UMGC Grant Funds Provide Equipment Upgrades for Clayton County Energy District

For the last 10 years rising energy costs and high energy burden, or the percentage of income spent on energy bills, have represented a central focus at the Clayton County Energy District (CCED). Last year CCED secured grant funding from the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa and Upper Mississippi Gaming Corporation (UMGC) to restart a program providing free energy audits and coaching in Clayton County. An important addition to CCED’s toolkit resulted directly from UMGC grant support allowing the organization to purchase a blower door system used to measure air leakage in homes. This tool is central to accurate, comprehensive energy audits helping to identify ways to reduce energy costs, improve home comfort, and optimize overall energy use.

A Home Energy Audit is a detailed, data-driven assessment of a home’s energy performance. A typical energy audit runs as follows:

1. CCED Energy Coach Jake McGreal will request a quick tour of the house, asking about any specific concerns or problems the homeowner is aware of relating to the energy efficiency of the home. 

2. After this initial conversation, Jake assembles the blower door test to check for air infiltration, making sure all windows and doors are closed, the HVAC is off, and the water heater is turned to the pilot setting to prevent exhaust backflow into the home. The blower door depressurizes the home, pushing air outside using a powerful fan and identifying areas of air infiltration.

3. After the blower door test, Jake notes information on the envelope of the home including window type/age, exterior door type/location, attic insulation, basement/slab size and insulation, siding and roofing type and wall insulation levels. 

4. On the interior, Jake checks kitchen range hoods and/or bathroom exhaust fans, paying close attention to the seal on those systems. He checks the thermostat type and set points, records the serial and model number of the heating, cooling, and domestic hot water systems, and determines the age of the range, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, clothes washer and clothes dryer. He also records the type of lighting in the home.

5. Jake finishes the audit by checking for hazards like moisture/water leaks, carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, visible wiring issues, fire hazards and/or sanitation/sewage issues.

6. Once complete, Jake compiles this information into a comprehensive report, outlining his findings and any recommended actions for addressing efficiency and/or comfort concerns.

“An energy audit provides so much valuable information and I'm very excited to be able to help provide this service to our neighbors in Clayton County.  It's a tool which helps homeowners to gain a better understanding of their home's efficiency and to direct their efforts into improvements that will provide the most benefit to them in the future”.  – Jake McGreal

CCED also offers Personalized Energy Coaching which provides homeowners with guidance tailored to their goals, timeline, and budget. Coaching sessions help develop a clear roadmap for prioritizing energy improvements and making informed decisions. Any Clayton County resident can apply for CCED energy services, but for income qualifying households, they are completely free. To get started, homeowners can complete a simple sign-up form on CCED’s website or contact Coordinator Kelsi at 563-880-2404. Once submitted, Energy Coach Jake McGreal will follow up to schedule either a phone consultation or an in-home visit, depending on the requested service.

By focusing this program on low- and moderate-income households, CCED addresses an aging housing stock and limited access to affordable energy sources in rural communities. Helping households lower energy costs retains resources for essentials such as food, healthcare, and childcare, while keeping more dollars circulating in the local economy. A win-win for local communities!

CCED Energy Coach Jake McGreal checking for air infiltration during an energy audit.

C CED Board Member Jim Osterhaus, Coordinator Kelsi Davis, and UMGC Board Vice President Kelly Shaffer at grant aware ceremony.