Connie Jefferies of Damascus, Arkansas has won the seventh annual energy efficiency manufactured home (MH) makeover contest sponsored by the Electric Cooperatives of AR, according to thv11.com. Bret Curry, manager of residential energy marketing for the cooperative, says 15 percent of the state’s housing stock is manufactured homes, and some have very high electric bills. Testing revealed 50 percent of the air volume in Jefferies’ 840 square foot MH was leaking to the outside due to improperly installed insulation, inefficient windows and HVAC system, resulting in $300 monthly electric bills. As the winner of up to a $50,000 upgrade, Jefferies will receive a geothermal heat pump, high-efficiency windows, energy efficient water heater, a high-density moisture barrier, foam insulation on the underside of the home, Energy Star appliances, and a high efficiency overlay comprised of foam, radiant barrier and metal roofing from Roof King. As Curry tells MHProNews, “The makeover project serves as a teaching resource for all Arkansans.” ##

(Photo credit: fotosearch.com–electric meter)