Energy Wars: A Showdown Between Sun vs. Snow Belt States

KLAMATH FALLS, OR--(Marketwire - January 14, 2010) - Despite the recent cold snap much of the country is experiencing, JELD-WEN's Utility Bill Bailout contest has seen a surprising surge of high energy bills from the Sun Belt states as part of the company's search for the worst utility bill in the nation. With just a few weeks remaining for entry submissions, nearly half of the 1,020 entries are from warm weather regions of the country, in particular California and Florida. JELD-WEN's Utility Bill Bailout is open for submissions through Jan. 29, 2010, at www.jeld-wen.com/bailout.

These results mirror the nation's efforts to support the increasing need to improve the energy efficiency of homes in warmer climates. According to the Energy Information Administration, states in hot climate zones received 31 percent of the $5 billion in stimulus money to weatherize homes this past year -- nearly double the percentage of funding that's been allocated to Sun Belt states in years past.

Yet as the recent cold weather snap indicates, high energy costs in winter months are still a major concern for many homeowners. In fact, last year's winner was from Maine where bitterly cold winters caused their heating bills to skyrocket to upwards of $1,000, earning them the grand prize from JELD-WEN, which helped cut their heating oil consumption nearly in half.

"Energy efficiency varies regionally," said Brian Hedlund, product manager for JELD-WEN. "Homeowners everywhere with high utility bills are strong candidates for energy efficient window and door replacements. This is a great opportunity to upgrade your windows and doors, save on energy bills and provide a fresh look for your home."

Bring on the Bailout

In an effort to help provide some relief to homeowners and prove the powerful difference that improving energy efficiency can make, JELD-WEN will award one homeowner with a complete window and door makeover by JELD-WEN, with the latest energy efficient technology designed to provide long-term fiscal relief. The winning home will also be featured on the Emmy-nominated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford®.

To enter, homeowners can submit their entry online at www.jeld-wen.com/bailout. The JELD-WEN Utility Bill Bailout contest runs through Jan. 29, 2010. Any 2009-2010 utility bill is eligible; one entry per household. Homeowners will be asked to submit their highest monthly utility bill and a brief story explaining why their home is deserving of an energy efficiency makeover. Complete contest rules are available at www.jeld-wen.com/bailout.

Saving Energy, Gaining Comfort

The previous contest winners, the Quimbys, installed new ENERGY STAR qualified JELD-WEN Vinyl windows and JELD-WEN AuraLast Wood door systems. In addition to the energy savings, the Quimbys have noticed a major difference in their home's comfort level.

The Quimbys are not alone in their energy savings. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical homeowner installing ENERGY STAR qualified windows can expect to realize savings ranging from $125 to $450 a year, depending on the region.

With the new federal tax credit, homeowners have even more incentive to replace older, inefficient products with high-performing models. Federal tax credits for qualified energy efficiency improvements related to items including windows and doors are available for up to $1,500. JELD-WEN offers a wide variety of energy efficient products. To determine the specific requirements and which JELD-WEN products qualify for the tax credits, visit www.jeld-wen.com/taxcredit.

Quotes:

"Energy efficiency varies regionally. Homeowners everywhere with high utility bills are strong candidates for energy efficient window and door replacements. This is a great opportunity to upgrade your windows and doors, save on energy bills and provide a fresh look for your home."

--Brian Hedlund, JELD-WEN product manager

"In these economic times, managing energy costs is a very important concern for homeowners for both budgetary and environmental reasons. One of the best long-term investments you can make in your home is to improve its outer envelope, which includes windows and doors. Not only will you reduce your energy bills, you'll add value to your home should you decide to sell it."

--Danny Lipford, host of Today's Homeowner and an expert on energy efficiency

Company Info:

JELD-WEN, the world's leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors, has long been a leader in producing energy efficient products, and an ENERGY STAR partner since 1998. Additional information can be found at www.jeld-wen.com.

The Emmy-nominated and nationally-syndicated TV show Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford® kicks off its 12th season on over 220 stations nationwide in September. Host Danny Lipford also regularly appears as a home expert for The Weather Channel, hosts his own weekly radio show Homefront, and is a contributing editor to Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

Links:

Submit your entry for the JELD-WEN Utility Bill Bailout at: www.jeld-wen.com/bailout

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Contact Information: Contact Info: CMD PR on behalf of JELD-WEN 503-274-7006