My last column about the season of giving suggested that Green Living can be a wonderful way to express our appreciation to those we care about. Just after I wrote it, a friend sent a wonderful email providing a real world example of exactly what I had in mind. I’ll refer to this couple as Jenn and Rob.
The excitement in Jenn’s email was obvious. She mentioned “a Merrier Christmas season” for her and Rob, attributing it to the energy efficient, home quality improvements they had implemented earlier this year after moving in to a home built in the early 60s.
Jenn included some images of a recent online utility bill and wrote, “Just look at our latest NV Energy bill. See the graph comparing our energy use to neighboring homes?! Our house is a little larger than average for this neighborhood and we are paying close to 40% less each month in energy bills!”
Not Very Sexy
She told me later that she just got excited while paying the bill and decided to share the news with her friends. Energy efficiency may not be the sexiest thing in the world, but I can almost guarantee that every time Jenn and Rob get their bill, they will both be grateful for what they have given to each other.
How did they do it? Here is what Jenn wrote:
“Following our energy efficiency upgrades we tested out at about a 37% improvement. And our NV Energy bills have been right on track! We started with an $11,000 total package that included a new variable speed pool pump, blown-in attic insulation, replacement of one of two heat pumps, and new programmable thermostats. Still, we were only out of pocket $1,700 after all the great rebates and our green mortgage! We have lots more we want to do (mainly windows and patio doors – there’s tons of them!) and want to see just how low we can go…before Santa finally brings our solar panels (next year, maybe??).
“Oops! …almost forgot to include one of our favorite new features…our Solar Water Heater…love it! At least we have one sexy solar panel on our roof!”
Hmm, perhaps I was wrong about this stuff not being sexy. Jenn’s excitement really comes through in her message, as well as the fact that they are nowhere near done. The couple is looking forward to further changes that will lower their bills even more while improving their home quality, comfort and value.
Unexpected Results
Aside from experiencing a more comfortable summer this year, Jenn said one welcome benefit was immediately obvious. When one of their old heat pumps was replaced with a more efficient unit, the contractors also repaired a previously undetected problem with the air intake system. This led to an unexpected improvement in the indoor air quality of the home that was delightfully noticed within minutes of turning on the new system.
If you are interested in giving your family a similar gift, you are in for a pleasant surprise. EnergyFit Nevada is a non-profit organization that helps homeowners through the entire process, step by step. They provide pre-qualified contractors; they are aware of all available incentives, including NV Energy, Southwest Gas and others; and can even explain the benefits of a green mortgage. Best of all, they offer performance-based rebates that help pay for your improvements.
The Process
The basic process is simple. Initial testing establishes a baseline that, coupled with a detailed inspection, helps determine what improvements are best suited for each particular home. The homeowner selects from the available options and the work is done by contractors who are properly trained for the program. Final testing determines the amount of improvement, and therefore the rebate amount.
EnergyFit Nevada consists of a great group of people who are making a difference. They have helped a lot of folks like Jenn and Rob. If you have an older home and high energy bills, why not give them a call? It just might be the best gift you can buy.
To contact EnergyFit Nevada in Southern Nevada: 702-734-2000, in Northern Nevada: 775-230-7133, via email: [email protected] or visit their website: www.energyfitnevada.org.
Here’s another couple that had a great experience with EnergyFit Nevada:
Deborah Emin
Steve, you should write to Paul Krugman. He is giving his opinions about the future of our economy and discusses such as voice and pattern recognition as being a part of it. However, the real growth is in what you describe here. The real world needs of alternative energy not just to retrofit older homes but to create healthy living in parts of the world where homes are desperately needed. Thank you for posting this.