4CORE Launches Home Prescription Program (HomeRx) and Home Energy Makeover Contest

Durango, CO – (May 16, 2012) – Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) is pleased to announce an innovative new program for La Plata County homeowners interested in saving energy and lowering their utility bills.

Building on the success of 4CORE’s existing weatherization assistance program for low income housing, the HomeRx program is a fee-based program for local homeowners who don’t qualify for weatherization assistance, but are interested in investing in home energy efficiency measures. HomeRx is an investment that pays for itself by saving homeowners money on rising utility bills and improving health, safety and quality of life for occupants.

In addition to saving money on utility bills, HomeRx works to address health and safety issues present in many local homes and buildings. Since 2008, 4CORE has weatherized 528 homes through the organization’s low-income assistance program. In doing so, 4CORE was able to identify and address health and safety risks found in over 80-percent of these homes.

4CORE will administer the fee-based HomeRx program by working with local contractors to identify areas for improvement based on individual needs, including air and gas leaks, furnace and appliance replacement, and other energy saving measures.

To help raise awareness of the new HomeRx program, 4CORE is hosting the HomeRx Energy Makeover Contest. La Plata County homeowners are eligible to compete for prizes, including the grand prize HomeRx Energy Makeover, valued at $1,500. One second prize winner will receive a whole house assessment valued at $600 and two additional winners win “walk through” assessments. Winning contestants will be selected at random and the grand prize winner will be chosen by a panel of judges based on the home’s annual utility bills, potential energy savings, and other factors. Visit the 4CORE website or Facebook page to register for the contest, deadline June 29, 2012.

In addition, HomeRx promotes local contractors and partners by creating job opportunities and ensuring the highest quality standards. HomeRx also links homeowners with financing options, including loans through local lending institutions, rebates and other incentives. “Our weatherization assistance program has been a tremendous success and we’ve noticed a great deal of interest in home upgrades from the community,” noted Gregg Dubit, Executive Director for 4CORE.

“This response led us to launch HomeRx for those who don’t meet the qualifications of the low income program, but who are still interested in the innumerable benefits of home energy improvements.” Dubit added.

4CORE would also like to thank its partners and supporters of the HomeRx program, including WeatherCo, ProBuild, Treehouse Communications, Annadel Building Solutions LLC, Energy Check LLC, Verified Green and 810 Pixels. 4CORE is actively seeking additional sponsors to enhance prize packages for the HomeRx Makeover. For additional information, please contact 4CORE at [email protected] or (970)259-1916.

About 4CORE
The Four Corners Office for Resource Efficiency (4CORE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing resource efficiency through coalition-building, implementing education and outreach, and providing resource efficiency services. As Southwest Colorado’s resource conservation hub, 4CORE inspires local communities to become resilient and maintain a high quality of life through energy and dollar savings. 4CORE benefits from the generosity of its partners: the Governor’s Energy Office, Empire Electric Association, La Plata County, Town of Ignacio, La Plata Electric Association, the City of Durango, the City of Cortez, the Town of Silverton, and many event sponsors. For more information or to donate to 4CORE, please visit our website at www.fourcore.org.