Taking a whole-system approach to energy efficiency provides the best results as each part must function properly for maximum efficiency. Heartland set out to demonstrate the benefits of taking a whole-system approach to energy efficiency with the extreme energy home makeovers and public building makeovers. 

Home Makeover - Colman, SD

Heartland performed its first Extreme Energy Home Makeover in Colman, South Dakota in 2009. Thirty-one Colman residents applied for the makeover and Heartland narrowed the pool to three finalists. Energy audits were performed on each of those three homes by Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership. Based on the results of the audits, Rod and Kari Schmidt’s home was chosen for a complete energy makeover.

Improvements to their home included new ENERGY STAR windows, a new 105-gallon Marathon water heater and a new ENERGY STAR Aire-Flo electric air handler with 3-ton heat pump, which replaced an LP gas furnace. A programmable thermostat and new front door were also installed and insulation was added in the attic and around the basement perimeter.

The makeover was fully completed in March 2010 and a follow-up energy audit revealed substantial improvement in energy efficiency and leaks were found to be virtually non-existent. The Schmidts saw energy savings of over 50% in April 2010 and have continued to see positive results from the makeover, reducing their monthly energy use by an average of almost 32%. They saw the biggest savings in January 2011 at over 63% savings. 

Home Makeover – Lake Crystal, MN

Heartland awarded another residential energy efficiency makeover in 2010. This time around, homeowners in Lake Crystal, MN were invited to apply and 26 homeowners submitted applications.

Heartland again narrowed the field to three and Minnesota Valley Action Council performed energy audits on those homes. Dave and Amanda Gilman’s two-story home built in the early 1900s was chosen for the complete energy makeover.

Improvements included installation of new windows throughout the home and insulation added around each replacement. Insulation was also added to the attic and porch floors, an ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat was installed, old doors were replaced and an ENERGY STAR refrigerator replaced the old model.

The makeover was complete by the end of 2010 and Heartland will continue to monitor the home’s energy consumption and achieved savings. The homeowners have reported noticing an immediate difference after the makeover with fewer drafts and a more even, comfortable temperature throughout.
 

Public Building Makeovers 

Four of Heartland’s customers were also chosen to have energy efficiency makeovers performed at their city facilities in 2010.

The city of Colman, SD replaced lighting in the community center and city hall with efficient T-8s. Outside incandescent lights were replaced with LEDs. New overhead doors consisting of exterior and interior steel skins filled by foamed-in-place polyurethane foam insulation replaced inefficient doors at the city shop. Total energy savings are estimated at 13,672 kWh per year.

In Tyndall, South Dakota, lighting, doors and a window were upgraded at the senior citizens center. The library also received new, efficient lighting and the city shop and finance office received added insulation. All improvements combined are expected to provide energy savings of 41,214 kWh per year.

In New Ulm, Minnesota, funds aided in a blower and aeration improvement project at the city’s wastewater treatment facility. Annual savings from the project are estimated at 1 million kWh.

A complete energy makeover of city hall in Lake Crystal, Minnesota included new ENERGY STAR windows, increased insulation, lighting upgrades, and installation of high efficiency heating and air conditioning systems. The city is expected to save 7,435 kWh annually.