 Motivating
Existing Homeowners to Make Energy Saving Improvements
Building code enhancements are making
new homes more energy efficient, but how do we encourage
owners of existing homes to take a comprehensive
approach to home improvement rather than just replacing
a furnace when it breaks? Several utilities and
energy organizations are demonstrating that a
comprehensive approach can achieve energy savings of up
to 50% or more in existing buildings.
These demonstrations are being
achieved by conducting Home Energy Makeover Contests,
modeled after reality television shows. The
contest takes a building-science approach to the
selection of a home that best demonstrates the potential
for energy savings based on BTU-per-square-foot and
other factors. The winning home receives a
makeover using energy-saving products and services
donated by local suppliers. Then, all contest
entrants (i.e. contest losers) and other community
members are invited to tour the newly-improved, winning
home and learn how to conduct their own energy makeover
at their own expense using the local suppliers. In all
cases, the winning home owners make a compelling case to
the home visitors and media for the non-energy benefits
that the improvements achieve in comfort, health, safety
and more.
LEARN MORE
at HomeEnergyMakeover.org |
