Energy audits are being conducted in a target neighborhood near downtown Park Rapids as a first step toward becoming "green."
The Green Park Rapids group is working to "green" a target residential neighborhood near downtown Park Rapids, between Highway 34 to the north and Sixth Street to the south and Highway 71 to the east and Fair Avenue to the west.
Earlier this fall, members of the group began going door-to-door to conduct surveys, assess interest and determine the level of need at homes in the target neighborhood.
Those who were interested have started to receive energy audits for their homes to determine projects that could make the homes more energy efficient.
Maggie Stennes, an organizer with Green Park Rapids, said more than 20 households have already signed up for energy audits.
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Greg Ernst, with G.A. Ernst and Associates, was conducting energy audits in Park Rapids Thursday and Friday this week. Some of the energy audits were in the Green Park Rapids neighborhood.
When conducting an energy audit, Ernst first does a blower door test, which depressurizes the house to measure air leakage. The tool tells him how leaky the house is so he knows what size hole to be looking for, he said.
Air typically enters a home in the basement and is released through the attic. The first area to work on is closing up the attic holes, he said. Heat rises and if it can't escape, the house won't lose as much heat, he said.
An infrared camera is used to see where air is coming into and leaving the house. It measures radiant heat so Ernst is able to see where cold spots are throughout a house.
After an energy audit, Ernst tells the homeowner about projects that could be done to seal up leaks and save energy. Most projects are simple, such as adding insulation.
"Most of it can be done with a can of foam and a tube of caulk," Ernst said.
Jim Ertl, of Park Rapids, had an energy audit performed on Thursday. He does not live in the green target neighborhood but wanted to make sure his home was energy efficient.
"With fuel costs going up, we thought we could find a few things to make the house more comfortable," he said.
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After the audit, he decided to add some insulation and foam in certain areas of the home. He hopes to save about $200 a year in energy savings.
Other projects for homeowners in the green target neighborhood could include new energy-efficient windows, doors, insulation, water heaters or furnaces.
Having an electronic, digital thermostat is another easy way to save on energy costs, Ernst said. By having a timer automatically cool down the house when no one is home during the day or when people are sleeping at night, a person could save up to 25 percent on the energy bill, he estimated.
Stennes said residents in the target neighborhood are continuing to be surveyed. People can still sign up for energy audits if they are interested.
Then, Stennes said, follow-ups will be done with those who had energy audits. They will see what projects can be done and see if financing is available to help homeowner complete the projects.
Homeowners in the target neighborhood still interested in an energy audit should call Sharon Voyda, director of Park Rapids Housing and Redevelopment Authority, at 732-4158. Homeowners outside the target neighborhood who are interested in an energy audit should contact their power company.
As the "greening" of the target neighborhood continues, Green Park Rapids is working on a community-wide energy fair. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 28. The group hopes to have local organizations and businesses exhibit their natural, green products.
