Four Arkansans win Energy Efficiency Mini Makeover
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: August 11, 2011
The winners were selected from applications submitted for a recent statewide energy makeover contest.
The mini makeovers are designed to demonstrate that a modest investment can make homes more energy efficient and comfortable.
"Members who have won in the past have seen an immediate improvement in their electric use and comfort of their homes," said Tonya Everhart, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. "We are confident that each of this year's winners will have the same experience."
The winners will receive a complete diagnostic energy audit before the energy efficient measures are implemented and after they are complete. The audit includes a blower door test to identify areas of outside air infiltration and a thermal imaging camera to locate areas where more insulation and caulking is needed.
Improvements to be made to the homes range from installation of an energy efficient Marathon water heater, a heating and cooling system tune-up, a programmable thermostat to installation of compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout the home. Contractors will also inspect and repair duct work where needed and install additional attic and floor insulation. Extensive caulking and weather-stripping around windows and doors will be installed to prevent air infiltration and leakage. The value of each mini makeover will be approximately $5000.
The winners of the mini makeovers are: Debbie Newlon of Bauxite, Brian and Madison Sanders of Austin, Ronald and Ashley Tippen of Houston, and John and Linda Gunnell of DeWitt.
First Electric serves over 86,000 members throughout parts of 17 counties in central and southeast Arkansas with full service district offices in Benton, Heber Springs, Jacksonville, Perryville and Stuttgart.

