Tracking Energy Use on Weatherized Homes

As an intern for 4CORE I’ve been given an important task. It is called the Energy Tracking Project. The Energy Tracking Project is a comprehensive look at energy usage on previously weatherized homes in five counties in southwest Colorado. This study will research homes before and after weatherization to find actual energy savings. Why is this important? 4CORE’s mission is to advance resource efficiency and it’s important to follow through with that message by documenting the actual energy savings from weatherization.

As of now, 4CORE has weatherized over 374 homes. Now that these homes are weatherized, technically they should be energy efficient. But being energy efficient also involves making energy conscious choices. A person can have a completely weatherized home but could keep the lights on all day and night. Ultimately even with weatherization, it’s up to the tenants to be the energy savers.

That is why 4CORE's weatherization team provides education to clients about wise energy use. The data from the Energy Tracking Project will result in information about how these education efforts are going and will also make weatherized homeowners aware of their energy consumption so they can decrease energy use and save money.

Saving money is important for the clients that 4CORE serves. 4CORE’s services are intended for low-income households. With the Energy Tracking Project, 4CORE expects to see that weatherization has saved clients’ money through energy savings.

This type of service reminds me of the meaning of community - individuals looking out for one another.Without this service, I often wonder what would be the result of these families and individuals, and the community as a whole.

I understand the difficulties it can be for families and individuals who are overwhelmed with financial difficulties. I am from the Navajo reservation and there are many low-income households. So when I first heard of 4CORE and the work they do for the community I was truly amazed and impressed.

Working as an intern for 4CORE I hope to bring this knowledge of saving money through wise energy use and weatherization back home. And hopefully I can help make communities stronger and more energy efficient.

About the Author

Crystal Kelly is from Leupp, Arizona, a small town on the Navajo reservation. She has lived in Durango for about three years. The beautiful landscape and generous people attracted her here from Albuquerque, NM. She recently graduated from Fort Lewis College with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies. In her spare time Crystal likes to watch movies, read, hike, and go for walks. Crystal also enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, traveling, visiting national parks, and learning new things.