Two homeowners, Ruth and Robert Michels, wanted to share their experience with the Red Door Challenge.
The first step was a comprehensive home energy analysis to pinpoint areas in the house where energy leaked out. Based on that, a team of local energy service providers recommended home improvements, and even helped finance the project.
The improvements helped the Michels save 32% on their energy bills. The house emits 41% less Carbon Dioxide and 37% less Nitrogen Oxides. With fewer emissions, the Michels family has a cleaner, healthier environment to call home.
Ruth and Robert’s house was plagued with leaky doors and uninsulated walls that drove energy prices up but left the house freezing cold. The couple had already replaced most of the windows in the home and added foam insulation to the exterior walls, but their energy bills were still high, and the home was still uncomfortable. “You shouldn’t have to wear furry slippers 24/7 in your home, but the floors are just so cold,” Ruth said.
On Saturday, February 26, 2011, students from the Denver Center for International Studies High School, George Washington High School and the University of Colorado partnered with Fulbright Scholars from all around the globe to conduct outreach in the Baker Neighborhood of Denver. [
High school students traveled the East Side on Saturday, switching out porch lights and educating residents about energy efficiency.
