Energize Missouri Homes

Energize Missouri Homes
The Energize Missouri Homes Tour, an initiative sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy to showcase cost-saving, energy-efficiency trends and technologies completed its tour across Missouri.
The tour stopped in St. Joseph, Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Independence, St. Louis, Fort Leonard Wood, Springfield, Columbia, Kirksville, Poplar Bluff, Cape Girardeau and Rolla.
“I think that the tour is very innovative. I have never seen anything like this before and I travel a lot, said Robert Buivid of Chicago. I learned a lot by using the infrared camera. There are so many things that I can do that will help me save money at my home.”
More than ten thousand adults and children visited the exhibit to view the custom-designed vehicle. A licensed energy auditor was on-site to give energy demonstrations, answer questions and offer cost-saving tips for cutting utility bills. There were giveaways and coupons available for items that make homes more energy efficient, as well as games and activities for children.
Visual exhibits included the house of pressure which is made of clear plastic and allows consumers to see exactly how a home works behind the scenes.
The Energize Missouri vehicle was equipped with a handheld thermal imaging camera. The camera allowed participants to see common air leaks and learn how to maximize energy savings in their own homes. The camera was linked to an on-board LCD Screen so others around the exhibit could see the live image produced by the thermal camera.
Participants took the Did You Know quiz that discusses common areas of energy loss in the home and solutions, as well as an Energy IQ test.
The Energize Missouri program is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Recovery Act. The Division of Energy is administering more than $200 million in Recovery Act funding to support Energize Missouri projects to create jobs and improve energy efficiency and renewable energy for Missouri. The department is committed to working closely with businesses, agricultural entities, industries and communities to assist with funding efforts that support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects and provide financial savings.
Home Energy Audits:
- The Missouri Personal Income Tax Deduction for Home Energy Audits allows homeowners who purchase a home energy audit from a DNR certified auditor to deduct 100 percent of the costs incurred for the audit and the implementation of any energy efficiency recommendations made by the auditor. The maximum yearly subtraction may not exceed $1,000, for a single taxpayer or a married couple filing a combined return. For all years in which you incur expenses, the maximum total subtraction you may claim is $2,000. http://dnr.mo.gov/energy/residential/homeenergyaudits.htm
- Visit DSIREUSA.org for a complete listing of state and federal funding for energy efficiency upgrades.