To show off the energy renovations we've done this fall, we having a Warm Home Party with the Maine Green Energy Alliance.
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Belfast Business owner promotes Energy Efficiency Invites public to a “Warm Home” Open House on January 27th
Jim and Patti LeClair, owners of the Maine Coast Welcome Center in Belfast will open their business and adjacent residence to the public on Thursday, Jan 27th at 6pm to showcase recent energy efficient improvements made to their property.
“After reading about the savings available to homeowners in a brochure from the Maine Green Energy Alliance (MGEA), we had a professional energy audit performed,” explained homeowner Jim LeClair. “Our auditor performed a blower door test and confirmed many energy leaks. Moving forward, we were surprised how many choices we had to become more energy efficient,” he continued. “MGEA was a great resource for helping us understand the process.”
By working with local contractors trained in energy improvements, the LeClair’s were able to combine substantial energy savings with a renovation of a 1969 era apartment and were able to do a lot of the work themselves. “Now we want to show others in the area a real project,” added Patti LeClair; “How an existing residence can be improved without having to rebuild it. I’m amazed when my weather station tells me the wind is howling because we’re so cozy inside!”
During the Open House, a short slide show will present before and after photos detailing the project from start to finish and guests will be treated to coffee and dessert. Shelby Wright, Education and Outreach Coordinator for MGEA, will be on hand to talk with visitors about the Efficiency Maine Energy Savings Program, how to get started to becoming more efficient and the benefits of doing energy efficient upgrades to their properties. Individuals that schedule an audit at the event on the 27th will receive a $50 off coupon from MGEA for their own home energy assessment. “The average homeowner can save $1,000 a year on their energy bills by installing comprehensive home energy upgrades,” Wright explained. “The LeClair’s property is a prime example of how energy efficient improvements can help homeowners and businesses save money on their energy bills and improve the comfort and safety of their properties.”
The MGEA program, which offers education and outreach staff and dedicated homeowner service is a one stop shop for finding contractors, scheduling audits, and completing necessary paperwork; the project is funded by Efficiency Maine. They have been working closely with the Belfast Energy and Climate Committee and program participants like the LeClair’s to facilitate the energy upgrades of 200 area homes by Dec. 31, 2011.
The Maine Coast Welcome Center is located at 169 Searsport Ave. (Rte 1) in Belfast. The “Warm Home” Open House is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 27 from 6-8 pm. For more information call Jim LeClair at 207-930-3633 or email Jim@Maine-Coast-Welcome-Center.com or got to www.mainegreenenergyalliance.org.
