COSC Corner July 2011: New Statewide Workshop for Homeowners

New Statewide Energy Efficiency Workshop for Homeowners
By Carrie Boyle, COSC

Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC) brings the new series "Lessons in Home Maintenance: Getting More From Your Heating and Cooling System" to locations across Iowa, with the next workshop taking place in Council Bluffs on Thursday, July 28th. Targeting homeowners, the statewide workshop series is a concerted effort between COSC, Iowa Energy Center and Cenergy to advance Iowa's awareness of the significant energy loss occurring in homes due to heating and cooling system inefficiencies.

Given that almost half of all heating, cooling and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in U.S. homes never perform to their advertised capacity and efficiency due to incorrect installation, homeowners have an opportunity to save up to 30% in utility bills by attending COSC's "Lessons in Home Maintenance."

FREE to attend, thanks to funding from the Iowa Energy Center, residents and contractors are invited to join COSC's insightful sessions from 5:30pm to 8:00pm; specific dates and locations can be found at icosc.com. To register, contact Carrie Boyle at 515-707-2784 or Carrie@icosc.com or visit icosc.com.

COSC's "Lessons in Home Maintenance: Getting More From Your Heating and Cooling System" arms homeowners with greater understanding of how a properly functioning HVAC system can:

• Protect their investment by extending the life of their existing system
• Improve indoor air quality
• Lower energy bills up to 30%
• Provide their family with a more comfortable and healthy living environment

Attendees learn about the current state of the HVAC industry, the factors that affect the actual efficiency of HVAC systems, and how to interview and select a qualified HVAC professional.

Upcoming "Lessons in Home Maintenance" dates and locations include:

• July 28 – Council Bluffs
• Aug. 4 - Cedar Rapids
• Aug. 18 - Des Moines
• Sep. 8 - Cedar Falls
• Sep. 22 – Dubuque
• Oct. 6 – Spencer
• Oct. 20 – Davenport

This homeowner workshop series supports Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) HVAC System Adjustment and Verified Efficiency (SAVE) contractor trainings by taking place in the same cities. A listing of SAVE Certified Professionals is accessible online at icosc.com and www.mwalliance.org/programs/save/save-listing.