Sandra sees increased savings, comfort after weatherization efforts.
Sandra McIntosh previously worked for Cornell Cooperative Extension, when a colleague from Sullivan County recommended Sandra to check out weatherization and other energy efficiency programs through NYSERDA. Sandra had already been facing challenges in her home regarding her energy use, so the programs could stand to benefit her.
“Definitely air leaks, definitely in the attic and round the doors, a chill that came through the doors and windows,” Sandra described her issues before looking into the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub. “And we have a lot of windows.”
Sandra followed her colleague’s advice, conducted some of her own research, and reached out to Mid-Hudson Energy Choices.
Through talks with a Community Energy Advisor and a home energy assessment, Sandra learned that poor insulation was largely to blame for her often-cold home and high energy bills. So, she pursued weatherization options, allowing her to seal gaps where heat was escaping.
“Anything to reduce the cost of my energy bill, my heating bill,” Sandra explained. “They even looked at, I mean everything — the boiler, the furnace, air coming in, what they should do. They insulated the attic, because I didn't realize how much air comes through the attic. The garage, above the ceiling, they did that as well.”
Sandra said that since getting these improvements done by weatherization professionals, her home comfort has increased substantially, and she’s seen a significant decrease in her energy costs.
Sandra praised Mid-Hudson Energy Choices for its help throughout her process.
“I think it was a very good service,” she said. “And I think that they did walk me through the entire process, what I should do, what is being done and how it benefits me, and I've seen a huge difference.”
The weatherization services Sandra received have been such a big help that she recommends other residents with heating-related challenges seek out weatherization options as well.
If you’re interested in weatherization services for your own home, reach out to a Community Energy Advisor for more information.
“Featured quote: “I think it was a very good service. … They did walk me through the entire process, what I should do, what is being done and how it benefits me, and I’ve seen a huge difference.””
Helping a Dutchess County Resident Access EmPower+
When I first met Carolyn, she wanted to learn more about the energy-saving programs available to homeowners and how they could help make her home more comfortable and energy efficient. We connected after the meeting, and I was pleased to help her explore her options and guide her through the application process every step of the way.
Like many residents, Carolyn faced a few challenges along the way. At one point, she was having trouble uploading required documents. As Carolyn shared, "When I was frustrated about not being able to upload documents, she even met me at the public library so that everything could be submitted on a timely basis."
Sometimes a little extra support can make all the difference. My goal is to help residents understand their options and navigate the process with confidence.
After several months of follow-up and communication, Carolyn was approved for Tier 1 EmPower+ services, allowing her to move forward with important energy efficiency improvements for her home.
Reflecting on her experience, Carolyn said, "Rocio's professionalism is surpassed only by her humanity, empathy, and kindness," and noted that my follow-up skills helped keep her informed throughout the process.
As an Energy Advisor, stories like Carolyn's remind me why this work matters. Every resident deserves access to programs that can make their homes more comfortable, safer, and more affordable. It was a pleasure helping Carolyn through the process, and I am excited to see the positive impact these improvements will have in her home.
New insulation was installed in Carolyn's attic, helping improve her home's energy efficiency.
““Her follow-up skills are exceptional, especially since the process took some time to come to fruition. I was accepted at Tier 1, which meant critical progress could be made in improving my home’s energy efficiency. Rocio’s knowledge of the program is exceptional. I would not hesitate to recommend her services and your organization to anyone.”
”