Could you Stand to Win an Energy Makeover Contest? Better off Trying!

Think about how many times you’ve heard about home energy makeover contests on the news. Quite a few times! Should you enter? Maybe you wonder about the benefits of an energy makeover, and how it benefits you.

Energy makeover contests are a win-win. The facts show that an Energy Makeover Contest in Colorado that focused on a whole-house approach to improving energy efficiency attracted 16,000 applicants in 2005. Articles in local newspapers often feature contest winners who garner thousands of dollars for energy-efficiency home makeovers, like this one[1] that featured Rich and Lisa Layman from Arlington, VA who had little wiggle room for improvements to their homes.  While the Laymans were always interested in being conscious of the environment, they were really excited that they won since their checkbook often interfered with bringing their home’s energy efficiency into the 21^st century. The competition received the support of a credit union in town which helps fund energy retrofits for homeowners. The ten thousand dollars the Laymans won will go a long way in making their home energy efficient for comfort and environmental reasons.

Enter them. Often times, they are sponsored by local energy alliance programs associated with local electricity providers. One way to find out what options you have in your area is to get online and using your preferred search engine type in “energy makeover” and your city or county of residence. Scroll through the options. In my search, I found out things that I would never have found existed! For instance, one resource is a central clearinghouse of information about energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy generation that focuses on helping property owners and tenants assess, improve and implement energy efficiency. It also helps locate contractors, find rebates, apply for financing and make a plan. No contest, yet.

However, another link exposed me to “Energy House Calls,” an Internet reality series produced by PG&E, California’s main electric company.[2]  The purpose of the series is to show customers how using a combination of the energy company’s energy management products and programs, they can have fun conserving energy and saving money. I almost want to get on the show to have the Energy House Calls crew come over, wouldn’t you?

Although I can’t seem to find a makeover contest as amazing as the ones in Colorado, Texas and Virginia, I did find some excellent websites that steer me in the right direction and consider my benefit. For example, I found an energy company that provides home energy audits before completing any energy updates to ensure the most cost effective strategy.

Now to get back to searching for contests!

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[1] http://www.sungazette.net/arlington/news/contest-winners-garner-for-energy-efficient-home-makeover/article_181a2f96-2a72-11e2-83c1-001a4bcf887a.html

[2] http://www.energyhousecalls.com/