Local residents are invited to an Energy Efficiency House Party on the Elmhurst College campus, Saturday, August 3 during the Elmhurst Park District’s GreenFest. This free house party is open to homeowners interested in saving money, improving their home’s comfort level and reducing their energy consumption.
Trained professionals from Conservation Services Group (CSG), in partnership with Nicor Gas and ComEd, will walk through the steps of a home energy audit at an Elmhurst College residential home, 126 S. Prospect Ave., intermittently between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. This audit is the same audit any Elmhurst resident can schedule for their own home.
A home energy audit encourages individuals to reduce energy consumption, with cost savings that can provide big, collective results. Tools and technology, such as a blower door test and an infra-red camera, will be used at the Elmhurst College home, identifying areas where improvements can be made. In addition to the analysis, audits include free installation (where needed) of low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, pipe wrap and energy efficient CFLs that can help save money and reduce natural gas, water and electricity costs. Technicians also provide a written proposal for weatherization improvements that qualify for incentives. There is no obligation to go beyond the audit. In fact, a homeowner could take the report and complete the improvements on their, or find a contractor to do it. To complete the recommended energy savings improvements through the Nicor/ComEd program, simply sign the contract and return it to Conservation Services Group. A participating program contractor will be assigned to complete the qualifying energy efficiency improvements.
Additionally, homeowners will receive an instant rebate of 50 percent, or up to $1,250, for completing the energy saving improvements. Audits are currently priced at $49 (until August 31, 2013), saving an estimated $450 off a private energy assessment. Just by doing the assessment and receiving the direct installations (CFL light bulbs, low flow showerheads, sink water aerators, and pipe insulation on water pipes), homeowners receive about $50 worth of improvements … and those quick fixes save people on average about $50 a year on their utility bills. With air sealing and insulation improvements in the home, the homeowner generally pays $1,000-$1,250 and sees annual savings on utility bills from $300-500 every year … not to mention reducing their carbon footprint. Elmhurst residents who have had their homes audited will be on hand Saturday to discuss their energy consumption and reduction. Also, a Nicor Gas/ComEd Home Energy Savings program contractor will be available to schedule audits for homeowners in DuPage County or direct them to the call center to schedule an audit.
The Elmhurst Park District GreenFest is an annual event that promotes environmentally safe practices, products and companies. GreenFest showcases guest speakers, green vendors, an ECO Cars lot and a recycling drop off event. The event also features family and kid activities run by the park district’s knowledgeable and enthusiastic environmental education staff. For more information, visit elmhurstgreenfest.org.
Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition is a volunteer coalition of local institutions, organizations, business leaders and citizens working to achieve the goals of the Sierra Club Cool Cities campaign and the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement. The Coalition encourages city residents and local leader to implement clean energy solutions that save money, create jobs, help curb global warming and to build a cleaner, healthier future. To participate or obtain more information, visit www.elmhurstcoolcities.org or call 630/426-9789.
