Organizers of the Constructing Change: Energy Efficiency Homes Tour are seeking energy efficient homes to be featured on the tour, which will take place on Oct. 25, 2014, featuring energy efficient homes throughout the region. Organized by Randy Swartz, owner of Home Efficiency Solutions, the goal of the tour is to educate and connect homeowners, homebuilders and real estate professionals about the benefits of energy efficient homes.

Swartz, who performs energy audits and helps homeowners find energy efficient solutions for their homes, says that he’s looking for homeowners that are willing to open up their home to be toured by the public.

West Virginia was ranked 46th among 50 states and Washington, D.C. when it comes to energy efficiency, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficiency Economy (ACEEE), a dim statistic that Swartz hopes he can help change.

“We’re hoping the tour will help people realize that they too can make their homes energy efficient,” said Swartz. “Not all energy efficient homes were built to be efficient. Many have had slight modifications, things as simple as caulking, new windows and doors, and improved insulation. These changes save money-its important to know about.”

“Homes featured on the tour are homes that are breaking the mold, whether they’ve had modifications, or they were built with energy efficiency in mind,” said Swartz. “It’s important that we get the word out there that it is possible to have an energy efficient home. They save money, sell faster on the market and homebuyers looking for an energy efficient home may qualify for a ‘green mortgage.'”

Homeowners interested in featuring their home on the tour must have a HERS rating. HERS, which stands for Home Energy Rating System, is a nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance.

Those who have an energy efficient home they would like featured on the tour, contact Randy Swartz at 304-676-8892 or go to constructingchangehometour.com.