New Bloomington resident Steven Hong has spent years finding ways to use energy more efficiently and wants to teach others what he has learned.
Hong, a real estate agent of 23 years, teaches a class called “High-Performance Housing” focused on improving existing homes. He has taught real estate professionals and plans to offer the class to the public through Bloomington Community Education next year.
“An older home doesn’t have to be an inefficient home,” Hong said. “With the right improvements, we can make the homes we already have more comfortable, more efficient and better prepared for the future.”
Hong installed his first solar array 17 years ago and has driven electric vehicles for 10 years. Those two decisions have saved him nearly $40,000 over the years. In his former Minneapolis home, he added an induction stove, heat pump dryer and other electric equipment. Now he’s exploring ways to improve his new Bloomington home.
For residents wondering where to begin, an energy audit can help homeowners understand where their homes are using – and losing – energy.
“You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with the things that make the biggest difference, learn how your home works and improve it one project at a time,” Hong said.
