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®
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°
F or higher. Each degree below 78° 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° F to 120°
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.
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