Heating help for homeowners

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - 22News shows local homeowners Ways to Save on their energy costs.

Home heating and water heating systems were the focus in Greenfield Tuesday night.

An estimated 70 people attended a workshop hosted by The Greening Greenfield Energy Committee.

Experts were on hand to outline ways to make the most of your existing heating systems, or finding the most efficient new equipment for your home.

Independent heating consultant Marc Kaufmann said; "if you have an existing system, and you can zone it, meaning that if you have more than one thermostat, so that you don't heat the entire house, that's one way." He added, "What they can do with existing heating systems, to make them better, because not everyone is going to go out and buy a brand new heating system today, and if they have something that's 10 to 15 years old or even older, the things they can do to save money, actually a decent amount of money."

Candace Stoumen traveled to Greenfield from Guilford, Vermont, where she lives in a 900 square foot house that cost her $2500 to heat last year. "I wanna see how I can install some solar panels to my house... and maybe do some solar hot water heat and reduce my oil bills."

People attending the free workshop learned about energy audits, and utility rebates paying up to two thousand dollars of the cost of making your home more energy efficient.

The experts offered advice on determining the right contractor for specific home improvement projects.

For more information go to GreeningGreenfield.org