Sandra McIntosh

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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.”

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 to learn more about her options.

“My main concern was just being more energy efficient,” she said.

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.

“You would be surprised where your air leaks are — standard windows, doors, attic, front door — how [air-sealing] really benefits you and it's a cost saving measure,” she said.

Mid-Hudson Energy Choices also informed Sandra of a program she qualifies for to save her even more on her energy bills — Solar for All. She said she’s looking forward to the savings the program is expected to bring her.

“That hasn’t kicked in yet, but that's something that we're still waiting for,” she said. “But that will be a game-changer in the cost of heating your home. ... I'm pretty sure when that kicks in, it'd be very helpful.”

If you’re interested in weatherization services for your own home, reach out to a Community Energy Advisor for more information.