When we talk about energy efficiency upgrades at home, saving money is often the primary motivator. And for good reason. Electricity prices have been rising faster than the cost of living since 2022, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration expects prices to continue to climb through 2026. At Garfield Clean Energy, we’ve helped more than 1,700 families cut their energy costs by 25%, which can equate to about $400 a year based on the Colorado average. Some Garfield County residents have saved up to $1,600 annually on their energy bills.

But there are other reasons for home energy upgrades worth considering: comfort and safety.

Americans spend an average of 14 hours a day at home. It’s where we rest, eat, get the kids ready for school, catch a game and make lifelong memories. Yet poor insulation, outdated windows, inefficient heating and lighting, and inadequate air purification can chip away at the comfort and security we seek from our household.

This summer has made that especially true. Nearby Lee and Elk RBX fires have brought ash to our front doors alongside smoke and fine particles that can slip through gaps and linger inside. Health effects from wildfire smoke like irritated eyes, coughing or even a reduction in lung function are not something you want to encounter at home. As wildfires become a more frequent part of daily life in Garfield County, protecting our health where we live has never been more important.

And if you’ve noticed how dusty it’s been, you’re not alone. January through June was the 7th driest start to the year on record in Garfield County. Unsealed windows, doors and openings around your home can let dust inside, making it harder to find relief from the dry conditions.

The good news is that this summer and fall, Garfield Clean Energy is making it easier and cheaper than ever to create a cozier, safer home while saving you money on your energy bills.

Here’s how it works. First, homeowners and renters sign up for a free energy assessment through Garfield Clean Energy. At the time of the assessment, the analyst will determine which energy-saving measures are appropriate for your home and install up to $500 worth of quick-fix improvements, at no charge. Upgrades might include LED bulbs (the average household can save $225 a year by using LED lighting), water heater blankets, water pipe insulation, weatherstripping, low-flow showerheads and programmable thermostats.

Now is an especially good time to implement energy saving measures. Despite it regularly reaching a blistering 90+ degrees lately, I dread the coldest days in January, when our poorly insulated windows send energy costs soaring, forcing us to turn down the thermostat and bundle up in too many layers just to try to stay comfortable. Through Garfield Clean Energy’s program, I can address our winter and high-temp summer discomfort at no cost. And if you can save money on your upgrades? That’s a no-brainer.

Normally these first two stages would cost upwards of $1,000. This is your chance to do it for free, and then save hundreds of dollars on your energy bill as well.

After upgrades are installed, an energy coach will talk with you about what other steps you can take to make your home efficient, including improved attic and basement insulation and heat pumps that can heat and cool your home.

Heat pumps can also help address the dangers of wildfire smoke. Every time a heat pump is running, the air handler circulates hot or cool air and filters out dangerous airborne particles, pet fur and dust. They don’t just make your home comfy and efficient; they also make your air easier to breathe. 

Some upgrades like heat pumps have a limited shelf-life for federal rebate funding (tax credits end on Dec. 31, 2025); however, energy coaches can help you access these and other local financial incentives and decide what’s best for your situation. 

By making smart energy choices, homeowners and renters can create spaces that are efficient, comfortable and ready for whatever the weather may be. While individually we have limited control of wildfires, heat waves, cold snaps or the cost of living, we can and should  influence the environment where we spend most of our time. Consider a free energy assessment from Garfield Clean Energy and take a simple step toward a more comfortable home.

Joy Hamilton is the communications manager for CLEER (Clean Energy Economy for the Region), the nonprofit that manages the programs of Garfield Clean Energy.