Green Iowa AmeriCorps

The City of Ames is excited to partner with Green Iowa AmeriCorps to provide no-cost energy audits and weatherization services. This program can help save money on your utility bills and maintain a more comfortable home and is available for all Ames residents at no cost. 

How it Works

1. Sign up for a free energy audit
2. We will be in touch to schedule the audit
3. Depending on the amount of air leakage in your home, we can complete weatherization services at no cost, focused on the three C's of weatherization: Cost, Comfort, and Conservation
4. That's it! Participants enjoy a more comfortable home and savings on energy use and utility bills

Renting? You are still eligible; we just need your landlord's permission. 

Our energy audits consist of two parts: the initial walk through and the blower door test. During the initial walkthrough members will identify areas where air may be leaking in and perform initial safety checks. The blower door is specialized equipment that allows us to measure the level of air infiltration by surveying the extent of air leaks in the home. Air infiltration raises the price of utility bills due to its impact on heating and cooling systems.

While the blower door test is running, members will walk through the home and search for areas where energy loss might be occurring. Depending on the amount of air leakage in your home, Green Iowa AmeriCorps Members can also complete weatherization services to help seal up the air leakages in your home.

• Windows: Permanent solutions such as caulking and sealing around the window frame. Seasonal (temporary) solutions include rope caulking.
• Doors: Installing weather stripping, door sweeps, caulking.
• Attic Access: Insulating attic access door, seal perimeter with foam tape, ensure a tight seal with a latch lock or weight.
• Outlets: Insulating outlets and light switches with foam gaskets.
• Rim Joints: Sealing the area where the foundation meets the house frame with friction-fit rigid foam and caulk.
• Ducts: Sealing duct joints with HVAC tape and/or mastic
• Water Pipes: Insulating hot and cold-water pipes with foam sleeves to reduce conductive heat loss.
• Efficiency Improvements: Installing Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) and low-flow sink & shower aerators

• Green Iowa members plan and participate in community outreach projects to engage volunteers and do meaningful, impactful work in the communities they serve. Volunteer engagement is a key component of the service work members complete throughout their service terms.
• City of Ames Green Iowa members assist in planning and staffing at various City sustainability events, and environmental education events including EcoFair, Branching Out: Tree Giveaway, Rummage RAMPage, and the Farmers' Market.