ENERGYWORKS ENABLES AREA HOMEOWNERS TO ENJOY STRESS-FREE VACATIONS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) August 10, 2011 -- Few things unravel a weekend ‘down the shore’ like wondering whether you’ll come home to a broken air conditioner. Homeowners who make energy-efficient upgrades through the EnergyWorks program can relax and play a bit longer in the sand. They've likely sealed their homes to better retain cooled air, making the wait for a repair technician tolerable. If you’re unsure what a blown AC or even a power outage—planned or unplanned—could mean for your family’s comfort, the EnergyWorks program can help.

EnergyWorks is a program that brings together all available rebates, tax credits, and low-interest loans with the expertise of certified building analysts and qualified contractors to make home energy efficiency upgrades more affordable and accessible than ever.

As CNN details how record electricity usage of 150,000 megawatts—the equivalent of 150,000,000 air conditioners running at full power—is straining the nation’s power grid (CNN Heat Wave July 22, 2011), repair technicians across the country are receiving calls to restore overstressed AC units. Emergency appliance repairs can also wreak havoc on a household budget. EnergyWorks homeowners can save up to 20% or more on their monthly utility bills, which can offset unexpected expenses while reducing energy usage.

According to EnergyWorks partner, Jack Strong, Manager of Smart Energy Solutions at the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA), easy ways to immediately cut energy usage and costs are:
1. Air Seal the Whole House – Air sealing leaks in your home prevents cool air from escaping and stops hot humid air from entering. And, making sure your windows are air sealed is just as important as replacing your old windows with energy-efficient ones.
2. Turn Your Thermostat Up – Auto-setting your thermostat to 75-80 degrees will ensure consistent and comfortable temperature in your home, day and night, plus save you money on your next utility bill. You’ll be even more comfortable if you turn on your ceiling fans to create a nice breeze.

3. Reduce Oven Use – Turning on your kitchen oven will make your home even hotter in sweltering temperatures. Cook with an energy-efficient microwave, which can save up to 80% energy or, grill outdoors to save on energy altogether.

WPVI Channel 6’s Kenneth Moton reports PECO has been able to keep pace with area residents’ electricity demands, even if some customers are nervous to see their bills. (PECO Nears Record As Heat Wave Continues) The U.S. Department of Energy recommends switching to a programmable thermostat, since they can store and repeat six or more temperature settings a day, automatically reducing usage when you’re asleep or away. (U.S. Department of Energy's Thermostats and Controls) The government agency also offers additional energy-efficient and money-saving tips on its Energy Savers Facebook page. (Energy Savers)

Through the EnergyWorks program, an approved building analyst evaluates your current energy situation and provides a customized report with specific recommendations to help you reduce energy waste, achieve better air quality and save on your utility bills. This includes helping to identify such rebate programs, as PECO’s Smart Ideas© and PGW’s EnergySense© programs.

Now through Labor Day (September 5), EnergyWorks is featuring a special promotional home energy assessment rate of $150 - that’s more than 60% off the original cost. To learn more and to sign up for a home energy assessment, visit EnergyWorksNow.com.

If you’re a business owner in the Greater Philadelphia region, you can also visit EnergyWorksNow.com to learn how EnergyWorks can make your energy-efficient commercial upgrade project more affordable.

EnergyWorks is a program of the Metropolitan Caucus and U.S. Department of Energy’s Better Buildings Program for residents in the Greater Philadelphia area.

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