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Energy Saving Devices Supplied In Some Sebring Homes

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Brian Peterson with Progess Energy explains to area residents how to determine if they have a leak in their toilet during the kickoff of the Neighborhood Energy Saver program Tuesday at the Boys and Girls Club in Sebring. The program targets the Washington Heights area.

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By MANDY SHEETS | Highlands Today

Published: May 27, 2008

SEBRING — Free was the key word of the day Tuesday as Progress Energy kicked off its Neighborhood Energy Saver program.

"Free is a great four-letter word that we love to use," Mayor George Hensley said. "We are very pleased Progress Energy is starting this free program in Sebring."

Sebring is the sixth city in the state where Progress Energy has implemented the program, which targets the low-income area near the Washington Heights neighborhood.

The project will make improvements at no cost to participants, including compact fluorescent lighting, water-heater wraps and insulation for water pipes, water conservation shower heads and faucets, refrigerator-coil cleaning and brush, a year's supply of air filters and additional weatherization measures.

"We have a really cool job because we get to go into people's houses and give them all kinds of free stuff and show them how to use it to save more money," said Mark McCloud, who installs energy-saving devices in customers' houses.

Mary Richardson learned about the coil brush she can use to clean her refrigerator coils and dryer vent and a cover for the window air conditioner that keeps cold air from coming in during the winter months.

"This is all very educational and informative," Richardson said. "I never even knew all this existed, and it can help me save money."

Progress Energy estimates the cost-saving techniques implemented through the program save about $150 per house per year on energy bills.

"There are simple things you can do on a daily or routine basis to sustain savings for a long time in the future," said Lee Guthrie, an energy efficiency specialist for Progress Energy.

McCloud said contractors complete a survey of the house, install energy-saving devices and educate the residents about how to use them correctly and maintain them. Thermometers are installed in the freezer and refrigerator so the temperatures of each can be monitored and easily adjusted. Changing air filters every month allows the air conditioner to function more efficiently. Using energy-efficient light bulbs not only leads to a cost savings, but residents don't have to change them as often.

Joanne Hinton said she is very excited to work with the contractors to make her home more energy efficient.

"I try to fix things by myself, but it's hard work," Hinton said. "To have someone come out and do this for me is a real blessing."

Brenda Schell, senior energy efficiency advisor for Progress Energy, said the Neighborhood Energy Saver program targets a specific area of Sebring, but options are available for all Progress Energy customers.

Free home energy checkups are available for some home and small business owners.

"A representative will walk through your home with you and discuss the same energy-saving techniques we offer through the Neighborhood Energy Saver program," Schell said. "Progress Energy will even share in the costs of making energy efficiency improvements to your home."

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