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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate NEWS NOW Our View: Haggen still at risk ... Jeffrey Gillespie: An annihilation in the Arctic ... A new act for an old building ... Our View: Haggen still at risk ... Jeffrey Gillespie: An annihilation in the Arctic ... A new act for an old building ... CLEAN ENERGY WORKS Nonprofit connects homeowners to energy — and money — efficient options Comment By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jul. 7, 2015 at 2:00 AM By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jul. 7, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Social News Ruth Coulthard had lived two decades in her simple house in Ashland but with plenty of energy leaks, outdated aluminum frame windows and an archaic electric ceiling heat system that would cost an unmanageable $14,000 to replace with gas. In addition, she was paying an averaged $195 a month for city utilities — a considerable burden. Then Coulthard got connected with Clean Energy Works, a statewide nonprofit that came out and surveyed her home’s energy needs, then connected her with all the programs, tax credits and contractors to get the job done affordably. Today, she has all new vinyl framed windows, thick insulation in her once sketchy attic, airtight seals on all the previous leaks and — the big improvement — a quiet, effective ductless heat pump that is blasting a stream of cool air in a 100-plus degree heat wave. Her “ancient” in-wall air conditioning is gone, replaced by a window. “They did everything,” says Coulthard. “They help you tap into the money part of it all. They vet the contractors, a real useful step, so you don’t have to spend time calling and comparing everyone — and he (the contractor) did the job really fast.” The money part, all guided by CEW, got her rebates from the city and state. It was $5,325 for the heat pump, with a $1,390 city rebate. The windows were $5,000 with a $1,000 rebate. Her city utility bill is cut by two-thirds. “Now, it’s so much more comfortable,” she says. “We used to have to huddle in the one room in winter, where the ceiling heat still worked. I’m helping conserve energy and without a lot of deprivation I used to have. It pays for itself so fast.” The CEW program is for anyone, depending on the outcome of the diagnosis of your home and appliances, says regional CEW director Ben Scott. “We’re a nonprofit. We work with all the governments, utility companies, public and private agencies. We have agreements with all of them and we pass through rebates straight to the homeowner. We’re a provider of home performance services,” Scott says. “We reimburse contractors. We arrange loans. We look at the home as a holistic system, including weatherization, possible remodeling, heating, cooling, everything.” To connect with CEW, see https://cewo.org/ and click to take an online quiz, then click for an on-site home evaluation, to determine your program eligibility. John Darling is an Ashland freelance writer. Reach him at [email protected].   By John Darling For the Tidings DailyTidings.com By John Darling For the Tidings Posted Jul. 7, 2015 at 2:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501