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Jodi knows all too well that energy bills can really add up for a family of six. Jodi, her four children and her grandmother keep the water heater and appliances buzzing with laundry, showers, cooking and dishwashing. In the winter, Jodi's inefficient heating system struggles to fight the chill while she works to keep up with daunting heating costs. When she bought her 1975, three-bedroom home three years ago, Jodi knew it needed work. The heating system doesn't operate properly, the home has very little insulation and the original single-pane windows let warm air out and cold air in in winter. Lots of heat escapes from the drafty unfinished garage, which the family uses as additional living space and heats with portable electric heaters. In summer, the house is uncomfortably warm. "There's a lot to do, but I've just been able to save for one project at a time," says Jodi. She has replaced her dishwasher with an ENERGY STAR® model and and is gradually switching to energy-saving compact fluorescent light bulbs. Jodi's Home Energy Makeover will include upgrades such as a high-efficiency electric heat pump, energy-efficient electric water heater, insulation, air and duct sealing and energy-efficient windows, all provided by the contest sponsors. Jodi can expect to see her energy costs shrink by as much as 50 percent. "My kids were so excited that we won the energy makeover," says Jodi. "It will make such a big difference." Follow Jodi and Family's makeover story. Subscribe to our e-newsletter. MAKEOVER GAME PLAN Home Energy Makeover sponsors are providing the following energy-saving improvements for Jodi’s home:
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House Stats
Progress Reports The Unveiling See the makeover in action Click HD “off” in upper right of the video frame if videos load or play slowly.Meet Jodi and Family Energy Advisor Update from Ben Scott: |
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Even though Jodi’s home was built just 30 years ago, a number of improvements will greatly improve its energy efficiency. We’ll be replacing the electric furnace with a high-efficiency heat pump that will dramatically reduce heating costs and provide cooling. To make the new system operate most efficiently, we’ll be sealing the ductwork to ensure it’s not leaking into the crawlspace anymore. The water heater will also be replaced with an energy-efficient electric model that meets the demands of the busy Parker family. Additionally, we’ll install high-efficiency windows to help keep the home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. With these changes, we’re confident we can help Jodi cut her energy costs by up to 50 percent.