WESTPORT–It turns out saving money on electric bills is even more popular than expected.

Just a few days after HeatSmart Westport was announced, temporarily offering free assessments of home electricity usage and increased energy efficiency, 100 people have signed up for it.

Home energy solutions: HES

The program, a partnership of Sustainable Westport, the Town of Westport and People’s Action for Clean Energy, was announced Wednesday. By Monday, 100 people had signed up for a Home Energy Solutions (HES) audit.

Dede McDowell, residential energy team leader with Sustainable Westport, said the results “quickly surpassed expectations.”

$800 value

The savings begin with an HES audit from an Energize CT-certified technician. An $800 value in services and materials, the visits are free for those who sign up by Aug. 31 and schedule their appointments now through October.

At other times the audit typically costs $75, but is always free for income-eligible residents.

Best thing you can do

“Starting with the HES audit is the best thing you can do,” McDowell said.

The technicians do more than assess energy usage, they help to weatherize the home. By running a door blower test, drawing air out of the house, they discover the spaces where it seeps back in. Those areas are then sealed, and insulation is added where necessary.

Saves $180 per year

The process typically saves $180 per year, HeatSmart organizers said.

The technician also suggests further, more extensive, steps that conserve energy by insulating your home and making other improvements to the building’s envelope – its exterior walls, foundation, windows, doors and roofs. The program also encourages residents to consider a switch to a heat pump for a heating and cooling source.

Westport homes are eligible for one audit every six years.

Learn more or schedule an energy audit at www.heatsmartct.org/westport.