UI Home Energy Challenge – Detectives Edition
What is the UI Home Energy Challenge – Detective Edition?
The UI Home Energy Challenge is a program for families with K-12 students living in a UI town. Students become energy detectives as they investigate how insulation helps keep a home comfortable and energy efficient. All materials needed to participate in the UI Home Energy Challenge are included in the kit provided by UI.
Once registered, we will provide each family with one kit that includes the materials needed and a guide on how to complete the tasks in the UI Home Energy Challenge. Each kit is limited to a total of (4) registered students per household, and all work must be completed individually.
What is in the UI Home Energy Challenge kit?
- Pencil
- Thumbtack
- Tissue paper
- Weather stripping (adhesive backing)
- Caulking strips
Materials students will need to gather:
- Scissors
What will the students learn?
Through this fun and easy activity, students will look for areas where heat may enter or escape – such as around windows, doors, attics, and walls – and learn how insulation helps keep warm air in during the winter and cool air in during the summer. Students will discover how proper insulation can reduce energy waste, lower energy costs, and help families use energy more wisely.
Families are encouraged to share photos during the UI Home Energy Challenge by posting photos of them working on their projects on their parents’ social media channels (Facebook, X, Instagram) using #UIHomeEnergyChallenge, and tagging us @UnitedIlluminating*
*Posting on social media doesn’t increase your chances of winning.
Eligible towns
The UI Home Energy Challenge is open to all families with K-12 students in towns served by UI in Connecticut (click on “List of Eligible Communities,” below).
Rules & registration
Registration for the UI Home Energy Challenge runs from October 1, 2026, at 12:01 am ET to October 21, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET.
Task Entries and Entry Forms must be postmarked by October 29, 2026, and received by October 30, 2026, or submitted online no later than October 30, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. ET.
For more information, email info@homeenergychallengeUI.com or call 1-800-674-8243 X4.
There is no Judging
All completed projects that follow the rules & instructions have a chance to win!
Parents can register their kids using the form below. They will then receive a confirmation email with project and submission instructions.
Prizes
Three winners will be randomly selected to win
one of three Amazon gift cards:
One $350 Amazon gift card
One $200 Amazon gift card
One $100 Amazon gift card
Registration
Register for the UI Home Energy Challenge – Detective Edition
Registration for the UI Home Energy Challenge runs from October 1, 2026, at 12:01 am ET to October 21, 2026, at 11:59 pm ET. A parent or guardian 18 years or older must register students. After your registration has been received, you will receive an email explaining the submission instructions. For additional information or questions, email info@homeenergychallengeUI.com.
Submission
After your registration has been received, you will receive an email explaining the submission instructions.
1. Complete the project included in the kit
2. Take a photo of students working on the project and post on social using the provided hashtag
3. Email or mail the final form to be entered to win – include photos with the final form
Task Entries and Entry Forms must be postmarked by October 29, 2026, and received by October 30, 2026, or submitted online no later than October 30, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. ET.
Email: info@homeenergychallengeUI.com
Mail:
UI Home Energy Challenge
ATTN: Joseph Pymm
P.O. Box 206
Fairfield, CT 06824
FAQ
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The UI Home Energy Challenge is a program for families with K-12 students living in a UI Connecticut town. Students become energy detectives as they investigate how insulation helps keep a home comfortable and energy efficient. Through this fun and easy activity, students will look for areas where heat may enter or escape. All materials needed to participate in the UI Home Energy Challenge are included in the kit provided by UI.
