On Nov. 15, Oxford residents who filed into Kramer Elementary School learned that it was possible to invest in their homes while saving the planet.
Roughly two dozen residents mingled with seven vendors selling different HVAC, solar panel and lighting systems. Some vendors even brought heating pumps to show residents. Councilman and environmental science professor David Prytherch said that the cost of these large home improvements can be daunting but are worth considering because they can result in energy savings.
“If you’re worried about the upfront costs of these improvements, which is fair, I encourage you to make a plan and keep these technologies in mind the next time you need to replace your furnace,” said Prytherch.
During a quick presentation, he offered a three-step process for residents new to green initiatives, starting with making a pledge to carbon neutrality, crafting a plan to achieve it and implementing this plan over time.
“Eventually you’re going to need to replace your furnace and other appliances and when that time comes, we want to encourage you to consider going electric, going green because the price really is comparable to a new furnace,” said Prytherch.
Also, energy-efficient technologies can be seen as investments and potential assets to add value to homes.
“During times of inflation, we actually tend to do well,” said Dave Brennan of Western Hills Heating and Air Conditioning. “Our systems are highly efficient and people see geothermal heating as an investment, which is why the ‘08 recession actually helped our business.”
Tax credits that can cover 30% of costs related to electrification and efficiency through the Inflation Reduction Act, said Prytherch. So, if you buy a $30,000 geothermal heating system, it is possible to cut $10,000 off the purchase. Prytherch and Carla Blackmar, chair of
Oxford Parking & Transportation Advisory Board recommended people contact their tax advisor to learn how to take advantage of the program.
Event organizer and Oxford resident Peggy Branstrator said that she can’t tell the difference between the electricity from her new solar panels, compared with her old electrical system.
“It works great,” she said. “And now, because I put up solar panels, one of my neighbors got them too.
Councilwoman Chantel Raghu said she considered geothermal heat when her furnace died 18 months ago, but she needed a quicker solution to get warmth to her house than geothermal, which required digging deep into the ground.
“I got a heat pump and a furnace as a backup when the weather drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit and the heat pump stops working,” she said. “I don’t use the furnace unless I need it and now, our gas and electricity bill is so low.”
Prythech said that while he had expected that more people would come to the event, he was pleased by the people who came.
“A lot of community leaders are here and I hope they can lead the way in showing other Oxford residents a new way to invest in their homes,” he said.
