Local Family Goes Green

Now they're ready to make that environment work for them. They want to turn their 3,000 square foot energy hog into something a little more eco-friendly. But they're up against an area known for sweltering summers and brutal winters.

They say that with the rising cost of fuel and rising cost of utilities, they need to start saving their money and using it more wisely.

That's why we asked the Green Team to help the Bloomquists. It's a group that helps people make their homes more energy efficient. Five team members divided up the house and looked for energy bandits.

After a two-hour energy audit the team was ready to take action. They started by caulking and sealing. Then they put foam behind electrical outlets. That prevents loss of heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. The changes cost less than $800.

The Bloomquists hope the changes will begin to pay off next month.

In the second of this two-part series, Big Country Green Report will show what happens when the family gets their next energy bill.