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Energy Rater Wins National Award

Terry Duszynski recently was recognized as the first certified home energy rater in the United States. The honor was bestowed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) at their national meeting. “Now there’s probably thousands of energy raters nationwide,” said Duszynski, who was surprised at the special recognition. Back in the mid-1980s, no one was thinking about doing energy … Read more...

Northern Comfort Update

The Alaska Craftsman Home Program (ACHP) has written, edited, designed and published an updated Northern Comfort: Advanced Cold Climate Home Building Techniques manual. In an effort to further benefit Alaskan home builders, ACHP  determined that an update to the old manual should be more user-friendly, modern in design, and consistent with the Advanced Cold Climate Home Building Techniques class.  … Read more...

Board Member inducted into National Remodeling Hall of Fame

Congratulations to ACHP Board Member, Clai Porter! He was inducted into the National Remodeling Hall of Fame for his contributions to the remodeling industry. The announcement was made at the NAHB Remodelers’ gala on Oct. 11 during the Remodeling Show in Baltimore. Porter is the longest continuously serving home builder member in the state of Alaska since 1972, an NAHB Senior Life Director and … Read more...

Your Northern Home

Click on the interactive website link below and learn how to save energy in every nook and cranny of your house–whether you’re designing, building, or retrofitting. A great new tool!   … Read more...

Energy Tip of the Month

Whether the Alaskan summer is chilly or toasty, your need for hot water probably doesn't change that much. What you can change is how efficiently that hot water is created and stored. Here are a few tips for making the most from your hot water heater. What: Turn down the thermostat on your water heater down. How: Find the thermostat by looking for a round knob near the bottom. Turn the … Read more...

New: Test preperation class for Residential Endorsement

ACHP is proud to present our brand new Residential Endorsement Test Prep! This 8 hour class will help prepare applicants to take the State of Alaska Residential Endorsement test offered by PSI. Testing resource materials, listed in the PSI Candidate Bulletin, will be reviewed and discussed. Cost of prep class is $200. We recommend taking this class after the 2-day Advanced Cold Climate … Read more...

Renewable energy fair celebrates with live music, workshops, food and more

Join us this Saturday, August 11, on the Anchorage Park Strip for the Renewable Energy Alaska Project's (REAP) annual fair. ACHP and other groups will offer information and workshops on topics including residential energy efficiency, biodiesel and more. Live music from Tim Easton, Megan Palmer and local musicians. The fun takes place 11 AM - 9 PM. … Read more...

Solar energy training application link

We're excited about this free training sponsored by the Alaska Department of Labor, offered by Solar Energy International. Find the application here at http://www.yritwc.org/Departments/Energy.aspx. Courses held this summer. … Read more...

Valuing Energy Efficiency in Home Appraisals: ACHP Report

The projection of higher utility costs and incentives for making energy efficient improvements has created a focus on making those improvements.  Alaskans need to know how to obtain the greatest increase in energy efficiency of their home and how those efficiencies will translate into cost savings and increased market value for that home.  ACHP, under contract with Alaska Housing Financing … Read more...

Send us your success stories!

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 … Read more...