Home Energy Makeover Demonstrates Simple Improvements for Energy Savings

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."

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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 http://www.txu.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 computerss 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.