A new report, released today by CoPIRG, the Colorado Public Interest
Research Group, details existing technologies that can be used to
retro-fit existing homes, bringing them up to the energy efficient
standards of some of the most resourceful, modern, ENERGY STAR homes.
With initial modest investments to upgrade, Coloradans can reduce their
energy consumption and save thousands on their heating bills,
effectively combating the rising cost of natural gas.
“This
report shows that the quickest, cheapest and most effective way to help
Colorado families with rising energy prices is to increase home energy
efficiency,” said Aaron Segel, Energy Associate with CoPIRG, “The
direct economic benefit of home heating efficiency is striking, if this
technology is successfully and widely implemented, we would conserve
roughly one third of the energy used for home heating in the state of
Colorado.”
With winter around the corner, Coloradans are bracing
for another expensive cold season. The cost of residential natural gas
has risen 70% since 2002 forcing Coloradans to spend $500 million more
in heating costs last winter, than in 2002.
The report details
how high-efficiency furnaces, high-efficiency windows, programmable
thermostats, and improved insulation techniques all reduce the amount
of energy that is needed to keep homes warm in the winter. For
example, ENERGY STAR high-efficiency furnaces use 20 percent less fuel
than basic furnaces that are built to the minimum federal efficiency
standard.
“The technology is available and can save homeowners
hundreds on their energy bill and thousands over the life of the
upgrades,” asserted Dennis Brachfeld, founder of About Saving Heat
Co. “There is no one answer, but every home does have some simple
solutions, previously overlooked; that can prevent the loss of energy
and money.”
The report recommends that Colorado apply for a
waiver from the federal government to adopt stronger minimum efficiency
standards for residential furnaces and furnace fans, expand the scope
and funding of weatherization assistance programs, including programs
aimed at assisting low-income families, and should provide financial
incentives and technical assistance to encourage high performance new
construction and building renovation.
“Our most vulnerable
households rarely have access to energy efficiency measures that will
lower their utility bills. We need to ensure that these families and
seniors can take advantage of these technologies. emphasized Skip
Arnold, Executive Director, Energy Outreach Colorado. “This is the
right direction for Colorado to head in and with low-income assistance
programs, everyone will have access especially those who can benefit
the most.”
The Insulate Colorado Week, a project of the
Governor’s Energy Office, is set to begin next Monday raising attention
to the potential of energy efficiency. “Our Insulate Colorado Week
begins September 15 and is a great step in helping to lower home
heating costs throughout Colorado.” Eric Stern, Residential Buildings
Senior Program Manager with the Governor’s Energy Office noted.
By
decreasing demand for natural gas throughout Colorado, the price will
drop for all energy consumers. “Better home heating efficiency will
directly lead to lower energy bills this winter and put Colorado on the
right track to a sustainable energy future,” concluded Segel.
Read the report here.
