Energy audit finds ways to save on electric bills at governor’s home

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woodburnDE_1Energize Delaware, an initiative of the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility, recently completed a home energy audit and energy-saving analysis of the governor’s residence in Dover.

Conducted under the state’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program, the energy audit is available to all Delaware homeowners and provides an opportunity to learn about the energy performance of their homes.

Through June 30, 2016, Energize Delaware is offering higher rebates, up to $7,825, to Delaware residents who complete home energy audits and then secure a rebate reservation to make recommended upgrades.

An Energize Delaware energy advisor conducted a comprehensive audit of the Woodburn, and the guest house, known as the Hall House.

The energy advisor also identified the buildings’ annual energy consumption and baseline costs. Upon completion of the audit, the energy advisor provided a list of energy-saving recommendations to improve the estate’s overall efficiency and reduce annual costs.

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Woodburn, which has been the official home of Delaware’s governors and their families since 1966, has  approximately 5,200 square feet and contains more than 100 lighting fixtures. The audit revealed that installing energy-efficient light bulbs would save an estimated $625 annually.

Governors have typically lived elsewhere. However, Woodburn is used for various functions.

The Hall House, the audit revealed, has twice as much air leakage as the level recommended for healthy ventilation. “Air leakage, when hot or cold air escapes through windows, walls or doors, can be a huge contributor to major energy loss, especially in older homes,” said Kerry Hollenbeck, the energy advisor who performed the audits. “Proper air sealing measures would cut the leakage in half and could be incredibly cost effective for the Hall House, saving more than $300 a year.”

Other problem areas in the Hall House include exposed duct work, an inefficient hot water heater and outdated lighting. Hollenbeck estimates that addressing these issues could result in a 36% savings on annual energy costs, or about $1,350 a year.

Gov. Jack Markell said, “The Woodburn is an old home with an illustrious history. I was very impressed to learn that by making these upgrades, the estate could not only reduce overall energy consumption, but we could also save a significant amount of taxpayer money.”

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