Energy Efficiency

Energy is an essential part of our daily lives.  We use energy to light, heat, and cool our homes—and most of this energy comes from the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil and natural gas.  Not only is the burning of these fuels costly, but it also uses up valuable non-renewable resources.  The use of energy efficient measures and appliances will significantly reduce homeowners’ monthly energy use. Energy efficient measures save consumers money and reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere—a greenhouse gas that contributes to global climate change.
 
Rebuilding Together’s Energy Efficiency Program, part of the Safe & Healthy Homes Initiative, was created to improve energy efficiency in low-income homes and help low-income homeowners save money by reducing their energy usage.  Rebuilding Together’s Energy Efficiency Program is unique in its focus on preserving home ownership through providing retroactive energy efficient measures to pre-existing homes.  Rather than developing new homes according to energy efficient standards, Rebuilding Together affiliates retrofit homes with new products and equipment to make them more energy efficient.
 
The Energy Efficiency Program provides low-income homeowners with the necessary repairs to make their homes more functional and reduce future utility costs—ensuring that these families will stay warm, safe, and dry in their homes for years to come.  Energy efficient measures that Rebuilding Together affiliates often perform include installing compact fluorescent (CFL) light bulbs; repairing or replacing water heaters; installing a water heater blanket; insulating hot water pipes and ducts; weather stripping windows; installing low-emittance (Low-E) windows; caulking around windows and doors; installing insulation in attics, walls, and crawl spaces; installing ENERGY STAR labeled appliances; and repairing leaky faucets and toilets.  According to one recipient of Rebuilding Together’s services, “Our heating and cooling bills have dropped due to this project, and we thank you for that.  The extra money we saved has helped us out, especially with our medical bills.”
 
Through the Energy Efficiency Program, Rebuilding Together works to:
 
• Raise public awareness on the importance of home energy efficiency
• Provide training and technical assistance on energy efficient measures
• Expand and broaden our affiliate network’s service delivery and capacity
• Provide energy efficiency information and referrals to the general public
• Advocate on behalf of low-income homeowners