Energy Assessments and Improvements

Groundwork Denver’s energy advisers provide both home and non-profit office energy assessments, working with residents and tenants to identify and prioritize potential energy improvements.   A home energy assessment can save from $50 a year for simple changes like installing CFL light bulbs, to $350 for bigger changes like attic insulation.  Office assessment savings depend on the size and type of organization.

Groundwork Denver Home Energy Audit program accomplishments:

  • 1,524 home energy assessments conducted
  • 3,200 minor improvements installed ― e.g., shower heads, power-strip hubs, light bulbs, smoke, and CO detectors
  • 839 major improvements installed ― e.g., weatherstripping, insulation, upgraded appliances
  • 8,268 CFL bulbs swapped for interior or exterior incandescent light bulbs

See also:
Energy  |  Climate  |  Hire Us

 

More About Home Energy Assessments

Leaky, inefficient buildings are uncomfortable and lose money, but Groundwork’s energy advisors can help.  Groundwork’s certified energy advisors (through the Building Performance Institute) start by asking how energy is being used in the building:

  • what are the thermostat settings?
  • which lights are used the most?
  • how are appliances used and maintained?
  • are people comfortable in the building?

Then advisors look at the main energy-use impacts in a building:

  • what are the insulation levels?
  • how air-sealed is the structure?
  • what is used for heating and cooling?
  • what type of light bulbs are used?
  • where are the energy vampires?

The result of the consultation is the identification of one or two major priorities, and then the generation of a cost-benefit snapshot along with next-step recommendations.  The Denver Post listed home energy audits as the #1 remodeling strategy in its September 1, 2012 Home section.

“I had a visit from two of your field workers . . . They knew their stuff and were nice guys. . . . These are great people and made me feel good about talking with your organization and hopeful of getting some meaningful help and assistance.”

~ John Dellea, Denver

Once recommendations are identified, Groundwork’s advisors continue to help with the improvements process:  Groundwork promotes and connects potential recipients to available resources and programs; or, Groundwork can help with project tips, contractor referrals and rebate assistance for people taking on the work themselves, either DIY or by paying someone else to do it.

Groundwork’s availability to provide home energy assessments is based on current available funding, and typically most Denver residents (homeowners or renters) can qualify for a free assessment.