Follow-Up Studies After Energy Improvements Show Remarkable Health Benefits!
If you are considering an energy upgrade for your Tulsa home, there are many benefits you can expect to enjoy. Improved energy efficiency, lower energy bills, and a more comfortable living environment are just a few. But did you know that improving your indoor air quality may be one of the most compelling reasons to invest in home performance?
A study of data from a New Zealand weatherization program suggests that improved indoor air quality can have significant health benefits. The program, called “Warm Up New Zealand: Heat Smart Programme,” was started in 2009 by the government to combat high energy bills and energy waste. The four-year program used standard home performance and weatherization upgrades, including floor and attic insulation, energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment, and other measures.
The EECA published a study entitled “Health Benefit Studies on Retrofitted Houses,” which documented the following follow-up health-related findings:
- Admission to hospitals for respiratory conditions dropped by 43%
- Days off school reduced by 23%
- Days off work dropped by 39%
Similar studies have been done in the USA markets following energy efficiency programs. More and more people are being educated on the health benefits of these types of improvements.
What Recent Studies Show: Green and Healthy Homes Initiative
When one considers the types of improvements made in a standard energy upgrade retrofit, it’s easy to understand why these go hand in hand. By significantly reducing unhealthy attic and crawl space air entering the home, addressing humidity issues that can contribute to mold and mildew, properly dealing with sealing of combustion appliances in the home, or reducing outside allergens and contaminants that infiltrate the home, we are addressing not only improving the energy efficiency of a home but the source of many of the contributors to poor indoor air quality in a home!
While not yet in Oklahoma, the federal government has started a program called the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, which works with hospitals for people who are having many trips to the hospital for respiratory issues and connects them with companies skilled in assessing indoor health concerns. The goal is to make these improvements and thus reduce the cost of unpaid hospital claims by improving the health conditions of the homes.
This is a relatively new program, and SRI is working to become a leader in offering this in the Oklahoma market when it becomes available. The eight elements of a Green & Healthy Home are:
- Dry
- Clean
- Safe
- Well-Ventilated
- Pest-Free
- Contaminant-Free
- Well-Maintained
- Energy Efficient
Don’t wait any longer to enjoy the benefits of a healthy home. Contact SRI Energy today to schedule a free assessment for your Tulsa, Jenks, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Owasso, Sand Springs, Sapulpa, or surrounding area home.
