Finding even one way to make your home more comfortable — which also results in saving money and energy — is an enticing proposition.

That’s what the Salt Lake Community Energy Challenge is telling residents of the mideast area of the Avenues neighborhood.

The neighborhood-level pilot project’s goal is to help people cut energy waste by making their homes more efficient in four ways:

• Install a programmable thermostat.

• Insulate your attic hatch.

• Seal your duct system.

• Upgrade to an Energy Star refrigerator.

“We really liked these actions because both homeowners and renters can do them,” said Meaghan McKasy, project coordinator. “We want to be able to empower those people and say, ‘You can take steps to make your house more efficient and more comfortable even though you don’t actually own it.’ ”

The pilot program will focus on homes between South Temple and 7th Avenue, and between I and N streets. Volunteers have begun going door-to-door, dropping fliers detailing the project.

Those interested in participating are asked to fill out a pledge card, stating which home upgrades they want to implement. Those cards will then be displayed in various public places for people to see, like the library and area coffee shops.

“It’s kind of a good form of peer pressure,” McKasy said. “The idea of your community, your church … whatever influences you as a person, it’s a great avenue toward motivating change.”

Avenues resident Rosine Oliver and her husband made three of the energy-saving upgrades to their bungalow after hearing about the project.

“It’s a great challenge, especially since it’s my neighborhood. It’s something doable that we can get into,” Oliver said.

Oliver said the difference in her home has been noticeable “in comfort as well as dollars.”

Meanwhile, she has taken on the role of energy champion for the project. Her duties include coordinating with block captains — who educate and encourage their neighbors to be part of the challenge and assist them in making the upgrades.

Oliver is optimistic about the neighborhood’s reception of the project because of its environmentally conscious culture.