Regional Dollars Provide Energy Efficiency To Homeowners
Free home energy efficiency audits and simple improvements are now available to single family low to moderate income homeowners in Howard, Winneshiek, Allamakee, and Clayton counties thanks to a partnership between Green Iowa Americorps/Winneshiek Energy District and the Northeast Iowa Regional Housing Trust Fund.
Those interested in a home energy audit and direct install of various energy efficiency measures can call (563)382-4207 ext. 2 or sign up online.
The trust fund was established by the Upper Explorerland Regional Planning Commission in partnership with local counties and communities to support housing stock improvements for economically and socially disadvantaged households in NE Iowa.
The current partnership with Winneshiek Energy District supports the work of its Green Iowa Americorps team in providing home assessment and “direct install” efforts in up to 40 owner-occupied low to moderate income homes in Clayton, Allamakee, Winneshiek, and Howard counties at no cost to owners.
Home assessments include a blower door test and evaluation of home air tightness, LED lighting upgrade, low-flow water fixture installation, and combustion appliance zone safety testing. Additional energy efficiency upgrades and home envelope tightening are be made on a case-by-case basis.
The Winneshiek Energy District’s Green Iowa team has performed over 800 home energy assessments in northeast Iowa (mostly Winneshiek County) since the program came to Decorah in 2010, saving low-income households over a half million dollars over the lifetime of installed practices.
The Regional Housing Trust Fund dollars allows this year’s team to focus some work outside of Winneshiek county without travel or materials fees to customers, while sharing services with local Energy Districts.
“Not only is this a great partnership with the Trust Fund, but it also creates strong partnerships with Energy Districts getting off the ground in neighboring counties” says Winneshiek Energy District Director Andy Johnson.
Those interested in a home energy audit can call (563)382-4207 ext. 2 or visit energydistrict.org/programs and choose “Green Iowa Americorps”.