Hi friends and neighbors,
Fall is upon us, and as cooler weather settles in, many of us are thinking about how to stay warm and cozy this winter without having our utility bills skyrocket. The good news? There are simple, affordable – and even free – ways to make your home or business more comfortable while setting yourself up for bigger energy savings down the road.
Right now, home and business energy audits are free for all Atmos Energy customers and $100 or less for everyone else. These professional audits identify where your home or business is losing heat and wasting energy. Even better, they include direct installations of quick upgrades such as water heater blankets, LED lighting, weather-stripping and window sealing at no extra cost. If your home is more than 10 years old – whether you own or rent – an audit is the best first step to improving comfort and lowering bills. You can sign up for one at fourcore.org/energy-efficiency.
If you’re heating with propane, electric resistance or an older furnace, now is the time to start planning for an upgrade – before it dies, electrify! Through the end of 2025, generous federal tax credits can help reduce the cost of installing electric heat pumps, heat-pump water heaters, solar panels and battery storage systems. Electrifying your home – using efficient electric systems instead of propane or gas – can save money over time, improve indoor air quality and make your home safer and healthier. As our region’s electricity mix becomes cleaner, going electric also means doing your part to support local renewable energy and a more resilient community.
And there’s more good news ahead. Colorado’s new HEAR and HER programs are expected to launch at the end of 2025, offering even larger rebates for households earning up to 80% or 150% of the area median income and for manufactured or mobile homes. In La Plata County, a two-person household earning under about $141,000 or a four-person household earning under $176,000 would qualify for these new rebates. These programs will cover 50% to 100% of the cost for energy-efficiency upgrades such as heat pumps, induction ranges and even wiring and electrical panel upgrades – making clean, comfortable homes accessible to everyone.
Even renters can take advantage of today’s opportunities. Energy audits are available for rental units, and new portable heat pumps provide efficient heating and cooling that you can take with you when you move.
If you’re wondering where to start, I can help. As your regional energy coach for La Plata and Archuleta counties, I’ll work with you to understand your home, your concerns and your goals. Together, we can create a plan that fits your budget and makes saving energy simple and achievable for everyone in our community. Email me at erika@fourcore.org or call 259-1916.
Let’s make this winter a little warmer, healthier and more affordable – one home at a time.
Erika Brown is regional energy coach for 4CORE. Reach her at erika@fourcore.org or 259-1916, ext. 3.
