A home improvement package is targeting heating and cooling costs at Loma Del Norte Apartments, and low-income renters at the Anthony, New Mexico, complex could see lower bills.
Here's what to know
Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation and Housing New Mexico celebrated the upgrades on Oct. 29 for Weatherization Day, according to Organ Mountain News.
Through the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program, the project combined roof and ceiling repairs with installing solar panels and a heat pump.
"The goal is to reduce the heating and cooling burden by at least 30% for low-income residents," said Veronika Molina, executive director of Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation.
For homeowners, going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy, and solar leases in particular can deliver hundreds of dollars in monthly savings without upfront costs. Homeowners can use EasyHome's free explorer tool to see their potential savings from vetted installers in their area.
More background
Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation facilitated the improvements. Its work includes providing affordable homes and community support for New Mexicans with low or moderate incomes.
"Through weatherization measures, HVAC upgrades and solar panel installations, the residents of Loma Del Norte will be able to reduce heat loss in the winter and reduce heat gain in the summer months," Molina said, according to Organ Mountain News.
The organization's first funding from the state's Energy$mart weatherization program dates to 2012.
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What's being done?
NM Energy$mart aims to lower energy use and utility bills and provide safer, more comfortable homes for low-income households. Nonprofit service providers carry out the statewide program under Housing New Mexico's oversight.
"Thanks to partners like Southwestern Regional Housing and Community Development Corporation, we can help many New Mexicans lower their energy costs and improve their health through the NM Energy$mart Weatherization Program," Housing New Mexico chief housing officer Donna Maestas-De Vries said, according to Organ Mountain News.
For homeowners exploring their own energy upgrades, EasyHome can also help them explore options for backup battery storage. Pairing solar with a battery allows homeowners to maximize savings and power their home with solar when the grid goes down.
Where can I learn more?
Beyond Loma Del Norte, homeowners are weighing solar panels and heating and cooling upgrades to save on energy bills.
• A New Mexico homeowner heard a mini-split could run for $0.25 hourly.
• A Texas homeowner says solar and HVAC upgrades cut utility bills to $0.
• In New Hampshire, replacing window air conditioners with heat pumps can save hundreds annually.
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