When we walk into Republican Congressman John Curtis’ new home in Provo, Utah, he jokes, “Don’t be shocked — this is a climate-friendly home.”
We’ve arrived for a house tour, and he’s almost giddy with excitement to show off the home features that, he says, are saving his family thousands of dollars a year while showcasing the potential of clean home technology.
The conservative climate leader gave The Cool Down an exclusive look at his tricked-out new house, including the features that often leave him impressed at his own monthly savings.
“What I love to brag about is my utility bill,” Curtis told us.
Geothermal Heat Pump
For heating and cooling his home, Rep. Curtis landed on a geothermal, or “ground source,” heat pump.
To heat or cool the home, liquid runs through pipes that are typically laid 6 to 7 feet underground and then goes through a heat pump exchange. Curtis says the device is saving him up to 70% on HVAC costs compared to a normal system and comes with a 30% federal tax credit. And what about those rumors that heat pumps don’t work in cold climates like in Utah?
“I can just tell you that my geothermal system did fantastic in a very cold winter,” Curtis said.
LED Lightbulbs
The family installed LED lightbulbs throughout the house, which emit less heat, use less energy, and reduce electricity costs.
“They’re inexpensive and a great place to start if you’re wondering what you can do to be friendly to the environment,” Curtis said.
Solar Panels
With 30 solar panels on his roof, Rep. Curtis says he’s saving $300-$400 a month on his utility bill.
“This is an easy investment,” he told us. “Because over time, they pay off over and over again.”
Insulation
“I think insulation is probably one of the most overlooked features of a home in making it not only energy efficient but saving on utility bills,” Curtis told us.
Curtis “went big” on insulation, with 18 inches of insulation on his attic floor and 2 inches of foam spray on the attic walls and beneath the basement floor. Homeowners can get a 30% tax credit for insulation upgrades, and utility companies will often do a free or low-cost energy audit to help assess whether you need better insulation.
Leave a Reply