SALT LAKE COMMUNITY ENERGY CHALLENGE
How do I get started?
A. Participate Individually or as a Family: When you pledge to make one or more of the energy efficiency upgrades listed below (before March 31 of 2012) you will receive a home energy efficiency starter kit with a step-by-step guide, be recognized on the Challenge’s traveling display and be entered to win prizes throughout the Challenge. Make a pledge today.
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Insulate your attic hatch
- Seal your duct system
- Upgrade to an Energy Star® refrigerator
B. Do More - Become a Block Leader: Participate in the program while also engaging others on your block to make their homes more efficient. Becoming a Block Leader is a great way to go beyond "doing my part" and to have a broader positive impact on our community. We will help you talk to your neighbors about the SLCEC and possibly even help you host an energy efficiency block party. Your involvement is up to you. Call the Energy Champions to learn more.
Together we can stop wasting money on high energy bills and make Avenues homes more comfortable!
Where can I get more information?
Contact your Avenues Community Energy Champion: The Avenues Community Energy Champions are volunteering to help YOU and your neighbors achieve energy savings goals. Please contact the Energy Champions today if you have questions, or would like to become a block leader.
Rosine (801) 971-2136; email
Ross (801) 618-9997; email
Location and Timeframe:
The Salt Lake Community Energy Challenge is a pilot program taking place in the Mideast Avenues neighborhood (between South Temple and 7th Avenue, and between I St. and N St.). The project will run through March of 2012.
Supporters:
The Salt Lake Community Energy Challenge is a pilot neighborhood-level project designed to help residents cut energy waste through making home energy efficiency upgrades. The project is supported by Salt Lake City, Utah Building Energy Efficiency Strategies (UBEES) and Utah Clean Energy.
After taking action, how else can I get involved?
Next Steps to Save Even More Energy: The home energy efficiency upgrades promoted in this challenge are the first steps. There are many more efficiency upgrades that can reduce your energy waste and make your home as comfortable as it can be. Learn more through the ThermWise and WattSmart programs, and contact a home performance contractor to help you to identify even more ways for you to cut your energy bills.
How-to guide for home energy efficiency upgrades
- Install a Programmable Thermostat – Whether you rent or own your home, installing a programmable thermostat is a great first step to cutting energy waste. This easy and low-cost action can significantly cut your home energy use when programmed to reduce heating and cooling loads when you are away from home or sleeping.
How-to Video: Installing a programmable thermostat yourself.
Printable Step-by-step Guide: Installing a programmable thermostat.
- Insulate Your Attic Hatch – Small gaps in insulation can decrease the effectiveness of your insulation by 50 percent! This means that even if your attic is well-insulated, if the attic hatch is not, both energy and money escapes from your home. This is an easy action for both renters and homeowners.
How-to Video: Insulating your attic hatch
Printable Step-by-step Guide: Insulating your attic hatch
- Seal Your Duct System – Few people know to look at their ducts for leaks, yet leaky ducts can have a huge impact on utility bills and comfort. In a typical house, about 20% of the air moving through the duct system is lost due to leaks and poorly sealed connections. When the ducts are in an exposed location, the upfront cost is minimal and usually requires about a half-day of work. For help with concealed and difficult to reach ducts, you'll probably need to hire a contractor.
How-to Video:Sealing your heating and cooling ducts
Printable Step-by-step Guide: Sealing your duct system
- Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR® Refrigerator – Refrigerators are the second largest electricity-user in the home! Older refrigerator models can use up to 1,400 kWh per year, while newer units use less than 500 kWh per year. Though refrigerators come with a larger upfront cost, it is an action that can make a large difference in energy usage.
More information on how to buy an Energy Star Refrigerator.
Printable Step-by-step Guide: Upgrade to an ENERGY STAR® Refrigerator
Community Energy Challenge Sponsors:
