Local couple give energy savings a boost
By Boundary Sentinel
Tracy Worrall and Garey Dennis decided to jumpstart their savings this winter by taking part in the Kootenay Energy Diet – a program that was initiated last summer.
They signed up for the affordable program through FortisBC and a certified energy auditor came to evaluate their home, which was built in 1966.
“We pretty much need everything done,” said Tracy Worrall.
The long list included replacing the insulation in the walls, ceiling and basement as well as getting new windows and doors. It was also recommended that they upgrade their heating system and house siding.
The first thing they worked on was the insulation and they were able to get it finished before the cold weather arrived. Some of the insulation could be blown in, but other sections needed to be replaced with six-inch insulation. That job was more involved because the drywall needed to be removed and replaced. However, the family was immediately rewarded for their efforts, especially in the rooms that only needed an insulation upgrade.
“We can already tell the bedrooms are warmer,” said Worrall.
One of the problems Dennis and Worrall faced was delays in getting materials and labour. Grand Forks doesn’t have a surplus of trade workers for this type of job so they faced delays getting materials installed. This was often after waiting for energy saving doors and windows to be delivered.
Even after the delays, they weren’t disenchanted because they knew the savings would be worth it in a long run.
Some of the items on the list are going to be postponed as they gather funds to finish them. Although they are aware that the Grand Forks Credit Union is willing to provide low-interest loans to program particpants, they hadn’t applied at the time of the interview.
Additional funding will be needed to upgrade the furnace from a forced air system to a ductless air source heat pump system. They are also going to wait to upgrade their home’s siding.
“We know what we have to do,” said Worrall. “We just need to do it.”
Read this article and this article to follow city councillor Gary Smith’s assessment progress.
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