The Vermont Community Energy Mobilization Project is a pilot program, locally partnered with the Mad River Valley Planning District, the Valley Futures Network and the Carbon Shredders, that trains volunteers to conduct home energy visits.
AREA HOMES
Home energy visits are free of charge, and once scheduled through Efficiency Vermont, teams consisting of two trained volunteers will travel to area homes in search of energy savings opportunities, and distribute complimentary compact fluorescent light bulbs.
Homeowners will be asked to complete a worksheet to determine how energy efficient their home is, which includes gathering data about the amount of fuel used over one year, as well as the square footage of the home.
ENERGY SAVING
Volunteers will then install energy-saving products including pipe insulation, faucet aerators, low-flow shower heads, tank wrap for electric water heaters, and programmable thermostats, if eligible.
Representatives from Efficiency Vermont highlighted several categories of items to examine and take note of during the energy visit including heating system make and condition, proper insulation of attics, basements and walls, as well as the model and lifespan of refrigerators.
USAGE DATA
Volunteers will document all pertinent energy usage data during the walk-through assessment, which is by no means a full energy audit, and follow up with a discussion and review of findings with the homeowner.
A packet of educational materials will be left with the homeowner, who will also be asked to sign a pledge to pursue energy efficiency to the best of their abilities.
Mad River Valley residents interested in having a free energy-efficiency assessment performed on their home should call Dennis Derryberry at 496-7662 or Dan Story or Erin Russell-Story at 496-2767. Efforts will be made to accommodate as many requests as program funding and volunteer resources will allow.
However, the number of homes that can be visited will be somewhat limited, so preference will be given to homes showing the greatest need for energy-efficiency improvements and residents demonstrating the most financial need. All site visits and assessments are projected to be complete by mid April.
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