Building code enhancements are making new homes more energy efficient, but how do we encourage owners of existing homes to take a comprehensive approach to home improvement rather than just replacing a furnace when it breaks?  Several utilities and energy organizations are demonstrating that a comprehensive approach can achieve energy savings of up to 50% or more in existing buildings.

These demonstrations are being achieved by conducting Home Energy Makeover Contests, modeled after reality television shows.  The contest takes a building-science approach to the selection of a home that best demonstrates the potential for energy savings based on BTU-per-square-foot and other factors.  The winning home receives a makeover using energy-saving products and services donated by local suppliers.  Then, all contest entrants (i.e. contest losers) and other community members are invited to tour the newly-improved, winning home and learn how to conduct their own energy makeover at their own expense using the local suppliers.  In all cases, the winning home owners make a compelling case to the home visitors and media for the non-energy benefits that the improvements achieve in comfort, health, safety and more.

Home Energy Makeover Contests and Workshop demonstrate powerful ways to save energy and improve a home by capitalizing on homeowner and media interest in energy savings in ways that leverage the popularity of shows like ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.  In addition, the Contests and Workshops offer exciting sponsorship opportunities to raise visibility for a range of energy-saving products and services.

New Contest or Workshop:
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Conduct your own makeover contest or workshop

Contest:
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Workshops:
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