IS THE ENERGY IN YOUR HOME GOING “THROUGH THE ROOF”?
Are You Wondering What You Can Do?
· To reduce cold, hot, or drafty spaces in your home?
· To save money on energy bills?
· To take significant and necessary steps to combat climate change?
Join with Fellow UUCC members in a “A cooperative project of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Cleveland and the Shaker Heights Sustainability Committee’s Energy Subcommittee”.
We are encouraging folks to get energy audits and see if the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) can help with the Costs. This is also one way we can personally address Climate Change.
Please Join in this UUCC congregation-wide effort to reduce our use of fossil fuels.
later in this post you will find links and information to help with this energy saving challenge. We want to know what you are doing to save energy and at the same time make your homes more comfortable.
See the Poster of the house in Fellowship Hall and Indicate with the notes provided at the “Through the Roof” graphic to share with the congregation what you have done and/or what you will commit to do to save energy in your home and help fight climate change.
The City of Shaker Heights is encouraging us to challenge other congregations to join us in a friendly competition. Each participating congregation will select as a goal the number of members they think will take action. We’ll meet around Earth Day to celebrate our reduction of fossil fuel use for the bigger goal of 40% by 2030.
UUCC has a goal of 20 households that will take action and commit to reducing their use of fossil fuels. and reduce. Will you help us meet that goal!!
Check out the Shaker Heights Home Energy Efficiency Program for more information
Thank You
Ministry for Earth Climate Urgency committee
Please let us know if you want to join our team Read More
This effort is part of the McKimm-funded Energy Efficiency Project to make our UUCC building and our homes align with our earth- and justice-oriented UU principles.
Definitions, Steps and Resources
What is the IRA?
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 is the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history, offering funding, programs and incentives to accelerate our urgent transition to a clean energy economy. It is intended to drive significant deployment of new clean electricity resources in all our homes and businesses. The IRA offers funding to “Tighten the envelope” of your house so that you USE less energy. Then put in an energy-efficient electrical heating and cooling system appropriate to the smaller amount of energy you use.
- The first Step is to get a Home Energy Audit:
There are significant Tax Credits and rebates to help pay for upgrades. An audit will help you pinpoint areas for improvement and let you understand the costs and benefits. Through Feb. 27, 2024, Dominion Energy Ohio in-home energy audits will be available for $25 at deo.clearresult.com. - . Choose a certified contractor
Use the audit to determine with the contractor the highest priorities within your budget, taking advantage of rebates and tax credits. This may include sealing leaks, insulation (often lacking in attics of older area homes), and addressing items affecting indoor air quality. - Complete the work and explore what’s next.
Once your home is adequately and safely air tight, you’re ready to consider the optimal size and cost-benefits of other tax-assisted electrical upgrades such as heating and cooling, appliances, or solar panels.
Examples of what you can do:
· Get a home energy audit
· Check to see that your house is well insulated
· Replace or repair leaky windows
· Replace gas stove with electric or induction cooktop
· Replace gas dryer with electric or clothesline
· Replace gas water heater with electric
· Replace gas furnace with heat pump heating/cooling
· Install geothermal heating/cooling
· Install solar panels on the roof
· Speak to your landlord about such changes, if you don’t own your home
· Buy a hybrid car
· Buy a fully electric car
· Investigate IRA funds to help pay for these actions
· Talk to family and friends about: – The Inflation Reduction Act and – Our role in CO2 drawdown
Resources:
Dominion energy approved contractor list