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Energy Efficiency as a Wartime Effort
Leigh A. Grinstead, Director

In late October the Molly Brown House Museum hosted a free weekend focused on increasing energy efficiency in our homes. Working with the Colorado Energy Assistance Foundation and HEAT, the Home Energy Assistance Team, we offered “Why Molly Brown?” The organizations were looking for “scary” homes in the metro area, not in the ghostly sense, but in the sense of high-energy consumption and utility costs.

Representative Mark Udall made a special trip from Washington, D.C. to come to the event. He discussed how energy efficiency can help with our current war effort and noted that by increasing our energy efficiency and decreasing dependency on foreign oil supplies, we can help national security. For many of us, trying to increase energy efficiency seems like a natural action, but somewhat confusing. Many small changes can be made that won’t affect the architectural integrity of a home. Turning the thermostat down 1 degree can save approximately 3% off your heating bill. Turning off lights as you leave rooms, microwaving foods and washing laundry only when you have a full load can also make a difference.

When replacing appliances, look for the government’s energy star rating. But for large-scale change, it was suggested that homeowners get an E-star energy rating. This is a computer-analyzed report that simulates various improvement scenarios for your house and estimates how much money you can save from a utility bill for each improvement made. Insulation R-values are evaluated and mechanical system efficiencies are checked throughout the house. The blower test door depressurizes the house to help pinpoint hidden air leaks that cause high utility bills and uncomfortable drafts.

For historic homeowners, windows are often a culprit. Caulking and sealing can help, but far too often as you drive through historic neighborhoods you will see replacement windows that are inappropriate to the style or scale of the home. There are alternatives: rebuilding your existing wood windows, or even adding storms that from the exterior match your windows and architecture and from the inside can easily hold screens or storms.

If you are interested in learning more about an E-Star energy audit call 303 297-7395 or, check out the web site www.e-star.com prices vary, an energy audit typically runs $250-400 depending on the size and complexity of the house.