Weatherizing initiative combats high energy bills

The weather right now is balmy, but with the arrival of Christmas, brisker temperatures are forecasted to return. While bundling up in scarves and coats is appropriate when venturing outside during the holiday season, no one wants to sit inside one’s home so attired. Yet many residents are compelled to do just that, even while their thermostats are turned up to what should be a comfortable temperature.

New Orleanians may love old houses full of history and character, but they do not enjoy the icy drafts that sneak in through windows, doors, and floor boards. Even many homes constructed more recently lose significant amounts of energy that could be conserved with weatherization improvements.

To combat just that problem, the City of New Orleans and nonprofit Global Green USA have teamed up to offer NOLA Wise, a new weatherization program for homeowners. NOLA Wise makes the retrofitting process as easy and accessible as possible. After completing an initial home examination to determine how much energy is being wasted, NOLA Wise will identify suggested improvements and assist homeowners in obtaining incentives and loans to make the recommended changes. In addition, they also provide certified contractors to do the improvements, and they monitor the work for quality every step along the way.

While now the concern is with cold temperatures, soon enough summer will return with blazing heat and high air conditioning costs. Weatherizing can make a home more comfortable and efficient year round, not just in winter, and the improvements will lead to savings on utility bills in both hot and cold months. Lower bills are not just good for homeowners; they are also good for the environment.

NOLA Wise is a partnership between the City of New Orleans, Global Green USA, the Southeast Energy Alliance, and the Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Program, and their services are available to all homeowners in Orleans Parish.

To learn more or sign up, homeowners can call 504-523-WISE (9473), email nolawise@globalgreen.org, or visit www.nolawise.org.