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Monday, March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024

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Energy Adviser: Getting the most out of gas-heated homes

The Columbian
Published:

My home is heated with natural gas and I’d like to save some energy. Are there any programs available?

NW Natural is now offering several incentive programs for its Washington customers that may help.

NW Natural kicked off the programs, which are being delivered by Energy Trust of Oregon, last fall. “The quickest and most effective way to deliver these programs was to use Energy Trust, which manages our programs in Oregon,” said Bill Edmonds, NW Natural’s director of environmental policy and sustainability in Portland.

Customers in homes with gas heat can choose from several ways to participate.

“They may want to start with a free one-hour review of their house by a specialist, who will identify where they can save energy,” said Lizzie Rubado, Energy Trust spokesperson. “They’ll get a detailed customized action plan and easy access to our trade ally network of professionals.”

Rubado said so far reviews are finding primarily insufficient insulation, outdated or poorly maintained heating and cooling equipment, and an opportunity for air sealing. “Many homes can waste up to 60 percent of the energy used, so the primary solutions we’re recommending are weatherization measures.”

For a fee, customers can have a more comprehensive three- to four-hour house assessment that includes a blower door test to pinpoint air leaks.

Incentives available

Energy Trust is offering cash incentives for several energy-efficiency home improvements, including house sealing, duct testing and sealing and insulation. Incentives are also available for energy-efficient windows when they are installed along with another energy-saving improvement.

In addition, customers can get an incentive to install a high-efficiency furnace, tank or tankless water heater or direct vent gas fireplace. Some of these products also qualify for a federal tax credit.

Potential for savings

There are 60,000 NW Natural customers in Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties. The potential energy savings for 2010 is between 97,000 and 130,000 therms, which is the amount of natural gas needed to heat about 190 homes, Edmonds said.

NW Natural customers in Clark County can visit http://energytrust.org/nwnwa/ for more information and a list of trade allies. Or call the toll-free information line at 866-368-7878.

“We excited that our Washington customers now have access to more ways to save energy,” Edmonds said. “Being able to expand our offerings in Southwest Washington helps us build a stronger sustainable energy future for the entire region.”

Clark Public Utilities Larry Blaufus, senior manager, energy technologies and services, added that these programs will help our customers who heat their homes with natural gas save energy.

“We’ll be working with the gas company when we can, such as offering compact fluorescent light bulbs during visits to gas heated homes,” he said.

Customers with electric heat should contact Clark Public Utilities for energy-saving incentives and tips.

The Energy Adviser is written by members of the energy counselor team of Clark Public Utilities, who provide conservation and energy use information to utility customers. Send questions to energyadviser@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA. 98668. A panel of local energy efficiency and energy product specialists will review your questions. Previous topics are available at www.clarkpublicutilities.com.

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