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2023 52 Card Project: Week 15: Audit
Apr. 14th, 2023 06:01 pmI had an energy audit done this week. Three gentlemen from the Minnesota Center for Energy and Environment spent a couple of hours tromping through the house, changing out lightbulbs, swapping out my shower head for a low-flow model, and checking infrared sensors for heat leaks. They were quite curious to see my gravity-fed (octopus) furnace. One said he has only encountered one other similar furnace in the past four years.
The audit was free, which was certainly gratifying, but their recommendations were somewhat discouraging, as they involved suggestions that would cost a lot. *sigh* Perversely, I pay more for energy because I can't afford to do otherwise. It's not exactly easy for me to drop the money to change out my furnace (a process that would begin with about $15,000 of asbestos abatement before we even get around to the cost of the furnace) or insulate the walls. They are going to send me information about programs and grants that may help. I'm not terribly hopeful, though. I applied for the state energy assistance program last year but was over the income eligibility level.
But hey, I got new weatherstripping, light bulbs, and a low-flow showerhead for free. Incremental changes, but perhaps they will help a little.
Image description: The collage as a whole shows an open front door (seen from the inside), enclosed with red plastic with a fan at floor level (part of an energy audit). Lower left corner: half a cartoon house with different colored lines (indications of energy usage). Right side: a rough cartoon figure checking items off a checklist. Top: logo for Center for Energy and Environment.
Audit
Click here to see the 2023 52 Card Project gallery.
Click here to see the 2022 52 Card Project gallery.
Click here to see the 2021 52 Card Project gallery.
The audit was free, which was certainly gratifying, but their recommendations were somewhat discouraging, as they involved suggestions that would cost a lot. *sigh* Perversely, I pay more for energy because I can't afford to do otherwise. It's not exactly easy for me to drop the money to change out my furnace (a process that would begin with about $15,000 of asbestos abatement before we even get around to the cost of the furnace) or insulate the walls. They are going to send me information about programs and grants that may help. I'm not terribly hopeful, though. I applied for the state energy assistance program last year but was over the income eligibility level.
But hey, I got new weatherstripping, light bulbs, and a low-flow showerhead for free. Incremental changes, but perhaps they will help a little.
Image description: The collage as a whole shows an open front door (seen from the inside), enclosed with red plastic with a fan at floor level (part of an energy audit). Lower left corner: half a cartoon house with different colored lines (indications of energy usage). Right side: a rough cartoon figure checking items off a checklist. Top: logo for Center for Energy and Environment.
Click here to see the 2023 52 Card Project gallery.
Click here to see the 2022 52 Card Project gallery.
Click here to see the 2021 52 Card Project gallery.