Revillo winner

Home: 100+ years old, two stories, 1,248 square feet
Makeover budget: $7,500
Contractor: John Schweigel Construction, Milbank, SD
Pinpointing problems: Otter Tail Power Company and contractor John Schweigel Construction based their work on an energy audit, homeowner consultation, visual inspection, and blower door testing. Blower door testing measures air infiltration into a home by depressurizing the home and simulating a strong wind blowing against all surfaces. This facilitates the process of locating and sealing costly air leaks.
The two biggest sources of leaks in the home were the foundation/rim joist area and the upstairs windows. The homeowner knew the home was not energy efficient overall and already was using measures to lower home heating expenses, such as lowering the thermostat setting and closing off doorways.

Air leakage based on blower door test
    Before makeover: 2,200 cubic feet per minute (cfm)
    After makeover: nearly cut infiltration in half
Annual heating cost adjusted for weather
    Before makeover: $1,897.41 ($2.20/gallon propane price)
    After makeover: Year 1: $1,072.02      Year 2: $1,363.60
Total annual savings: Year 1: $825.39   Year 2: $533.82        Download a detailed report (pdf)