ACHP Alaska

Ft. Yukon Energy Efficiency Trip

alicia — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:50:54 +0000

This month, ACHP instructor Michelle Wilber traveled to Fort Yukon to host an Energy Fair and talk to residents about energy efficiency and conservation in their homes. Joe Meredith of Ameresco was on hand to highlight the recently completed whole-village energy retrofit, funded by AEA. The retrofit included improvements to roof insulation, boilers, hot water heaters, lighting controls, garage doors, etc on the City Hall and city maintenance facility and other community buildings. Six hundred new energy efficient LED light bulbs were available for exchange: each household could exchange up to 6 old bulbs for 6 new ones. Happy recipients said they were pleased with the light quality of the bulbs. In fact, they were so bright, one woman quipped, the only problem was now she could see that she needed to clean her cabin walls!

AHFC funded the training and provided additional materials for the Fair. Efficiency and Conservation training included information on the Home Energy Rebate and Weatherization programs available in the state through AHFC, information on the advantages of LED bulbs, basic building science, and home energy saving tips. Michelle explained the value of a home energy audit, the importance of sealing tight and ventilating right, and the advantages of energy efficient bulbs. More information on these tips for the home can be found at akenergyefficiency.org/home.

Send us your success stories!

alicia — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:28:48 +0000

Attention homeowners: Have you seen a significant decrease in your energy bills since weatherizing your home? If so, send us your success story! Tell us how long the process took, what improvements you made, include pictures, tips, and any other relevant info. Once a quarter, ACHP will feature a success story in our newsletter and on our website. If you’re chosen, you’ll win a Kill-A-Watt EZ Electricity Usage Monitor!

Even if you don’t want to be featured, we’re still interested in hearing your story to help other homeowners with the weatherization process.

Send your story to alicia@achpalaska.com

NEW Ventilated Crawlspace Class

alicia — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:36:37 +0000

Meet the current BEES code and best practice by learning how to air seal, insulation and mechanically ventilate crawl spaces in homes. Benefits of a conditioned crawl space are a more durable, safe and comfortable living environment in the whole house.

4 hours of continuing education credit for residential contractors.

This class is FREE–sponsored by AHFC. Check out our website calendar for a crawlspace class in your community!

Valuing Energy Efficiency

alicia — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:33:27 +0000

AHFC contracted with ACHP to provide a Needs Assessment to determine the barriers to documenting energy efficient improvements to existing homes. ACHP subcontracted with Keli Hite-McGee as a facilitator and forums were held in 5 locations with representatives from the appraisal, real estate, mortgage lending, construction and energy rating industries.

The full draft report will be delivered February 3, 2012. The goal of this assessment is to develop tools and provide education for appraisers on valuing energy efficiency in Alaskan homes. ACHP is partnering with CCHRC to develop an index, comprised of data from the AHFC rebate and weatherization programs, for appraisers to quickly determine energy savings that result in increased market value for a more energy efficient home.