Don’t Lose it This Winter.
An Empowering Discussion on Home Energy Options.
Thursday, October 23rd, 7-8:30pm
Jewish Community Center
9 Rte. 39 S, Sherman, CT
People came out for an informative evening hosted by Hudson Valley Preservation (HVP) on home energy. The event was held Thursday, October 23, from 7-8:30 pm, at the Jewish Community Center in Sherman. It included several speakers who donated their time to illustrate ways to increase home energy efficiency. |
Over 60 people attended HVP’s event in Sherman, CT.
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Mason and Dave, HVP principals, opened up with an intro to building science. Home improvements can be a struggle when people are faced with getting the upper hand on situations beyond their expertise. It’s not too hard getting in over your head since building science has evolved over the years. New insights, coupled with energy issues, demand a fresh look at new and alternative solutions. Mason and Dave encouraged people to look at a house comprehensively- understanding how different elements impact one another- from siting to heating, to air circulation.
Kevin Trohalis, from Everest Heating and Air Conditioning, followed up with information on how today’s heating and cooling assessments are much more sophisticated in gauging the system size one needs to be energy efficient. High efficiency AC units and heat pumps can dramatically improve the performance of existing gas, oil and electric heating systems.
Ray Furse, Northwest CT Regional Manager and Partner, SolarWrights, Inc., admitted that solar heating is not for everyone. Access to good and sustained sunlight is a must-have. The good news is that Connecticut offers rebates on installation and credit for electric power not used by the home. The installation of solar powered hot water can be cost effective over a shorter term-which is important given how often people re-locate today. Solar panel construction has vastly improved over the years and now offers as much as a 25-year life cycle. It’s always recommended that roof mounted panels be installed on a reasonably new roof which will at least match the life of the panels.
Following refreshments, the group reconvened for a panel discussion, initiated by Jeffrey Jennings of Jennings Oil Company. Jennings has recently merged with Silk Oil of Sherman. Joe Keneally, Chairman of the Sherman Conservation Commission shared green programs offered by the town of Sherman.
An informal survey conducted that night indicated a lot of interest in having another discussion on energy efficiency. Tell us what you think! Do you have suggestions? Call 860-355-0906.
Click here to see what Mason Lord had to say in a pre-event News-Times article by Robert Miller.
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