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MAKEOVER


Overview

 
 
 


Home Energy Makeover Contests and Workshops

Home MakeOverMotivating 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.

UtilityExchange.org administers home energy makeover contests and consumer workshops on behalf of program sponsors. Services range from providing advisory or consultative support to program sponsors that want to manage their own contest, up to full program management and overall contest administration. Makeover Contest Video Highlights Some of the Home Energy Makeover Contests that Ed Thomas has administered include:

  • National Capital Home Energy Makeover Contest

  • Energy Upgrade California in LA County Makeover Contest

  • Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance cities Home Energy Makeover Contests

  • Texas Co-op Power Home Energy Makeover Contests

  • Xcel Energy Home Makeover Contests

  • South Carolina Help My House Contest

Why Sponsor A Home Energy Makeover Contest?

  • Expand consumer, community leader and media awareness of utility home energy efficiency programs.

  • Demonstrate "real energy savings" and the benefits of building science based assessment and testing, quality installation and a comprehensive whole house approach to home efficiency upgrades.        

  • Showcase the benefits of home energy efficiency as seen through the eyes of a homeowner.       

  • Generate qualified leads for trade allies participating in utility or community wide programs and jump-start consumer program participation.

  • Provide a model for collaboration between the program sponsor, contractors and equipment manufacturers and distributors.

To learn more, contact Ed Thomas

 

 


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