by Miranda Hitchcock
The “get to work” party on 10/10/10 was certainly about energy efficiency and cutting carbon. But it was also about communities coming together to make a difference. Our experience was a perfect example! Through a partnership with Rebuilding Together and the Chesapeake Climate Action Network, the Co-op committed to helping one low-income homeowner reduce her bills and keep warm in the winter.
Mike Kennedy sealing ductwork
We started by bringing in Michael Whelan of Live Green LLC to do an energy audit, finding places where energy was being wasted. These problem areas are costing our homeowner hundreds of dollars each year!
This info can all be found in our previous blog entry. On 10/10/10 we formed a team to carry out Live Green’s suggested actions!
Insulating hot water pipes
Between Michael Whelan, Miranda Hitchcock and Mike Kennedy from the Co-op, Paul Bowman of Bowman’s Housecraft and Dave Heffernan from Bethesda Green, we completed all of our promised tasks!
We made some changes that will have a big impact on the homeowner’s energy bills and comfort. After finding huge gaps in the attic floor (spaces where cold air was free to flow directly into the home), Paul spent the day sealing up all of the leaks, both small cracks and gaps several feet long. We installed weatherstripping on the front door and sealed ductwork. We sealed air leaks in the basement, and insulated hot water pipes to keep in the heat!
Paul sealing holes in the attic
We reconnected ducts that had fallen, getting heat to get to the vents instead of heating the laundry room. We even installed CFL bulbs and faucet aerators- small changes that make a difference! And that’s not all- Live Green even convinced Accurate Insulation to come back this month and blow in insulation for the attic to keep the house warm.
All of this work was done at no charge to our wonderful homeowner. All of the labor was volunteered, and materials were donated and purchased with grant money. So not only does this project make one house “greener,” but it also helped a family in need. None of this would have been possible without the generosity and community-spirit of our friends and partners. Enormous thanks to Rebuilding Together for putting the event together, to Live Green LLC for their exceptional contribution, and to Accurate Insulation for the generous donation of insulation. We’ll be sure to let our readers know how much our homeowner saves on energy this winter!
Miranda Hitchcock is the Associate Director for the Maryland Energy & Sustainability Co-op.
Posted by Energy Co-op 
