Highlighting the Benefits of 'Green Homes'

The Town of Islip continues to encourage residents to go green with its Green Homes Energy Program- and Kathleen Williams, the program coordinator, spoke to members of the Tuesday night on the benefits of the program and how homes can be improved to save energy.

'Green homes' includes a comprehensive home assessment, or an energy audit, from one of the towns accredited contractors. Homeowners can choose which contractor they wish to use from a list compiled by the Town. If the household income is lower than $200,000, the audit is free.

Williams said the assessment comes with a report that describes all recommended energy efficient, and safety upgrades along with all costs and estimated savings. 

“It’s a no-strings-attached assessment,” Williams said. “You can use the audit to make improvements yourself, or you can use one of our contractors and finance the repairs.”

If a homeowner does decide to finance through the Town, up to $13,000 can be obtained in a load from NYSERDA at an interest rate of 3.49 percent.

There are many household problems that cause high-energy costs. Older houses usually have a problem with air leakage, which cause drafts and also moisture problems like mold or peeled paint. Other common problems are inadequate insulation levels, inefficient heating or air conditioning and poorly vented appliances. 

With oil now reaching over $100 per barrel, fixing these common problems could save homeowners a lot of money. Houses will stay warmer in the winter months if air leaks are plugged and inefficient heating systems are replaced.

Williams said contractors inspect your oil burner and water boilers to make sure they are working properly as part of the free audit. She said many homeowners have no idea their systems are dangerously inadequate and system malfunctions sometimes cause death. 

“Carbon monoxide takes over and people are silently dying,” she said. “It’s very sad.” 

Islip is one of six townships on Long Island that have newly implemented energy saving programs. Since April, Williams said more than 800 households have applied to the program and more than 200 homes were successfully transformed into energy-saving residences.

Williams said more people have inquired about the program with the change of season, so her department has been steadily busy.

“All of a sudden we had some cold spots and people were trying to be more efficient in keeping their homes warm with lower costs,” she said.

To find out how energy-efficient your home is, contact Kathleen Williams at the Town of Islip Community Development Agency located on Main Street in Bay Shore.