Extreme Energy Home Makeover Under Way

The energy efficiency makeover on Rod and Kari Schmidt’s home is in full swing. The Schmidts of Colman, SD were the winners of Heartland’s Extreme Energy Home Makeover. An energy audit revealed several areas of potential savings in the home and Heartland hired Jim Clark Construction of Colman to complete the makeover.

One of the greatest potential for savings was found in the windows. Many were cracked or didn’t seal, causing significant leakage. All are being replaced with ENERGY STAR rated windows. The Schmidts’ furnace was over 20 years old with rust accumulating on the unit. It is being replaced with an ENERGY STAR rated Aire-Flo Electric air handler with 3 ton heat pump. The unit will provide comfortable temperatures year round.

Additional insulation will be blown into the attic and a leaky door is being replaced. Compact fluorescent light bulbs will be installed throughout the home along with a programmable thermostat and 105 gallon Marathon water heater.

The Schmidts' air conditioner is replaced with an aire-flo electric air handler.

The Schmidts live in a two-story, four-bedroom home built in the early 1900s. Kari operates a home daycare and they have lived there for 18 years. Once the improvements are complete, Heartland will work with the city of Colman to track the Schmidts’ energy bills and measure savings as a result of the makeover.

“The Extreme Energy Home Makeover was designed as an educational tool,” said Ann Hyland, Heartland’s director of energy programs. “While the Schmidts are receiving a complete home makeover, Heartland will use their home as an example to educate others on the costs, savings and benefits of energy efficiency improvements.”