Consumer Outreach
Ark. Makeover Emphasizes Efficiency
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas spent six weeks transforming a 31-year-old home in Hopewell into a model for energy efficiency.
The result will greatly benefit the owners, Larry and Nancy Ferrell, who prevailed over more than 2,500 other applicants to win Little Rock-based ECA’s 2011 Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest. The contest is valued at up to $50,000.
Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas executives Doug White (left) and Bret Curry (right) flank Nancy and Larry Ferrell (and granddaughter Paige Hall), winners of the co-op group’s 2011 Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest. (Photo By: Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas)
The Ferrells, members of First Electric Cooperative, Jacksonville, “will experience many years of newfound comfort and significant energy savings” in their renovated home, the co-op group said.
But there is a broader base of homeowner beneficiaries, stemming from the makeover contest’s educational aim, noted Bret Curry, manager of energy marketing for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.
“While everyone can’t afford to invest $50,000 in an energy efficiency makeover,” Curry pointed out, “we hope that our members will apply some or all of the measures and components we use during the makeover for their homes.”
“An investment in energy efficiency pays great dividends over time and greatly increases the comfort of a home,” he added.
The Ferrells’ home makeover this summer began and ended with comprehensive energy audits, including a blower door test, duct blaster test and infrared thermography.
The renovated home now boasts energy-efficiency enhancements such as an ultra-efficient geothermal heating and cooling system, high-efficiency windows and doors, foam-backed vinyl siding, and new roofing materials. “Many tubes of caulk and expandable foam were applied” during the makeover, the renovators reported.
Finally, Energy Star-rated appliances were installed, and incandescent lights were replaced with compact fluorescent models.
“While the contest only allows our makeover team to provide energy efficiency applications to one family, everyone can learn from the components used to make the Ferrells’ home more comfortable and energy efficient,” noted Doug White, vice president of systems services for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.
Tags: Commitment to Community, Energy Efficiency, Local Initiatives