Several community partners have helped the Hormel Historic Home become more energy efficient. We have been fortunate to receive funding to upgrade our heating system in the 1871 home without disturbing the historic structure.

The previous steam boiler was operating at an estimated 60 percent efficiency. It has been replaced by a hot water boiler that runs at 95 percent efficiency. Existing radiators were retrofitted to run with hot water and temperature controls were added so that each room’s temperature can be controlled. We expect to see a 40 percent reduction in energy used.

Our thanks to MJ O’Connor, Inc. for completing the project. They did an excellent job and were able to work out creative solutions to protect our historic structure while greatly improving efficiency.

We are also grateful to the project funders: the Hormel Foundation, the Carl and Verna Schmidt Foundation, the Minnesota Historical Society and the Austin Coalition for Environmental Sustainability. We also thank Austin Utilities for offering rebates on the new equipment. With their generous support, we have been able to complete the project, lower our energy use and save on utility expenses.

Laura Helle

Hormel Historic Home