Energize Connecticut offers support to residents who meet income guidelines to take control of their energy future
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. (Sept. 17, 2015) – For homeowners or renters looking to make their homes energy efficient while lowering their energy bills, Energize Connecticut advises them to sign up for the Home Energy Solutions™ (HES) program. If they meet certain income requirements, Energize Connecticut offers Connecticut residents a no-cost weatherization program designed to create more energy-efficient and comfortable homes called HES-Income Eligible (HES-IE).
HES-IE offers on-the-spot services to homeowners and renters for immediate savings, as well as incentives and additional resources to further reduce energy use. A home energy assessment is a “physical checkup” determining how much energy a home uses. This program is designed to create more energy-efficient homes, therefore lowering monthly energy costs.
“A home energy assessment is highly recommended for anyone looking to lower their energy costs,” said Marissa Westbrook, manager of residential energy services, The United Illuminating Company. “By participating in the HES-IE program you will have a better understanding of how your home wastes energy and what additional measures can make your home more comfortable.”
Youths from New Haven and Bridgeport spent the summer canvassing local neighborhood homes communicating the importance of energy reduction. These teens distributed information educating residents on the benefits of an HES-IE assessment.
Each energy assessment is performed by professional energy experts who inspect each home to discover possible energy-saving improvements to further make the home more comfortable. All HES-IE customers may be eligible for the following free services:
• Diagnostic testing, blower door guided air sealing, duct sealing
• Installation of energy-saving light bulbs, including CFLs and LEDs
• Installation of water-saving products like low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and hot water pipe wrap
• Replacement of qualifying appliances with ENERGY STAR® models
• Educational tips on how to further reduce energy costs
• Information on incentives and financing for additional upgrades including insulation, windows and heating and cooling equipment
• Some homes may qualify for insulation and appliance upgrades at no cost
“The entire HES-IE program is a blessing for those who cannot afford these services,” said, Margaret Young, West Haven resident. “I was very pleased with the process and the technician was very helpful and explained everything.”
As an HES-IE customer, during the no-cost home energy assessment, the services Young received included installation of two faucet aerators, one handheld shower head, 6 feet of pipe wrap, foam, caulk and v-strip to seal areas where air was leaking into and out of her home and an ENERGY STAR dehumidifier to replace her inefficient model..
After the initial assessment, Young was able to take the next step of adding insulation to her home with only having to cover a small copay. “Before, the cool/warm air would go right out the window and now after the audit and the insulation I had added to my home I see a difference with the air conditioning this summer and I look forward to a warmer house in the winter.” Young explained.
These combined measures will amount to Young saving approximately $376 annually. Partaking in the HES-IE program not only improved the overall comfort of her home, it will further help reduce her energy bills.
By participating in the HES-IE program, homeowners will also be advised of what additional measures are recommended to further help make their home perform at the highest level of efficiency and save even more money.
Sealing leaks and adding insulation are two of the most cost-effective ways to make a home more comfortable and energy-efficient. Nearly half of a home’s heat loss is due to poorly insulated attics, ceilings and walls. With proper sealing and insulation, customers can reduce their heating and cooling costs by 20 percent annually.
As part of the Energize Connecticut initiative, the Connecticut Green Bank offers attractive financing options for energy-efficient home improvements to help homeowners enjoy the benefits of smart energy choices right away.
To obtain more information on energy efficiency programs and financing opportunities, please call 1-877-WISE-USE or visit EnergizeCT.com.
About Energize Connecticut
Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.
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