Energy-efficient home site visit with Helena Area Habitat for Humanity

During this no-cost session, attendees explored all-electric single-family residences and learned about cold-climate approaches to building affordable, high-performance homes. Some of the top-tier features included fully insulated slabs, R-39 double walls with interior air/vapor control layer, ductless mini-split heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, ducted heat recovery ventilators, and photovoltaic solar arrays. Helena Area Habitat for Humanity staff and HVAC trade partners shared their experience and perspective, to explain not only that these construction details are achievable in affordable housing, but the value of low-cost operation to homeowners.

Continuing the Conversation

After the tour, the group kept the conversation flowing. Participants expressed appreciation for the hands-on nature of the site visit and the ability to ask questions about specific construction details. Partners from other parts of Montana—some of whom drove more than 90 minutes to attend—indicated an interest in hosting similar learning opportunities in their own markets.