DURANGO, Colo. - In an effort to further Colorado’s New Energy Economy, the Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) is administering distribution of insulation and weatherization rebates to homeowners in La Plata and Archuleta counties.

The Colorado state Governor’s Energy Office (GEO) recently awarded a $25,000 matching grant to 4CORE, making $50,000 available for distribution as the “Insulate and Seal” program. One-time, individual rebates will cover 20 percent of a homeowner’s Insulate and Seal project, or $300, whichever is less.

“The easiest thing we all can do to save money and help mitigate the demand for more power generation is to conserve, and with our homes that translates to sealing, insulating and adding weatherization,” said Aileen Tracy, 4CORE executive director. “Builders and architects refer to it as ‘sealing the envelope’ or making your home’s structure as energy efficient as possible.”

Residents in La Plata and Archuleta counties with existing, primary homes are encouraged to upgrade attic or exterior wall insulation and/or complete air sealing upgrades. Work must be completed by a GEO-trained and approved contractor (a list of which is available on the 4CORE web site, www.fourcore.org). Do-it-yourself upgrade projects are not eligible. Copies of all contractor invoices and official insulation cards must be submitted with the application.

“The GEO’s specifications do not require insulation up-grade or air-sealing in all areas of the home,” explained Tracy, noting that complete home weatherization would, however, be optimal. “Home renovations take time. We’re hoping with this rebate program we can encourage our neighbors to begin the effort.”

Tracy also reminded that 4CORE reserves the right to inspect the rebated project after installation. If the residence does not have qualifying material or work installed, the homeowner may be required to refund the rebate and the contractor will be deemed ineligible to offer rebates to future customers.

Applications for the Insulate and Seal rebate are available for download at www.fourcore.org, or call 970.799.7718 with questions or to receive an application via the mail. Completed forms are to be mailed to 4CORE Insulate and Seal Program, 10 Town Plaza, #190, Durango, Colo. 81301. Rebates will be distributed on a first come, first served basis.

The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency promotes resource conservation, energy efficiency and the use of clean, renewable sources of energy to reduce energy consumption, decrease the emission of pollutants, lower utility costs and strengthen the economy. For further information, visit www.fourcore.org.

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