COLORADO ENERGY SCIENCE CENTER ANNOUNCES ENERGY MAKEOVER CONTEST WINNERS

The contest in partnership with Xcel Energy brought in more than 9,000 applicants in six weeks

Colorado Energy Science Center (CESC) and Xcel Energy partnered to launch the Energy Makeover Contest, which ran from Sept. 1 – Oct. 15. Over 9,000 homeowners applied to the contest, sure evidence of the need to improve the energy efficiency in many Colorado homes. The two grand prize winners received over $25,000 in energy efficiency improvements and were featured on the KUSA show Colorado & Company (10-11 am). CESC and Xcel Energy surprised the two winners by showing up in person, with balloons, a large “Winners” yard sign, and a video crew to capture the moment.

The two grand prize winners are Patricia Ganz and Harry Chapel of Aurora and Kara Culpepper and Terri Haley of Arvada. Both homes will see significant benefits in reducing energy bills and improving home comfort.

Mrs. Ganz learned about the contest while at work for a large retailer, watching a TV segment in the break room. Patricia works days and her husband, Harry Chapel, works nights for a plastics company, in order to take care of their three sons. Patricia has lived in her Aurora home since she was five years old, and bought it from the family in the 80s when her father passed away. The couple has been trying to budget for energy efficiency upgrades for a number of years, but the costs were just out of reach. An energy analysis has already been completed and it shows that the energy makeover efficiency measures should cut energy costs about 40%.

Ms. Culpepper is a single mother raising her teenage children, Jordan and Joshua, and works as a legal assistant. Ms. Culpepper learned of the contest from her mother. Kara’s roommate and co-owner, Terri Haley, cried when she learned of winning the prize. Terri was at work, and Jordan sent her a text message when CESC and Xcel Energy showed up at the front door. Kara and Terri say this house was the coldest they have ever lived in, and know of homes twice the size with half the energy bills. The energy makeover measures should cut energy costs by about 40% in this home as well.

Xcel Energy and CESC decided to launch this contest to educate homeowners on how to save money on their energy bills and improve their home comfort. CESC is a non profit energy education organization trusted by homeowners to provide reliable, objective information on home energy efficiency. CESC publishes a magazine called Smart Energy LivingTM, holds regular workshops and offers an individual membership program. Ongoing workshops are planned to educate Colorado homeowners on what they can do in their homes. Visit the workshop page for details.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY UPGRADES
The Energy Makeover is a complete efficiency upgrade package, including donated products and services from 23 Colorado companies. The sponsors are listed below.

ENERGY RATINGS
Computer modeling has been performed to determine which are the most cost-effective improvements while showing the family how much they can expect to save.

Lightly Treading, Energy & Design is serving as the energy consultants and project managers for the Ganz/Chapel home.

Built Wright, Inc. is serving as the energy consultants and project managers for the Culpepper/Haley home.

GENERAL CONTRACTORS & ELECTRICAL
The general contractors are working hand-in-hand as project managers with the energy raters. The general contractors are working to ensure a smooth installation schedule, and that the projects meet or exceed pertinent building codes.

Lahr Construction is the general contractor for the Ganz/Chapel home.

All About Saving Heat and Windows Inc. "Conservation and Comfort Contracting since 1975" is the general contractor for the Culpepper/Haley home.

SJO Electric is providing electrical upgrade work for both homes.

INSULATION
Allied Insulation is installing insulation in the attic, walls, basement and crawl spaces to keep the home energy efficient all year round in both homes. Allied Insulation is a Masco company.

Johns Manville is providing fiberglass insulation for one home and GreenFiber cellulose insulation for one home.

HEATING, AIR CONDITIONING & WATER HEATERS
American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning is providing a 93% two stage variable speed furnace with an indoor comfort coil, and an American Standard 14 SEER dual fuel heat pump system which can be up to 5 times as efficient as a typical heating and air conditioning system for the Ganz/Chapel home. Cool Sunshine, Inc. is installing the American Standard system, and the A.O. Smith water heater.

Rocky Mountain Trane is providing the Super efficient, XL16i 2 stage, Dual Fuel heating and cooling system, with a variable speed indoor fan for the Culpepper/Haley home. This system provides the ultimate in energy conservation, while providing maximum comfort levels, based on the outdoor weather conditions. A Trane Perfect Fit Electronic Air Cleaner, and Trane Humidifier will round out the Trane product offering for the best high efficiency, ideal Home Environment. Bel-Air Plumbing & Heating Inc. is installing the new Trane system, and an A.O. Smith water heater.

DUCT CLEANING
Ductworks, Inc. providing each home a Complete Ventilation Cleaning Package, utilizing a patented system that simultaneously scrapes and vacuums debris from the walls and air ducts. A key to efficient heating and air conditioning operation is ductwork cleaning.

DUCT SEALING
Duct sealing is a relatively new technology that works by isolating leaks in the air duct system and sealing them through the computer-controlled injection of safe aerosol particles. The technology was developed at U.C. Berkeley in 1994 with funding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy, and others. This will dramatically improve home comfort and enhance indoor air quality.

Aeroseal of the Rockies is providing the duct sealing for the Ganz/Chapel home.

Air Flow Solutions & Heat Exchange are providing the duct sealing for the Culpepper/Haley home.

WINDOWS
Accent Windows is custom manufacturing and installing its top-of-the line signature windows, as well as new sills and a Silensia series patio door for the Ganz/Chapel home. The signature series windows have a high R Value and feature a LoElite Heat Mirror glass with an Argon/Krypton gas fill.

Champion Windows, Siding & Patio Rooms is custom manufacturing and installing custom made, energy efficient vinyl replacement windows for the Culpepper/Haley home. Champion is excited about the energy savings, beauty and interior comfort Ms. Culpepper and Ms. Haley, and their family will be able to enjoy.

WINDOW COVERINGS
Professional measuring and installation of Duette Honeycomb Shades from Hunter Douglas is being provided by The Blind Spot as new energy efficient window coverings for both homes.