Fall has officially arrived in New England. As you’re preparing for the long, cold nights ahead, did you know the most efficient way to keep your home warm isn’t just through your heating system? Insulation plays a key part in keeping a warm and comfortable home or apartment - something we all want this time of year.
Think of your ideal energy efficient home as a weather-proof winter jacket – thick enough to keep your body’s warmth from escaping and air tight. Many homes act more like a wool sweater -- heavy and thick enough to keep you warm, but with large stitching allowing heat to escape and air to make its way in. Trapping your home’s air with proper insulation prevents heat from leaving through open, colder areas like your attic or garage. Even an uninsulated basement door can lose that warm air that you’ll need this winter. Finding the best insulation, combined with proper caulking and weather stripping, will transform your home from a wool sweater to a winter and weather-proof jacket.
Danbury residents who want to assess how insulated their home is can sign up for Home Energy Solutions℠. An Eversource-authorized contractor will come to your home or apartment and conduct an energy checkup and provide on-the-spot energy improvements, including sealing up critical air leaks, installing weather stripping, hot water pipe insulation, installation of efficient faucet aerators, as well as replacing old lightbulbs with LEDs. The contractor will also provide a customized plan for additional energy-saving opportunities. These services are worth an average of $1,000, but eligible customers pay only $124. It’s free for customers who meet certain income guidelines.
The energy specialist will identify how much insulation your home already has, where it is, what type it is, and determine it is providing the results you need. Key areas that should have proper insulation include your attic, duct systems, exterior walls, and the foundation.
Understanding the different types of insulation is important when it comes to choosing the best option for your home. The most common type of insulation that many homeowners are familiar with is pre-cut or rolled blanket insulation. This type can be hand-cut or trimmed to fit in any area.
Once your home energy checkup is complete, the contractor will provide you with information on all of the appliance, heating and cooling rebates that you’re eligible for, including a rebate for insulation. They’ll also tell you how to take advantage of zero or low-interest payment plans, so that you can get started on your insulation upgrade right away. Danbury residents may be eligible for an enhanced insulation rebate if they complete the Home Energy Solutions program by October 31.
Since 2014, Danbury has been active in Clean Energy Communities (CEC), the nationally-recognized Energize Connecticut program to help cities and towns save energy and increase the installation of renewable energy. Eversource is currently working with town leaders to help reach CEC program goals and reduce municipal building energy consumption by 20 percent by 2018.
As Danbury is a Clean Energy Community, all homeowners and renters that participate in Home Energy Solutions can help the town earn a grant, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. These “Bright Idea Grants” can be used on a community-selected energy saving project, like the installation of an electric car charging station at town hall or new LED lighting for a school.
For a complete energy checkup of your home and more ways to save money, sign up for Home Energy Solutions today at EnergizeCT.com or call 877-WISE-USE (877-947-3873).
*Image courtesy of Energize CT.