Home energy makeover contests – who are the winners and losers in motivating existing homeowners to make “whole house” energy saving improvements

Panel: 3. Local action and national examples

This is a peer-reviewed paper.

Authors:
Edward Thomas, UtilityExchange.org, USA
Tiger Adolf, Building Performance Institute, USA

Abstract

Learn the results of Home Energy Makeover Contests, modeled after reality television shows, conducted in over 20 cities and states in the United States. The contests take 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. This presentation will reveal how the contests:

• Expand consumer, community leader and media awareness of utility home energy efficiency programs.

• Demonstrate "real energy savings" and the benefits of building science based assessment and testing, quality installation and a comprehensive whole house approach to home efficiency upgrades.

• Showcase the benefits of home energy efficiency as seen through the eyes of a homeowner.

• Generate qualified leads for trade allies participating in utility or community wide programs and jump-start consumer program participation.

• Provide a model for collaboration between the program sponsor, contractors and equipment manufacturers and distributors.