For Home
New Brunswick Success Stories
Veerendra Nagalla is one of many repeat participants in SaveEnergyNB’s Total Home Energy Savings Program. When he bought his first home in Fredericton, he wanted it to feel warm, efficient and affordable to heat and cool. But he knew the upgrades he needed couldn’t all happen at once.
Getting Started in His First Home
Like many owners of older homes, Veerendra noticed his energy bills were high and some rooms were difficult to heat. He didn’t know where to begin but the Total Home Energy Savings Program gave him a clear plan.
“They’ll give you a report,” he says. “These are the possible improvements in your house.”
He began with upgrades that made an immediate difference: attic insulation and four ductless mini split heat pumps. These changes helped warm the cold rooms and lowered his energy use.
“I noticed the results right away. My home felt better and my bills went down.”
A New Home and a Second Total Home Energy Savings Program Journey
When Veerendra later moved to his current home, he knew exactly what to do: return to the program.
One thing he values most is how simple each step felt from booking the energy evaluation to understanding the recommendations. It was a process that was easy for him to return to and register his current home for a second round.
“Once I learned how the program worked, I knew I could use it again,” he says. “They make it simple. You learn as you go and you choose what works for you.”
This time, he focused on upgrades that matched the new home’s layout and needs. After registering his second home through the Program, receiving a visit from an energy advisor who gave him a new list of recommendations, he completed several improvements, including:
Together, these upgrades contributed to $3,403.27 in rebates across the two properties and cut projected annual energy costs by up to over $590.
Comfort You Can Feel Right Away
Every home is different, but for Veerendra, the upgrades helped lower his energy use significantly. The biggest change for Veerendra is comfort. Insulating the floors helped the home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. The HRV improved his home’s air quality.
“The air feels fresher throughout the house.”
After the upgrades, it also became easier to keep the heat steady without the cold pockets he used to notice.
Proud of the Home He Has Built
Improving two homes through SaveEnergyNB’s program makes Veerendra feel proud and more connected to his energy use.
“It feels good knowing my home is efficient, comfortable and healthier.”
His advice to other homeowners is to start small and build from there. “Do one upgrade”, he says. “Then another. It all adds up. The difference is long-term”.
