What Nicole and Zanetha found …

During the “comb the home” sequence, Nicole and Zanetha found an outdated oil furnace, not serviced since 2007; an old washer and dryer; wall-to-wall carpeting; some single-pane windows; and found out first hand how cold the house is in winter.

Do any of these apply in your house or apartment? If so, consider joining the Jones family in their mission to makeover their home.

Are you ready for a home interior and energy make-over?

Outdated furnace, cold house: If you have a house that’s cold and drafty like the Joneses century-old home, your first step to a more comfortable and efficient home should be to call in a certified energy auditor. Nicole and Zanetha called in Bruce Minturn, an energy auditor from Vesta Home Performance. Like all BPI-certified energy auditors, Bruce was well qualified to examine the home from top to bottom and determine the most effective strategies to make the home operate more energy-efficiently, safely and comfortably. Bruce used a blower door to determine the leakiness of the house, a thermal camera to see where insulation was missing from the walls, and saw that there was no insulation in the attic.

Based on what the Matisse twins observed and what Bruce found, the ladies advised the family to invest in home insulation, taking advantage of federal tax rebates; advised that they replace their furnace, fix air leaks, and replace their washer and dryer with Energy Star counterparts.

Washer and dryer: The Matisse Twins recommended an upgrade to the outdated unit in the Jones family’s basement. Though purchasing a new, Energy Star front-loading washer and dryer is a big investment, it’s an investment that will pay off over time in utility bill savings.

Carpeting: The twins recommended that Shannon and Ben get rid of the wall-to-wall carpeting in their home because it so readily traps dust and dirt, decreasing indoor air quality and likely aggravating their son’s asthma. Having either hardwood, concrete, or marmoleum floors are just a few of the healthier options for the family.

Programmable thermostat: To get the Jones family started on the road to energy efficiency, the twins gave them a programmable digital thermostat that allowed them to keep their home at a comfortable temperature when they’re home, and have it automatically turn down when they’re asleep or away from the home.