Free or low cost, First Step Home Efficiency Services Available to some Guttenberg Residents Thanks to the Guttenberg City Council!
Thanks to the Guttenberg City Council, 20 qualifying Guttenberg households will receive energy audits and weatherization services, a $500 value, at no cost to the household. The Clayton County Energy District’s, First Step Home Efficiency Program is one of our boots on the ground implementation efforts.
The goal is for priority populations to spend less on their energy bills. Lowering energy costs strengthens our communities by promoting local investment and shrinking green house gas emissions.
Priority population members include low income households, veterans, persons living with a disability and senior citizens. Community members who don’t identify in the priority population may participate for the First Step Home Efficiency Program at a cost of $150/home and $75 for an apartment.
These energy efficiency assessments and direct install services are collaborated by Green Iowa AmeriCorps, the Winneshiek County Energy District and the Clayton County Energy District.
*If you would like assistance in applying, please call 563.880.7915
Services Include:
(Evaluating Your Home Environment)
1) Combustion Safety (carbon monoxide and gas leak testing)
2) Blower Door (measures the level of air infiltration in the home)
3) Quality Report (details of home’s energy performance– results of diagnostics and safety testing, estimated savings data for the work and recommendations for further actions)
(Instant Energy Savings)
Installs include:
1) High efficiency (LED) light bulbs that use 20-70% less energy than non-LED bulbs.
2) High efficiency faucet aerators that help save water without a change in pressure.
3) Insulation of hot water pipes will save energy use by water heater.
4) Duct sealing will increase efficency of heating and cooling system.
*the average customer saves $120 per year on their energy bill, thanks to direct installs
May include: door sweeps, caulking of leaky windows and door frames, targeted foam insulation, weatherstipping, window kits and more.
Benefits of Direct Install & Air Sealing:
Reducing drafts helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures.
You can save $50 to over $500 annually with improvements that will last many years.
Conserving energy reduces harmful power plant emissions, protecting human health and preventing climate change.
DID YOU KNOW?
These First Step Home Efficiency Program services are also offered to all Clayton County residents. Individuals who do not qualify for the free services can pay a fee for these energy-saving services (apartments: $75, single family homes: $150). This is a small cost for the amount of energy savings that could be obtained! Comparable utility programs across the country value this service at $200-$500+. Thanks to Green Iowa AmeriCorps and the regional collaborative, costs are kept low and impact is high. The average home sees savings of over $100, making the typical payback period for non-qualifying homes just 6-12 months!
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