Homeowners demonstrate that energy efficiency pays.

Rebecca Blum-Mulholland called her dad before submitting her entry to Midwest Energy Cooperative’s “Turned On to Energy Efficiency” contest. She believed that her home was a picture of energy efficiency, but didn’t want to submit an application that was out-of-line and wanted a point of comparison in terms of usage and bills.

Her instinct was right.

Rebecca won $500 and bragging rights as Midwest Energy’s most energy efficient homeowner. Her all-electric log home, tucked deep within 10 acres of woods off a quiet road in Three Rivers, is a model of efficiency that is both practical and affordable for the average homeowner.

uilt in 2004, the house is 2,075 square feet of well-planned efficiency, averaging only 1,069 kilowatt hours (kwh) per month. “I did a lot of research before we got to the building stage,” Rebecca admits. “Throughout the designing and building of my home, energy efficiency was the top priority.”

The open concept home includes a basement, main level, and a loft, and provides a comfortable haven for the family of five.

In planning her home, Rebecca recognized the financial benefits of building efficiently and was willing to pay more up front for ultimate savings in energy bills. ENERGY STAR appliances, windows and building materials are used throughout the home, and strategically placed windows take advantage of the winter sun and natural summer breezes. A geothermal heat pump helps ensure that her family stays comfortable while maximizing efficiency.

“We keep the heat set at about 67 degrees in the winter,” Rebecca says. A wood burning fireplace insert, incorporated into the living room’s décor, keeps the main rooms of the home comfortable.
The heat pump is on Midwest Energy’s load management program, which allows the cooperative to control it during times of peak load — yet another way this family is helping to make a difference.

“We’ve never had to use the central air conditioner,” she adds. “The woods provide so much shade. Between that and the great cross-breezes that we get with the windows open, it stays very comfortable.”

Rebecca also incorporated compact fluorescent lights throughout the house as another measure of efficiency.

“Becky is very aware of everything,” Dave says. “She really thought this whole process through, down to every light.” Rebecca was a single parent when planning and designing the house, and Dave has since married into her efficient home and lifestyle.

“I’m sure I’ve done some things that have irked her, like putting another light in the bathroom so that I can actually see to shave,” he laughs. “That added two more light bulbs!”

But the family’s commitment to efficiency extends beyond structural issues. “We really work with the kids to incorporate conservation into our daily lives,” Rebecca says.

Daughters Amanda and Beth are quick to rattle off key points, including not standing in front of an open refrigerator, and turning off the computer and lights as you leave the room. The family also practices recycling.

“If we conserve energy, it’s more earth friendly,” Amanda explains. “We can help to put resources back into the earth.”

“In reviewing all of our applications for this contest, we looked not only at the technology that was incorporated as part of the plan, but also at a commitment to an efficient lifestyle,” explains Anne Martin, on behalf of the contest judges. “Rebecca has a well-executed, balanced and practical approach to efficiency, and her efforts are clearly making a difference as reflected in her energy usage.” Martin is the business development and energy resources specialist for Midwest Energy Cooperative.

Efficiency Champions
With 46 entries, the judges had their hands full in evaluating applications and choosing winners. “We had a lot of very good entries,” Martin says. “It’s encouraging to see such creative and thorough efforts at conservation and efficiency.”

The judges named two runners-up as efficiency champions, awarding each a $250 prize for their efforts.

Fetters Family
Douglas Fetters of Edwardsburg has gone to great lengths to incorporate efficient technology into his home. The home was built using a highly efficient “thermal envelope,” or “house within a house” design, offering super-insulated walls and ceilings. This design is coupled with other energy savers, including solar heating, efficient windows and lighting, a high-efficiency woodburning catalytic stove with propane backup, and a heat-capturing system for the clothes dryer. Fetters also tightened the house by sealing and insulating the ductwork, and insulating the plumbing.

The extremely high-efficiency air conditioning actually utilizes two systems: a “cool tube” design and a water source air handler that also provides water for the yard and garden during dry spells.
The Fetters family also incorporates positive habits into their conservation efforts, including turning off lights and appliances when not in use, and using a setback thermostat at night.

Maxam Family
The Maxam Family of Schoolcraft also won honors for their efforts. The family of six lives in a 2,400-square-foot, all-electric home that uses just over 1,400 kwh per month on average. Just last year, they installed an open loop geothermal heat pump which, along with their water heater, operates under the co-op’s load management system. They also planted a windbreak shortly after their home was constructed. Ten years later, the mature windbreak is yielding great energy savings.

Lifestyle is also key in this family’s efficiency efforts. They have replaced all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs and turn off lights and appliances when not in use. As weather permits, they line dry their clothes, and keep the thermostat at 68 degrees in the winter and 76 degrees in the summer.

“All of our dishes are washed by a rare brand of dishwasher called ‘Mom,’” Brian Maxam wrote in the application. “This particular brand does an excellent job and doesn’t cost much to maintain.”
On a more serious note, Brian explained that his family takes efficiency very seriously. “As homeowners and conscientious inhabitants of our planet earth, it is essential for us to learn to conserve our resources. Being energy efficient is one vital component of conservation and a great place to begin!”

Our Judges
Three energy professionals comprised the panel of judges for the “Turned On” contest.
Rex Ambs is a heating and cooling contractor and owner of GeoFurnace, a Traverse City-based company committed to incorporating energy efficiency technology into the design and implementation of residential heating and cooling systems.

Laura Matney is the residential energy advisor for Wabash Valley Power Association and its 28 member cooperatives. Laura completed the Touchstone Energy Residential Energy Auditing Class and is working on a building analyst certification through the Building Performance Institute.

Anne Martin is Midwest Energy Cooperative’s business development and energy resources specialist. She provides frontline support to customers regarding their energy use questions and issues, and promotes efficiency and conservation throughout the co-op’s service territory with articles in Michigan Country Lines magazine and through community-based forums and appearances.