Case Study: How a Stonington Homeowner Cut Energy Costs with a Home Energy Solutions Assessment
At Dynamic Building & Energy Solutions, we specialize in helping Connecticut homeowners make their homes more comfortable and energy efficient. This recent project in the Stonington area highlights how our Home Energy Solutions (HES) assessments uncover hidden inefficiencies, reduce heating costs, and connect families with rebates and financing that make upgrades affordable.
Client Profile
Property Type: Single-family home
Size: 2,408 sq. ft., single-story
Occupants: 3
Heating & Hot Water: Fuel oil
Cooling: None
The homeowner reached out to us after noticing rising fuel oil bills and persistent drafts. Like many New England families, they wanted to improve comfort while lowering their reliance on costly heating oil.
The Challenge
This home’s older oil system and lack of insulation meant heat was escaping quickly. Drafts throughout the living space made winters uncomfortable, and the absence of central cooling raised concerns about summer comfort too.
Our Approach
Our certified energy technicians performed a comprehensive home energy audit, which included:
Blower Door Test & Air Sealing – Identified and reduced air leakage points.
Insulation & Ductwork Inspection – Evaluated attic and crawl spaces for thermal loss.
Appliance Efficiency Testing – Checked performance of major appliances.
Rebate & Financing Guidance – Matched the homeowner with Energize CT incentives.
Solutions Implemented
Air Sealing: Reduced air leakage by 35%, from 2,537 CFM to 1,659 CFM, using weatherstripping and gap sealing.
Thermal Envelope Improvements: Recommended attic floor insulation and an insulated attic access cover.
Appliance Upgrade: Suggested replacing the refrigerator with a high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® model.
Results
Immediate Savings from Air Sealing:
76 gallons of oil saved annually
$229 annual savings
Additional Recommendations:
Attic Insulation: Estimated $421/year savings
Appliance Upgrade: Estimated $59/year savings
Total Potential Savings: $485 annually
Annual Energy Cost Comparison:
Before Audit: $5,490
After Air Sealing: $5,261
With Full Recommendations: $4,776
Financing & Incentives
Through Energize CT, the homeowner qualified for valuable programs including:
Capital for Change (C4C) Micro Loan – 0% interest, $500–$3,000 for insulation and small upgrades.
Smart-E Loan – Up to $40,000 for larger improvements like window replacements, heat pumps, or solar.
Rebates: $2,132 in utility rebates to offset project costs.
Impact
This project demonstrates how targeted improvements—like insulation upgrades and air sealing—can drastically reduce home energy costs. With rebates and low-interest financing available, the payback period for many upgrades can be as little as four years.
For Connecticut and Rhode Island homeowners, a Home Energy Solutions assessment is often the first step toward:
Lower heating and cooling costs
Greater year-round comfort
Improved indoor air quality
Increased home value
Ready to Save on Energy Costs?
Dynamic Building & Energy Solutions has been helping homeowners across Connecticut and Rhode Island for over 30 years. Whether you’re interested in home insulation, energy-efficient windows, or a comprehensive energy assessment, our team can connect you with the solutions, rebates, and financing to make your project affordable.
👉 Contact us today to schedule your energy audit and start saving.