14 Oct 2013 First Electric members win energy mini makeovers
Five First Electric Cooperatives members have won energy efficiency mini makeovers worth up to $5,000 for their homes. Winners were selected from the applications submitted for the 2013 Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas $50,000 Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest.
The goal of the mini makeover program is to show how a modest investment can make homes more comfortable and more energy efficient, which can reduce members’ energy bills.
“Once the improvements are completed, our winners should have increased comfort and lower electric consumption,” said Tonya Everhart, vice president of marketing and communications.
Mini makeover winners were: Charles and Jan Carty of Benton; Ron and Lynne Sharp of Quitman; Billy and Rosalyn Ballard of McRae; Thomas and Carmon Box of Perryville; and Billy and Sandra Clark of DeWitt.
First Electric marketing representatives performed a diagnostic energy audit before work began. They used a blower door test and duct blaster to locate thermal deficiencies and air infiltration and leakage. They will conduct another audit once improvements are completed.
Marketing representatives tailored improvements to each home. Some of the projects included installation of a Marathon water heater; tune-up or replacement of the heating and cooling system; installation of a programmable thermostat; application of caulk and weather-stripping around windows and doors; and an update of lighting to compact fluorescent (CFL) or light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. In some of the homes, contractors inspected and repaired duct work and installed additional attic and floor insulation.
First Electric serves more than 88,000 member accounts throughout 17 counties in central and southeast Arkansas. The cooperative is headquartered in Jacksonville and maintains full-service offices in Benton, Heber Springs, Perryville and Stuttgart. For the latest news and information, visit firstelectric.coop or facebook.com/FirstElectric.
