Residential Denver Energy Challenge

For residents of Denver seeking to lower their environmental impact and energy bills, the Denver Energy Challenge offers resources that help. Denver received a $25 million grant from the Department of Energy's Better Buildings Program to improve efficiency of the City and County. The Challenge is designed to increase efficiency investments, advance energy independence and help stimulate economic growth. The Denver Energy Challenge has a goal to improve 6,000 homes and 1,200 businesses by May of 2013. Other goals are to reduce usage by 15 percent (or more), reduce utility bills for residence and to create jobs in the energy efficiency industry.

The Denver Energy Challenge recommends qualified contractors to homeowners looking to join in on the challenge. In order to be able to receive funds from the Challenge, homeowners must use a contractor, or contractors, that have been approved. The qualified contractors are involved in several fields including Insulation and Air sealing, Mechanical/ HVAC, Solar and Windows. Hiring Denver insulation companies is a wonderful way to save a significant amount of money on your home energy bills. Professionals in these industries are well equipped to help reduce waste and overspending.

One of the most important aspects of the Denver Energy Challenge is the initial Energy Advisement. The energy advisement is performed for free by an professional adviser. First, the adviser contacts homeowners to discuss goals and interests. After that they may schedule a home visit to visually inspect the HVAC systems, electronics, and areas that are prone to drafts. This visit is not a Denver Energy Audit and should not be done as a replacement for an home energy audit. Energy advisers often recommend having a comprehensive energy audit performed prior to their initial visit to help identify problem areas. The adviser helps educate homeowners about improvements they can make to reduce their environmental impact and energy waste. Some examples of energy saving solutions are using Smart Strips and installing programmable thermostats. Following the initial visit or conversation with your energy adviser you will devise a plan that prioritizes improvements that will offer the quickest return on investment and largest effect on your home energy use.

One of the best aspects of the DEC is that the energy advisers assist homeowners collecting on rebates and other financial incentives. Advisers will help identify available rebates and incentives and fill out required paperwork to complete the processes. Some of the language and requirements involved in the process of obtaining rebates seems intimidating, but the advisers have extensive experience in the process.

All in all the DEC is designed to help the people of Denver save money and improve their structure's energy efficiency in the most painless way possible. If you are looking to improve the efficiency of your home or business, I suggest starting with a Home Energy Audit.