Improve Your Home's Energy Efficiency Through Town Initiative

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Town officials hope to help homeowners improve their energy efficiency through a yearlong initiative comprised of educational presentations and home evaluations.

Titled HeatSmart West Hartford, the outreach program "assists residents in accessing the energy efficiency programs and incentives available through Energize Connecticut," officials said in a news release. It began on Wednesday.

Local volunteers and energy experts will offer educational presentations on efficient heating and cooling, and they'll help homeowners schedule a Home Energy Solutions visit, which officials said can provide hundreds of dollars in energy efficiency services.

"During this assessment, utility-certified technicians evaluate the home's energy performance, run a safety check of the current heating system, add weather stripping, seal air leaks, and, if desired, add faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads," the news release reads. "Additionally, the technicians provide written recommendations for deeper energy-saving measures such as insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling, water heating, windows and appliances."

The assessment costs $50, though income-eligible residents can qualify for a free consultation — and they can get the secondary measures at a "deeply discounted" rate, or for free.

Additionally, the town said, anyone who has an energy assessment completed through the program will be entered to win $250, and the winner will be drawn in November.

Town officials partnered with local nonprofit PACE (People's Action for Clean Energy) on HeatSmart, as well as the West Hartford Clean Energy Commission.

When the program was piloted in Branford in 2020, 400 households took advantage of it, said Bernard Pelletier, a West Hartford resident and PACE member.

"Over 30 percent of the energy consumed in the state is used to heat and cool buildings. We can all reduce our carbon footprint by making our homes as energy efficient as possible. Becoming a HeatSmart participant, whether you are a homeowner or renter, is a great first step," West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said. "This education program will help you make informed choices when it comes to your home's heating and cooling needs and also connect you with resources to improve the efficiency and comfort of your home. Together we can make a big difference."

To learn more, sign up for a consultation or volunteer with the team, call 860-580-9076 and mention "HeatSmart West Hartford," or visit the program's website here.