HomeBoost Empowers Homeowners to Slash Utility Bills with Innovative App
In an era where energy efficiency is paramount, HomeBoost introduces a groundbreaking solution to help homeowners reduce their utility expenses. Founded by Selina Tobaccowala, a seasoned entrepreneur with a history of successful ventures, HomeBoost aims to demystify the process of lowering energy consumption through user-friendly technology.
The Genesis of HomeBoost
The inspiration for HomeBoost struck when Tobaccowala noticed her daughter’s proactive efforts to conserve energy at home, such as leaving reminders to turn off lights. This observation, coupled with Tobaccowala’s desire to make a meaningful impact in the sustainability sector, led her to explore avenues beyond simple behavioral changes. Leveraging her expertise in surveys from her tenure as president and CTO of SurveyMonkey, she conducted extensive research to identify common challenges homeowners face in reducing utility bills. The findings revealed a widespread confusion among consumers about actionable steps to decrease energy usage, despite receiving comparative consumption reports from utility companies.
Introducing the BoostBox
To address this gap, HomeBoost developed the BoostBox—a comprehensive kit designed to facilitate self-conducted home energy assessments. The BoostBox includes:
– Infrared Camera: Detects areas where heat or cold air infiltrates the home, highlighting insulation weaknesses.
– Blacklight: Identifies lighting fixtures that could benefit from energy-efficient upgrades.
– User-Friendly App: Guides homeowners through the assessment process, providing step-by-step instructions and real-time feedback.
By utilizing these tools, homeowners can conduct thorough evaluations of their properties, identifying specific areas where energy efficiency can be improved.
From Assessment to Action
Upon completing the assessment, the HomeBoost app generates a personalized report detailing:
– Cost-Effective Upgrades: Tailored recommendations for improvements that offer the highest return on investment.
– Available Rebates: Information on local incentives and rebates to offset the cost of upgrades.
This approach empowers homeowners to make informed decisions, prioritizing upgrades that align with their budget and energy-saving goals.
Collaboration with Utility Companies
Recognizing the potential for widespread impact, HomeBoost has partnered with several utility companies to make the BoostBox more accessible:
– Central Hudson: Offers the BoostBox at no cost when checked out from public libraries.
– Omaha Public Power District: Subsidizes the cost, reducing the homeowner’s expense to $19.
– Avista: Recently joined as a partner, further expanding HomeBoost’s reach.
These collaborations not only make energy assessments more affordable but also align with utilities’ goals to promote energy conservation among consumers.
Enhancing Professional Energy Audits
While the BoostBox is designed for self-assessment, HomeBoost acknowledges the value of professional energy audits. To support energy auditors, the company has developed a professional version of its app, streamlining the assessment process and enabling auditors to serve more clients efficiently.
Connecting Homeowners with Contractors
To facilitate the implementation of recommended upgrades, HomeBoost is testing a feature that connects homeowners with qualified contractors. This service aims to:
– Simplify the Upgrade Process: Provide homeowners with vetted professionals to carry out necessary improvements.
– Generate Business for Contractors: Offer contractors pre-qualified leads, reducing the time spent on client acquisition.
By bridging the gap between assessment and action, HomeBoost ensures that energy-saving recommendations translate into tangible results.
A Unified Effort for Sustainability
HomeBoost’s innovative approach creates a synergy between consumers, utility companies, and contractors, all working towards a common goal: reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability. By providing the tools and resources necessary for homeowners to take control of their energy usage, HomeBoost contributes to a larger movement towards environmental responsibility and cost savings.
