ICYMI: Residents Learn about Home Heating & Cooling

Editor’s note: This article originally was published April 15. We’re republishing it here in case you missed it:

By BETSY YAGLA (Star Patcher)

Residents learned about the variety of ways to save money and energy at a workshop about residential heating and cooling held at the library on March 31.

The workshop was part of the Woodbridge Energy Challenge, a program to provide one-stop shopping for residents who want to learn more about saving energy and going solar. The next Energy Challenge events are a solar workshop on April 16 at 7 p.m. at the Center Gym and a lighting fair on May 4 (Election Day) during the afternoon.

“I’d like to thank the Ad Hoc Energy Advisory Task Force for bringing this program to Woodbridge and organizing these educational workshops,” said First Selectman Ellen Scalettar. “The Woodbridge Energy Challenge is helping Woodbridge residents make important decisions about how to save energy at home.”

The heating and cooling workshop was presented by Jennifer Parsons, United Illuminating’s program administrator for HVAC efficiency programs.

Parsons explained the variety of heating and cooling systems, which are most efficient and which are best for residents with oil or propane heat, electric heat or gas heat.

She also explained the state rebate program and tips for what to ask a contractor (see the powerpoint or watch the video for these details).

To take advantage of the state rebates, residents must first have completed a Home Energy Solutions assessment. Home Energy Solutions assessments cost $99 and the two companies participating in the Woodbridge Energy Challenge -- New England Smart Energy and New England Conservation Services -- have agreed to donate $25 of the $99 assessment fee to the Woodbridge Food and Fuel Fund.

Additionally, the state is offering up to a 50% rebate for residential new insulation. On top of the rebate New England Conservation Services and New England Smart Energy are offering discounted pricing and a participation rebate. The discounted pricing is $1.33 per square foot of insulation and the participation rebate is tiered so that as more Woodbridge residents install insulation the rebate increases, up to 12% for a potential total rebate of 62%.

To schedule an HES assessment or get an insulation quote, contact New England Smart Energy at (203) 292-8088 or New England Conservation Services at (203) 389-3342.