If you can see daylight around an exterior door, you are losing costly heat from your home. Clark Public Utilities energy counselors assess a home’s need for simple, low-cost improvements such as weather stripping, as well as larger investments like heat pumps and water heaters.
When the weather turns cold, the phones start ringing at Clark Public Utilities (Clark PUD) as people look for ways to reduce their energy use and keep their homes warmer and more comfortable.
Clark PUD offers a range of rebates, loans and incentives for home owners who make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes. Plus, Clark PUD partners with Clark County to provide weatherization and ductless heat pumps for low-income homeowners and renters alike.
Energy counselors are available Monday through Friday at Clark PUD to offer phone and on-site energy consultations, and that is the best place to start for most people, said Erica Erland of Clark Public Utilities. Energy counselors can assess the current efficiency of a home, and determine which measures make the most sense for that property.
For most homes, weatherization is the best place to start, said Erland.
“Don’t do more expensive things if you haven’t done less expensive things first,” she emphasized. “It doesn’t matter how efficient the heat is if it’s all going outside.”
Simple and inexpensive measures, such as changing the furnace filter, weather stripping against air leaks, and swapping light bulbs for more energy efficient types, can have a big impact.
The big energy users in the home, such as the furnace and water heater, are things people don’t think much about until they break, said Erland. The utility strives to make customers aware of the programs available, so when they do have a need they know there are resources to assist.
In most cases, replacement of the heating source will offer the shortest payback time on the investment, said Erland. Water heaters are second in that ranking.
Ductless heat pumps have become very popular as a replacement for homes with baseboard or ceiling heat, said Erland, because they can be installed without running costly new ductwork, and they offer a great improvement in efficiency and comfort. Plus, they provide whole house cooling in the summer.
Also eligible for incentives, heat pump water heaters are an efficient alternative to traditional water heating, with one caveat. They should be installed outside the living space, because they cool the air in the room around them.
More energy efficient windows can improve comfort and heating expense, but due to their relatively high cost the payoff time is longer than for other improvements.
Renters can take advantage of free energy advice as well to reduce their electrical costs. Measures that are simple to install and portable, such as faucet aerators, efficient shower heads, and energy-conserving light bulbs, can be taken with them to their next home. Weather stripping is inexpensive and easy to install, and can greatly improve a home’s comfort and efficiency.
Rebates and incentives range from $250 to $1000 for major improvements, and can be combined with low interest loans. For weatherization measures, incentive amounts depend upon the extent of the work. Additionally, loans are available for solar energy, and for energy-efficient improvements in multi-family properties.
In order to utilize Clark PUD financial assistance, all work must be performed by a contractor participating in the utility’s Contractor Network. There are a large number of contractors, and consumers are encouraged to obtain several bids before hiring a contractor.
With the regional energy program Simple Steps, Smart Savings, Clark PUD offers savings on energy-saving products like appliances, lighting products and shower heads at local retailers. Look for the Simple Steps label, or check their website at www.simplestepsnw.com for a list of participating retailers and current offers.
Clark PUD also partners with Clark County to operate a weatherization program for low-income households. Both owner-occupied and rental properties, including mobile homes, are eligible for this program if the occupants meet the income guidelines.
This program provides free insulation, weatherization-related repairs, and in some cases ductless heat pumps. Further information is available by calling 360-992-3000.
Energy-efficiency measures aim to meet a dual goal – to reduce cost and improve comfort for customers, and to meet energy reduction goals for Clark PUD, said Erland.
To take the first step toward a more energy efficient home, call the Clark PUD energy counselors Monday through Friday at 360-992-3355, or visit the office at 100 Columbia Way during business hours for free advice. Customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can answer many questions about energy saving measures, energy assistance, and energy counseling. They can be reached at 360-992-3000.
