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earth, the final frontier

Clean Energy, Clean Environment

We are at a cross roads in human history, we can choose to continue on as we have been, or we can make a change to improve our future and quite possibly the future for several generations to come. We are here to promote energy independence, a better environment with a higher return on investment for your hard earned money. It is what I believe in, it is why I am in the solar business.

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

18 Nov 08 | Commentary, Conservation, Environment

Most HEAP (programs) are designed purchase heating fuel for those who can’t afford to buy it on their own.

To this, we should all say “Thanks, but no thanks.”

On the surface, it seems like a really good idea. After all, nobody wants to decide between heating and eating.  No reasonable person would want to see somebody freezing to death. Low income families who can least afford to invest in energy conservation are particularly dependent on HEAP.  This situation just perpetuates the cycle.  Many low income families are renters, they cannot afford to do energy saving improvements to the dwelling that they occupy.  Since the land lord is not incurring the utility expenses, there is little incentive for them to take any action.

HEAP should be geared toward energy efficiency improvements, not just paying for oil, electric, or gas.  Land lords need to be encouraged to retrofit older buildings with energy efficient windows and doors, adding insulation, installing energy efficient lighting and heating equipment.  There are millions of old buildings in the US that could use upgrades, the completion of which would save enormous amounts of energy annually.  Those types of improvements will net the biggest bang for a buck.  Instead of buying oil for one season, the HEAP money will improve the conditions inside the building for as long as it is standing.

It is really nice to see the fancy new Zero Energy houses, that is the future.  At the same time, existing structures are, more than likely, not going to be replaced any time soon.  Most older structures can be made reasonably energy efficient at some expense.  This is a quick list of energy saving items that will quickly pay for themselves:

  1. Perhaps the easiest thing to do is to add blown in cellulose insulation to the attic.  The material for a 1500 Square Foot attic (to R-49) costs about $850.00.  Installation varies, but it should not be more than $4-500.
  2. Caulking, weather stripping and sealing.  Easy to do, should cost about $1-200 tops.
  3. Adding blown in cellulose insulation to walls.  More difficult than attic insulating as often access holes need to be drilled in the walls.  Material costs depend on the size of the house.  Total job costs between $4-7,000.  Also, if the house was previously insulated with blown in cellulose, the insulation has a tenancy to settle, so it may need to be “topped off”
  4. Replacement doors and windows.  Depending on the number and size of the windows and doors, can range from $4-15,000.
  5. Replacement of older furnaces and boilers.  Most furnaces over 20 years old are inefficient by today’s standards.  Replacement can save quite a bit of money on heating fuel costs.  Usually between $3-6,000 depending on size and make of new equipment.
  6. Installation of energy saving devices such as programmable thermostats, out door temperature resets for boilers, temperature controlled steam vents for steam radiators, etc.  These costs vary, but often the device will pay for itself within a year or two.

In addition to the tenants saving money on heating, the property owner will increase the value of the rental property by having a more energy efficient building.  In short, these energy saving upgrades will be a much wiser investment than simply buying oil.

Related posts:

  1. National Grid petitions to Raise Electrical Rates by 21.7 percent
  2. Renewable energy as an investment
  3. Waste not want not; The coming new energy age.
  4. Five Good Reasons to Install a Solar Energy System
  5. Radiant floor heating

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18 Nov 08 | Commentary, Conservation, Environment
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Reader's Comments

  1. Kathy | December 20th, 2008 at 10:31 pm

    I am a welfare examiner in upstate NY I hate the HEAP program it has to be the most wasteful program I have ever seen. This year alone the benefit is up to $2600.00 plus what they call two shut offs. There is no effort to conserve, or weatherize. Our weatherization progam is currently two years behind. It is shameful waste and a detriment to our enviornment.

  2. electric boilers furnaces | Digg hot tags | December 29th, 2008 at 4:34 am

    [...] Vote Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) [...]



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