'Button Up NH' Home Energy Savings Workshop

Exeter NH Transition Town invites the public to join them for an evening workshop where all who attend will leave with ideas on how to reduce home energy costs.

The Exeter Button UP NH Workshop is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, October 21st at the Exeter Public Library, 4 Chestnut Street, Exeter, NH. This free workshop is sponsored by Exeter NH Transition Town and the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce. Please arrive early starting at 6:30pm to gather literature and ask questions of the presenter. Presentation begins before 7 pm. Library closes at 8 pm.

Button Up NH workshops are designed to provide homeowners with information and techniques to help them save money on home energy use. The presentation will be conducted by Andy Duncan, Energy Training Manager for the Energy Services and Technology program at the Lakes Region Community College in Laconia, NH. Duncan has over 20 years of experience in environmental management and education, with a specialty in building energy efficiency. He has worked in the building energy field since 2003, and has held certifications from the Building Performance Institute since 2008.

During the presentation, participants will learn basic building science concepts and learn the basics about air sealing, insulating, and conservation measures that reduce fuel and electricity use. Attendees will learn how to sign up for Home Performance with Energy Star (HPwES) – a program run by the energy efficiency services at Eversource, Liberty Utilities, NH Electric Co-Op and Unitil. HPwES is open to all NH families and is solely based on whether your home has a higher than average heating fuel bill. By signing up for the HPwES program, NH residents on a first come first served basis, can access a Home Energy Audit for $100, financial incentives up to $4000 and technical expertise.

One Exeter couple attended the workshop last year, had the audit, and qualified for the matching rebate. Contractors came to their home on High Street last spring and took the house from R-19 to R-65, plus tightened up a few air leaks. The couple is looking forward to much lower heating costs this winter.

According to the presenter Andy Duncan, “The Home Performance with Energy Star Program is something every homeowner should consider. It gives homeowners the assistance they need to make energy efficiency improvements to their homes. When a homeowner participates in the program they will receive a list of recommendations for cost effective energy efficiency improvements and will have the opportunity to decide, if any, the work they want done on their home.”

These workshops are being funded by Eversource, Liberty Utilities, NH Electric Co-Op and Unitil. The Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative (PAREI) of Plymouth, NH is working with local groups statewide to bring this important information to the public on behalf of New Hampshire’s utilities.

All Button Up NH Workshops are free and open to the general public. Light refreshments will be
served. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Registration is helpful but not required. Walk Ins are welcome. . For more information on the dates and locations for all upcoming workshops around the state visit: www.myenergyplan.net/buttonup or call the PAREI office at (603) 536-5030. Also visit: www.nhsaves.com for more helpful information.