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Kim Fawcett, state representative 133rd district for Fairfield-Westport, recently invested $75 and about four hours that she expects to pay off big time in reducing her home heating bill.
Fawcett took advantage of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Program that allowed a private energy contractor to test her home for energy leaks and do the work to make her home more energy efficient.
It was a no brainer for her that she wants more area residents to take advantage of. It only cost a $75 co-pay with the remainder of the cost for the audit and work covered by state and federal funds.
“They [private energy contractor] did hundreds of dollars of work,” Fawcett said. “They sealed and caulked and made recommendations to save more energy. They helped make my home more energy efficient that will pay off in the long run.”
What she likes most about the program is anyone can tap into it regardless of income level. “This is not a need based program; anybody can have work done,” she said. “We’re trying to get as many homes covered as possible. If you’re on a fixed income and not able to afford the fee, it’s possible that it can be waived.”
Under the state program, energy providers UI and CL&P have teamed up with private contractors to send a team of technicians to homes to help identify and plug energy leaks. The energy assessment is also available for area businesses.
The service includes a comprehensive assessment of air flow within a home to determine areas of energy loss. Energy technicians will perform hands-on work, caulking leaks, sealing duct work and adding additional insulation around piping. The team of technicians will stay onsite for up to four hours identifying and completing beneficial energy upgrades. The service also provides for the replacement of up to 14 incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
The energy audit costs $75 while seniors or those on fixed incomes, who qualify, pay nothing. The program is funded through a combined state grant, federal stimulus money and an energy efficiency program supported by a fee on monthly residential electric bills.
“This is an unbelievable deal,” Fawcett said. “You get so much for your $75, plus the added benefit of reducing your monthly energy bill.”
The technicians also will provide a complete report suggesting additional money-saving upgrades and information on the extensive rebate programs now in place to encourage energy conservation. Continued...
Fawcett took advantage of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Program that allowed a private energy contractor to test her home for energy leaks and do the work to make her home more energy efficient.
It was a no brainer for her that she wants more area residents to take advantage of. It only cost a $75 co-pay with the remainder of the cost for the audit and work covered by state and federal funds.
“They [private energy contractor] did hundreds of dollars of work,” Fawcett said. “They sealed and caulked and made recommendations to save more energy. They helped make my home more energy efficient that will pay off in the long run.”
What she likes most about the program is anyone can tap into it regardless of income level. “This is not a need based program; anybody can have work done,” she said. “We’re trying to get as many homes covered as possible. If you’re on a fixed income and not able to afford the fee, it’s possible that it can be waived.”
Under the state program, energy providers UI and CL&P have teamed up with private contractors to send a team of technicians to homes to help identify and plug energy leaks. The energy assessment is also available for area businesses.
The service includes a comprehensive assessment of air flow within a home to determine areas of energy loss. Energy technicians will perform hands-on work, caulking leaks, sealing duct work and adding additional insulation around piping. The team of technicians will stay onsite for up to four hours identifying and completing beneficial energy upgrades. The service also provides for the replacement of up to 14 incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
The energy audit costs $75 while seniors or those on fixed incomes, who qualify, pay nothing. The program is funded through a combined state grant, federal stimulus money and an energy efficiency program supported by a fee on monthly residential electric bills.
“This is an unbelievable deal,” Fawcett said. “You get so much for your $75, plus the added benefit of reducing your monthly energy bill.”
The technicians also will provide a complete report suggesting additional money-saving upgrades and information on the extensive rebate programs now in place to encourage energy conservation. Continued...
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Fawcett recommends that home owners have an energy audit done regardless of the age of their homes. For example, she lives in a 10-year-old home, and technicians recommended upgrading the insulation in her attic to increase the energy efficiency of her home. The upgrade would cost approximately $3,000, however there are federal stimulus rebates that could cover about 40 percent of that cost. Technicians can also explain other available government rebates on more energy efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves and washing machines.
“There are some incredible rebates now available,” Fawcett said. “There are federal stimulus programs that include rebates on appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and insulation.”
Joe Novella, co-owner of Greenstar Energy Solutions based in Brookfield, is a certified
company that is part of the state energy conservation program. Greenstar has performed audit and done retrofit work for about 400 homes since the middle of 2009.
Novella sees the minimum investment of a $75 co-pay as an important first step for home owners to cut energy costs and enhance the comfort of their homes.
“This is a great program,” Novella said. “It will help make your home airtight. We will identify any problem areas that allows home owner to prioritize any future energy conservation work they want to do.”
The audit team consists of two weatherization technicians and a certified building analyst that evaluates the home and performs caulking and sealing. The energy team also educates homeowners about installation rebates for future conservation projects.
Residents may contact their electric provider or the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund for a list of approved private providers currently conducting home energy efficiency audits. Visit the CEFF at its website for more useful information at www.ctsavesenergy.org. They can also contact Greenstar to enroll in the program at www.gogreenstar.com.
In addition, homeowners can still take several steps to save money in heating and cooling their homes:
• Close your shades or draperies on summer days. Sunlight heats up your home. Continued...
“There are some incredible rebates now available,” Fawcett said. “There are federal stimulus programs that include rebates on appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and insulation.”
Joe Novella, co-owner of Greenstar Energy Solutions based in Brookfield, is a certified
company that is part of the state energy conservation program. Greenstar has performed audit and done retrofit work for about 400 homes since the middle of 2009.
Novella sees the minimum investment of a $75 co-pay as an important first step for home owners to cut energy costs and enhance the comfort of their homes.
“This is a great program,” Novella said. “It will help make your home airtight. We will identify any problem areas that allows home owner to prioritize any future energy conservation work they want to do.”
The audit team consists of two weatherization technicians and a certified building analyst that evaluates the home and performs caulking and sealing. The energy team also educates homeowners about installation rebates for future conservation projects.
Residents may contact their electric provider or the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund for a list of approved private providers currently conducting home energy efficiency audits. Visit the CEFF at its website for more useful information at www.ctsavesenergy.org. They can also contact Greenstar to enroll in the program at www.gogreenstar.com.
In addition, homeowners can still take several steps to save money in heating and cooling their homes:
• Close your shades or draperies on summer days. Sunlight heats up your home. Continued...
• Keep windows closed during summer days to keep out heat and humidity and open the windows at night to let in the cool air.
• Shut windows and doors if you have the air conditioner on. Approximately one third of the home’s total air conditioning loss can be attributed to open windows or doors.
• Raise the room temperature just a few degrees during the cooling season, and lower the temperature during the heating season.
• Install a set-back thermostat, which saves money by allowing you to set the temperature lower when you are not at home and keep it comfortable when you are.
• Have your air conditioner serviced once a year. Check Freon levels and clean the coils. Once a month, replace the filters inside and out.
• Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows, and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers.
• Install an energy efficient showerhead to save on water and water heating bills.
• If you have less than 12 inches of insulation in your attic, consider adding more.
• Wrap the water heater in an insulating blanket and save money. Be sure to check your user’s manual and labels on the tank first.
• Install a whole house fan in your attic to draw cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents. Continued...
• Shut windows and doors if you have the air conditioner on. Approximately one third of the home’s total air conditioning loss can be attributed to open windows or doors.
• Raise the room temperature just a few degrees during the cooling season, and lower the temperature during the heating season.
• Install a set-back thermostat, which saves money by allowing you to set the temperature lower when you are not at home and keep it comfortable when you are.
• Have your air conditioner serviced once a year. Check Freon levels and clean the coils. Once a month, replace the filters inside and out.
• Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows, and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers.
• Install an energy efficient showerhead to save on water and water heating bills.
• If you have less than 12 inches of insulation in your attic, consider adding more.
• Wrap the water heater in an insulating blanket and save money. Be sure to check your user’s manual and labels on the tank first.
• Install a whole house fan in your attic to draw cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents. Continued...
• Don’t leave your TV on when you’re not watching it or your stereo on when you aren’t listening.
• Unplug or recycle that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don’t really need it.
• Turning off your computer during long periods of non-use cuts costs and improves longevity.
Fawcett is amazed that many area residents still aren’t aware of the energy program offered by the state and hopes they can take advantage of it.
“I’m so surprised what this program is doing for people,” Fawcett said. “There are still so many people who don’t know that it will allow them to make their homes more energy efficient and see and savings as well.”
• Unplug or recycle that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don’t really need it.
• Turning off your computer during long periods of non-use cuts costs and improves longevity.
Fawcett is amazed that many area residents still aren’t aware of the energy program offered by the state and hopes they can take advantage of it.
“I’m so surprised what this program is doing for people,” Fawcett said. “There are still so many people who don’t know that it will allow them to make their homes more energy efficient and see and savings as well.”
Kim Fawcett, state representative 133rd district for Fairfield-Westport, recently invested $75 and about four hours that she expects to pay off big time in reducing her home heating bill.
Fawcett took advantage of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Program that allowed a private energy contractor to test her home for energy leaks and do the work to make her home more energy efficient.
It was a no brainer for her that she wants more area residents to take advantage of. It only cost a $75 co-pay with the remainder of the cost for the audit and work covered by state and federal funds.
“They [private energy contractor] did hundreds of dollars of work,” Fawcett said. “They sealed and caulked and made recommendations to save more energy. They helped make my home more energy efficient that will pay off in the long run.”
What she likes most about the program is anyone can tap into it regardless of income level. “This is not a need based program; anybody can have work done,” she said. “We’re trying to get as many homes covered as possible. If you’re on a fixed income and not able to afford the fee, it’s possible that it can be waived.”
Under the state program, energy providers UI and CL&P have teamed up with private contractors to send a team of technicians to homes to help identify and plug energy leaks. The energy assessment is also available for area businesses.
The service includes a comprehensive assessment of air flow within a home to determine areas of energy loss. Energy technicians will perform hands-on work, caulking leaks, sealing duct work and adding additional insulation around piping. The team of technicians will stay onsite for up to four hours identifying and completing beneficial energy upgrades. The service also provides for the replacement of up to 14 incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
The energy audit costs $75 while seniors or those on fixed incomes, who qualify, pay nothing. The program is funded through a combined state grant, federal stimulus money and an energy efficiency program supported by a fee on monthly residential electric bills.
“This is an unbelievable deal,” Fawcett said. “You get so much for your $75, plus the added benefit of reducing your monthly energy bill.”
The technicians also will provide a complete report suggesting additional money-saving upgrades and information on the extensive rebate programs now in place to encourage energy conservation.
Fawcett recommends that home owners have an energy audit done regardless of the age of their homes. For example, she lives in a 10-year-old home, and technicians recommended upgrading the insulation in her attic to increase the energy efficiency of her home. The upgrade would cost approximately $3,000, however there are federal stimulus rebates that could cover about 40 percent of that cost. Technicians can also explain other available government rebates on more energy efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves and washing machines.
“There are some incredible rebates now available,” Fawcett said. “There are federal stimulus programs that include rebates on appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and insulation.”
Joe Novella, co-owner of Greenstar Energy Solutions based in Brookfield, is a certified
company that is part of the state energy conservation program. Greenstar has performed audit and done retrofit work for about 400 homes since the middle of 2009.
Novella sees the minimum investment of a $75 co-pay as an important first step for home owners to cut energy costs and enhance the comfort of their homes.
“This is a great program,” Novella said. “It will help make your home airtight. We will identify any problem areas that allows home owner to prioritize any future energy conservation work they want to do.”
The audit team consists of two weatherization technicians and a certified building analyst that evaluates the home and performs caulking and sealing. The energy team also educates homeowners about installation rebates for future conservation projects.
Residents may contact their electric provider or the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund for a list of approved private providers currently conducting home energy efficiency audits. Visit the CEFF at its website for more useful information at www.ctsavesenergy.org. They can also contact Greenstar to enroll in the program at www.gogreenstar.com.
In addition, homeowners can still take several steps to save money in heating and cooling their homes:
• Close your shades or draperies on summer days. Sunlight heats up your home.
• Keep windows closed during summer days to keep out heat and humidity and open the windows at night to let in the cool air.
• Shut windows and doors if you have the air conditioner on. Approximately one third of the home’s total air conditioning loss can be attributed to open windows or doors.
• Raise the room temperature just a few degrees during the cooling season, and lower the temperature during the heating season.
• Install a set-back thermostat, which saves money by allowing you to set the temperature lower when you are not at home and keep it comfortable when you are.
• Have your air conditioner serviced once a year. Check Freon levels and clean the coils. Once a month, replace the filters inside and out.
• Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows, and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers.
• Install an energy efficient showerhead to save on water and water heating bills.
• If you have less than 12 inches of insulation in your attic, consider adding more.
• Wrap the water heater in an insulating blanket and save money. Be sure to check your user’s manual and labels on the tank first.
• Install a whole house fan in your attic to draw cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents.
• Don’t leave your TV on when you’re not watching it or your stereo on when you aren’t listening.
• Unplug or recycle that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don’t really need it.
• Turning off your computer during long periods of non-use cuts costs and improves longevity.
Fawcett is amazed that many area residents still aren’t aware of the energy program offered by the state and hopes they can take advantage of it.
“I’m so surprised what this program is doing for people,” Fawcett said. “There are still so many people who don’t know that it will allow them to make their homes more energy efficient and see and savings as well.”
Fawcett took advantage of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund Program that allowed a private energy contractor to test her home for energy leaks and do the work to make her home more energy efficient.
It was a no brainer for her that she wants more area residents to take advantage of. It only cost a $75 co-pay with the remainder of the cost for the audit and work covered by state and federal funds.
“They [private energy contractor] did hundreds of dollars of work,” Fawcett said. “They sealed and caulked and made recommendations to save more energy. They helped make my home more energy efficient that will pay off in the long run.”
What she likes most about the program is anyone can tap into it regardless of income level. “This is not a need based program; anybody can have work done,” she said. “We’re trying to get as many homes covered as possible. If you’re on a fixed income and not able to afford the fee, it’s possible that it can be waived.”
Under the state program, energy providers UI and CL&P have teamed up with private contractors to send a team of technicians to homes to help identify and plug energy leaks. The energy assessment is also available for area businesses.
The service includes a comprehensive assessment of air flow within a home to determine areas of energy loss. Energy technicians will perform hands-on work, caulking leaks, sealing duct work and adding additional insulation around piping. The team of technicians will stay onsite for up to four hours identifying and completing beneficial energy upgrades. The service also provides for the replacement of up to 14 incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
The energy audit costs $75 while seniors or those on fixed incomes, who qualify, pay nothing. The program is funded through a combined state grant, federal stimulus money and an energy efficiency program supported by a fee on monthly residential electric bills.
“This is an unbelievable deal,” Fawcett said. “You get so much for your $75, plus the added benefit of reducing your monthly energy bill.”
The technicians also will provide a complete report suggesting additional money-saving upgrades and information on the extensive rebate programs now in place to encourage energy conservation.
Fawcett recommends that home owners have an energy audit done regardless of the age of their homes. For example, she lives in a 10-year-old home, and technicians recommended upgrading the insulation in her attic to increase the energy efficiency of her home. The upgrade would cost approximately $3,000, however there are federal stimulus rebates that could cover about 40 percent of that cost. Technicians can also explain other available government rebates on more energy efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves and washing machines.
“There are some incredible rebates now available,” Fawcett said. “There are federal stimulus programs that include rebates on appliances, water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners and insulation.”
Joe Novella, co-owner of Greenstar Energy Solutions based in Brookfield, is a certified
company that is part of the state energy conservation program. Greenstar has performed audit and done retrofit work for about 400 homes since the middle of 2009.
Novella sees the minimum investment of a $75 co-pay as an important first step for home owners to cut energy costs and enhance the comfort of their homes.
“This is a great program,” Novella said. “It will help make your home airtight. We will identify any problem areas that allows home owner to prioritize any future energy conservation work they want to do.”
The audit team consists of two weatherization technicians and a certified building analyst that evaluates the home and performs caulking and sealing. The energy team also educates homeowners about installation rebates for future conservation projects.
Residents may contact their electric provider or the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund for a list of approved private providers currently conducting home energy efficiency audits. Visit the CEFF at its website for more useful information at www.ctsavesenergy.org. They can also contact Greenstar to enroll in the program at www.gogreenstar.com.
In addition, homeowners can still take several steps to save money in heating and cooling their homes:
• Close your shades or draperies on summer days. Sunlight heats up your home.
• Keep windows closed during summer days to keep out heat and humidity and open the windows at night to let in the cool air.
• Shut windows and doors if you have the air conditioner on. Approximately one third of the home’s total air conditioning loss can be attributed to open windows or doors.
• Raise the room temperature just a few degrees during the cooling season, and lower the temperature during the heating season.
• Install a set-back thermostat, which saves money by allowing you to set the temperature lower when you are not at home and keep it comfortable when you are.
• Have your air conditioner serviced once a year. Check Freon levels and clean the coils. Once a month, replace the filters inside and out.
• Weather-strip, seal, and caulk leaky doors and windows, and install foam gaskets behind outlet covers.
• Install an energy efficient showerhead to save on water and water heating bills.
• If you have less than 12 inches of insulation in your attic, consider adding more.
• Wrap the water heater in an insulating blanket and save money. Be sure to check your user’s manual and labels on the tank first.
• Install a whole house fan in your attic to draw cool air into your home through the windows while forcing hot air out through your attic vents.
• Don’t leave your TV on when you’re not watching it or your stereo on when you aren’t listening.
• Unplug or recycle that spare refrigerator in the garage if you don’t really need it.
• Turning off your computer during long periods of non-use cuts costs and improves longevity.
Fawcett is amazed that many area residents still aren’t aware of the energy program offered by the state and hopes they can take advantage of it.
“I’m so surprised what this program is doing for people,” Fawcett said. “There are still so many people who don’t know that it will allow them to make their homes more energy efficient and see and savings as well.”
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