the industry. And with our recommended energy efficiency upgrades, you will not need as large a system size as before in order to reduce your energy bill close to zero.