Income-qualifying households in Buncombe County are eligible for free energy-saving weatherization upgrades to their homes through the Energy Saver’s Network (ESN). The ESN sends volunteers to local homes to install many types of upgrades depending on the needs of the home. The work can take anywhere between one and three hours, and includes:
- weather stripping
- air register and duct sealant
- water pipe insulation
- low-flow water fixtures
- light bulb replacement
- custom interior storm windows
- repairing minor air leaks
- smoke alarm installation, and more.
In 2019, the ESN completed 200 projects, clocked 1,879 volunteer hours, and installed upgrades to homes resulting in 2,341 less tons of CO2 and over 108,000 total kWh savings per year for all of its clients. ESN’s goal is to provide upgrades to 200 homes per year.
ESN is a nonprofit organization founded on a dual mission: to help people and combat climate change. The organization envisions a sustainable future where communities are free from the worst impacts of fossil fuel history. If you want to know if you qualify, are looking to volunteer, or want more information, you can visit energysaversnetwork.org, send them a message on their Facebook/Instagram page, or call Hannah Egan at 828-585-4492.
The Energy Saver’s Network is made up from a partnership with Asheville’s Green Built Alliance, Sierra Club, Buncombe County Government, and the City of Asheville. This also includes partner organizations that help find people to serve or for volunteers, like the Blue Horizon Project, Mountain Housing Opportunities, and Eblen Charities. Make a phone call today to see if you quality for free upgrades to your home.
