Home Energy Makeover demonstrates simple improvements for energy
savings
DALLAS--(Business Wire)--
TXU Energy will partner with various community volunteers to show
their fellow Texans several low-cost ways to save energy this summer
during the 2008 TXU Energy Home Energy Makeover Tour. This marks the
fifth year for the TXU Energy summer initiative to build energy
conservation awareness across the state.
TXU Energy will host Home Energy Makeover events in Dallas,
Midland, McAllen, and Corpus Christi. In each city, TXU Energy will
team with local volunteer groups to make simple home improvements for
a homeowner in each city that will lead to saving money on their
energy bills during the upcoming hot summer days.
"One of the main purposes of the Home Energy Makeover program is
to demonstrate to our customers how simple and inexpensive it can be
to save on your energy bills, especially in the heat of the summer,"
said David Hennekes, vice president of residential markets for TXU
Energy. "These improvements can have an impact on virtually any home
of any age, and a Home Energy Makeover can save homeowners in a
significant way."
On the day of each event, volunteers will gather at the residence
to perform an energy audit by using the TXU Energy Home Energy Advisor
online tool. Based upon their findings, the volunteers will then
provide the recommended energy conservation improvements. Improvements
may include replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with new
compact fluorescent lights, adding weatherstripping around doors,
insulating outdoor power outlets, and sealing windows with protective
foam or caulk.
Also, during the Home Energy Makeover, TXU Energy will highlight
the TXU Energy Power Monitor (TM). The Power Monitor (TM) uses the
home's existing electrical wiring to display near real-time data
including a running total of estimated energy cost.
"The TXU Energy Power Monitor is one more example of how TXU
Energy is leading the way in promoting energy efficiency," said
Hennekes. "Many customers only know what they pay for electricity at
the end of the month. The TXU Energy Power Monitor allows them to see
the estimated amount of energy consumption used throughout the month,
which gives them the opportunity to adjust their energy use and
potentially save money."
About TXU Energy
TXU Energy is a market-leading competitive retailer that provides
electricity and related services to more than 2.1 million electricity
customers in Texas. TXU Energy offers a variety of innovative products
and solutions, allowing both its residential and business customers to
choose options that best meet their needs, including 24/7 customer
service, competitively priced electricity service plans, innovative
energy efficiency options, renewable energy programs and other
electricity-related products and services. Visit www.txuenergy.com for
more information about TXU Energy.
Summer Energy-Saving Tips from TXU Energy
TXU Energy offers the following no-cost and low-cost energy
conservation tips for residential customers. Visit
www.txu.com/energytips for detailed assistance on energy savings and
to access the Home Energy Advisor, TXU Energy's free online energy
audit.
ENERGY-SAVING TIPS
Light Bulbs - Reduce your electricity use for lighting by up to 75
percent just by replacing your incandescent light bulbs with compact
fluorescent bulbs, which are up to four times more efficient and last
up to eight times longer.
Electrical Outlets - Electric outlets can let hot air into the
house in the summer and cold air in the winter. Remove the outlet
covers and insert special foam insulation behind the outlet faceplates
to reduce these air leaks.
Windows - A significant amount of your air conditioning bill can
be due to sunlight streaming through unshaded windows. South and west
facing windows are usually the biggest problems. Keeping direct
sunlight from passing through these windows is important. A white
pull-down shade is effective at bouncing sunlight back through a
window. Close shades and shutters during the day to keep room
temperatures cooler.
Weatherstrip/caulk air leaks and insulate - To prevent drafts,
place weatherstripping and caulk around windows and doors. Be sure to
check it each year to make sure it's in good condition. Air leaks
could account for 15 percent - 30 percent of heating and cooling
energy requirements.
Energy labels - Review the Energy Guide labels when buying kitchen
appliances or electronics. ENERGY STAR(R) TVs, stereos, and computers
use less energy and save money.
Energy-saver switch - Use the energy-saver switch on your
appliances.
Temperature settings - Set the thermostat at 78 degrees F or
higher. Each degree below 78 degrees F means more energy use and
higher cooling costs. You may want to set the thermostat even higher
when you're not at home. Portable fans can help you feel comfortable
at higher thermostat settings. Turn the air conditioner off when you
go on vacation.
Water heater - Lowering your water heater temperature setting from
140 degrees F to 120 degrees F can reduce your water heating energy
bill by more than 10 percent.
Computers - Turn off your computer and monitor when you're not
using them. Using a 'sleep' mode can reduce your computer's energy
usage by half.
AC filter - Clean or replace your AC filter monthly to help your
AC run more efficiently.
Trees - If you're going to plant a tree, consider placing
deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your house. They grow
leaves in summer that help shade your home and shed leaves in the
winter, allowing sunlight to warm your house.
TXU Energy
Sophia Stoller, 972-868-8336
Copyright Business Wire 2008
