Home Energy - Next Steps - Pros/Cons

Home Energy - Next Steps - Pros/Cons

Like many parents, Kathleen worries about losing her home and what it would mean for her children. Kathleen’s neighbors share the same concerns.  Where will they live?  What will they eat?  How can they make a new life while facing an uncertain future? These friends gather frequently, and often talk about climate change.

Kathleen and her friends are our neighbors, sharing the Catholic faith, the Earth, and the atmosphere. They’re losing their homes because of too much greenhouse gas (GHG) in the atmosphere. These neighbors live 8000 miles from Ann Arbor on the Carteret Islands of the South Pacific. Their homes are only a few feet above sea level. Ocean levels are rising because the Earth’s temperature is rising. Salty ocean water contaminates drinking water and kills crops as it washes across the island.  Some of the excess GHG is mine, some is yours.  We released it into the atmosphere.  It wasn’t a malicious or deliberate act.  We can, however choose to do something about tomorrow’s GHG.    

Last June, Meadowlark conducted an energy audit at our home, and we acted on recommendations for air sealing and insulation.  August warmth immediately demonstrated the value of these additions, keeping our upstairs noticeably cooler. Moving from cooling to heating season made the improvements less obvious. Nearby friends made the same improvements and had similar observations, saying they weren’t sure the investment had been worth the effort.

Climate change is both subtle and formidable; data often reveals detail not readily apparent to our senses. Curiosity led me to read my utility meters and collect daily outside temperature information. Knowing the data would provide an answer on the insulation’s value, I compared last winter to this winter. The results were gratifying.

As of February 14, we’ve used 11% less natural gas to heat our home than last winter. Adjusting for this winter’s colder temperatures, the reduction reaches 18%. The improvement isn’t obvious because the thermostat remains set at 66 degrees, just like last winter. Our furnace, however, doesn’t have to operate as often because we sealed air leaks and added insulation!

The 18% improvement means we’ve reduced GHG emissions to the atmosphere by 1,111 pounds. That’s good news for Kathleen in the Carteret Islands and everyone around the globe! Secondly, using less gas for my home’s heating reduced energy costs by $80 this year.

Habitat for Humanity is keenly aware of the benefits associated with energy efficiency. They strive to achieve Energy Star ratings for the homes they build or remodel. Their concern with saving energy emphasizes its importance to everyone on Earth. Equally concerned are the dozens of St. Francis parishioners (including Fr. Jim!) who have requested energy audits for their homes.

The Better Buildings for Michigan program remains available to parishioners until March 31.  Request a $50 energy audit from any of our 4 approved local contractors, Chelsea Lumber (734-475-9126), Ms. Green Construction (877-466-7473), Meadowlark Energy (877-652-7578) and Pro Energy (734-827-1003), and please act on the recommendations! 

As the Body of Christ, we serve one another by caring for all our neighbors, regardless of the distance to their home.  We share one warming planet.  Energy efficient solutions in your home serve neighbors worldwide.    Continue using the sack and activities calendar for our LENTEN PROGRAM  Sustain a House … Help a community.   Visit: StFrancisA2.com/lent

Our Lenten Activities Calendar 2013  

Our PRAYERS of the Faithful Petitions During Masses 2013

Our ARTICLES, all tie into Habitat for Humanity's sustainable practices.