SALISBURY, MD – Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County (HFHWC) has committed to installing energy resilient measures in Habitat homes. In collaboration with Habitat for Humanity International and Whirlpool Corporations BuildBetter with Whirlpool program, HFHWC has committed to achieving an above-code Energy Rating Index, and making several energy resilient changes to their homes. These energy resilient options include installing above-code insulation, Watersense plumbing fixtures, high efficiency cooling, and gutters/downspouts in new home construction. In addition, HFHWC will install whole-home surge protectors, and wiring for future electric vehicle charging. These measures will help homeowners save money in energy costs and help lessen damage caused by climatic and geographic hazards.
Whirlpool Corporation has been a partner with Habitat for Humanity International for 22 years, providing adovocacy, in-kind appliance donations, and investments in resilience and energy efficiency in Habitat homes. The BuildBetter partnership is a 3-year effort to help homeowners mitigate the impacts of climate change with more energy-efficient homes. Its goal is to deliver a long-term reduction in operating costs for homeowners through an expected improvement in energy efficiency of approximately 15% compared to homes built to current government code.
“We are taking these measures to help our homeowners be ready for the future and to ensure that their new homes are equipped to help them save money on their energy bills,” said Molly Hilligoss, Executive Director of HFHWC. “Habitat’s mission is to provide safe, affordable homes, and we have to examine all avenues of safety and affordability, and make changes to better serve our homeowners in that capacity.”
These BuildBetter measures have been implemented in Habitat’s nearly complete 72nd home on Westover Drive, and will be installed in its newest construction project on Barclay Street.
About Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County
Habitat for Humanity works to make homeownership of decent, affordable homes a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County was founded in 1987; since then the affiliate has built and sold 72 homes locally. Through volunteer labor and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple, decent homes with the help of the homeowner (partner) families. Habitat homes are sold to partner families at no profit, financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners’ monthly mortgage payments come back to the affiliate to help build more homes for more families.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County, please call Molly Hilligoss, Executive Director at 410-546-1551 or go to www.wicomicohabitat.org.
