Winneshiek Energy District is looking for more interested property owners

Joel Zook examines a drafty basement

The Winneshiek Energy District is now up and running with its program to conduct comprehensive Home Energy Planning Audits at houses in Decorah.

The non-profit group--funded by a grant from the federal stimulus program--has conducted 14 audits so far since December.  Director Andy Johnson says the program is now open to business owners are well as home owners.

The audit aims at being a comprehensive look at the energy use of a building.  It looks at the level of insulation, the condition of any air conditioning system, the mechanical systems, the HVAC ductwork--in short, anything that affects energy use, right down to the choice of lightbulbs.

Winneshiek Energy District's Joel Zook has conducted many of the home energy audits.  He says they point out simple steps homeowners can do, like caulking cracks in the walls or foundation.  Zook says he often finds that the shell of the house, especially the basement or attic, is the greatest source of energy loss.

Johnson says Winneshiek Energy District employees don't just do the audit, however, they produce a report showing the cost and benefit of any improvements.  "You'll get a good picture of the cost effectiveness of the proposed improvements," says Johnson.

However, it's not necessary to have a home energy audit done in order to take advantage of the organizations "Direct Install with Energy Corps."  The program uses trained workers from the Americorps program to provide free labor and discounted materials for air sealing, light bulb replacement, showerhead replacement, power strip replacement and other energy saving projects.

Johnson says Winneshiek Energy District can handle several such installations each week.  In fact, he's encouraging neighbors to join together for an energy "Block Party."

For more details about either of these programs, visit www.energydistrict.org or call 382-4207

The home energy audit seals off a door in order to discover where air leaks are in a home

Joel Zook gets ready to turn on the fan