September 30, 2009

A new energy efficient furnace sits in Alex and Tracey Valley's home in west Bend. It's one of the many improvements as their 1930's, 1700 square foot home, once considered an energy hog was given a makeover.

"The furnace was still working and our water heater was still working so it's not really an exciting thing to think about, but now that we have it we're thrilled and this winter we are looking forward to our reduced energy bills," said Tracey Valley.
On average they were paying $200-$300 a month on heating bills, the Valley's are expecting to cut that in half.

In June a home energy test on their home detected insulation gaps in the attic, a 30 year old furnace and an inefficient water heater.

All of those things were replaced along with new windows and an energy efficient refrigerator.
The improvements total $25,000 with a 2-5 year pay back. New insulation typically would be a $700-1,000 expense for the Valley's. It is expected to save them $262 on their energy bill, that's about 20% with a 5 year pay back.

If you are on a limited budget, there are minor things you can start with that will still bring you some savings.

"Weather stripping doors and windows changing out lightbulbs, some duct sealing projects are coming in comparatively cheap at 5-6 hundred dollars," said Robert Hamerly with Green Savers in Bend.

Things like adding faucet aerators will only cost you a few dollars and will save you double on water and water heating bills.

The Valley's have plans for the money they are saving.

"If you are asking me we will probably go away on vacation. If you are asking my husband we'll stock it away in savings," said Valley.