If you notice your power bills fluctuating with chilly weather, you’re not alone. With winter heating bills looming, you may be worrying over how to stay warm without breaking the bank.

The good news: Blue Horizons Project is conducting free home energy chats to help you optimize your energy efficiency plans, cut down on costs, learn about solar energy, and keep your home comfortable all year long.

Interested? You're in luck: Editor Laura (that’s me) had the pleasure of meeting with Blue Horizons Project, and I've got all the electrifying details you need to #TryThis for yourself.

The Blue Horizons Project team investigates a drafty door’s weatherstripping | Photo by the AVLtoday team

What we tried:

Signing up is simple — just call or email. You have the choice of a virtual or in-person meeting, wherever you feel most comfortable. I opted for a home visit at my rental in North Asheville. We followed COVID-19 protocols, and the visit lasted about an hour.

Sophie and Beatrice are both super kind and knowledgeable, so it was really pleasant to sit down with them in my living room. The advice they offered was practical + renter-friendly — plus, we toured my house to evaluate important details like the door seals, insulation, and heating systems.

If your water temp is over 120°, you’re wasting energy | Gif by the AVLtoday team

What not to miss:

The expertise. The Blue Horizons Project team has a wealth of knowledge and experience. Plus, they have a database of local and regional connections if you want to get in touch with specialists about solar power, HVAC systems, energy auditing, and beyond.

Bonus: This work also supports the City of Asheville + Buncombe County’s 2018 resolution to work towards using 100% renewable energy by 2042.

What we’re still talking about:

The customized, follow-up email that’s chock-full of savvy, energy-saving tips. The initial evaluation is just a fraction of the support that Blue Horizons provides. This personalized document contains supplementary links + DIY instructions, product recommendations, referrals, and other resources that make it easy to follow through on your energy goals.

Things to know if you sign up:

Experience: Blue Horizons Project Home Energy Chat
Price: Free
Website: https://bluehorizonsproject.com/home-energy-chats/

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