KLAMATH FALLS, OR--(Marketwire - March 31, 2010) - Thinking they had escaped the steep living costs of New York City, new homeowners Jeanne McCabe and John Reis of Katonah, New York, were in for quite a shock when they received their first heating oil bill that totaled more than $1,000.
"I literally cried when I received it in the mail," said McCabe.
Luckily for the couple, their outrageous energy tab earned them the top spot as winners of JELD-WEN's Utility Bill Bailout, a search to find the nation's worst monthly utility bill.
The couple's home, a 1,900-square-foot house built in 1971, is a prime candidate for an energy efficiency overhaul, which is exactly what they'll receive from JELD-WEN Windows & Doors, a 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year recipient.
This spring, JELD-WEN will provide the homeowners with new windows and doors designed to improve their home's energy efficiency and comfort. To take a bite out of those high heating costs, ENERGY STAR qualified JELD-WEN vinyl windows will replace the 40-year-old drafty single-pane aluminum windows.
"Anyone who lives in a cold weather region, like New York, and has aluminum windows should definitely consider replacing them with new vinyl or wood units as they'll see a dramatic difference in their home's energy efficiency," said Les Stephens, a product marketing manager for JELD-WEN. "There's no doubt that Jeanne and John will realize significant savings in their heating costs for many years to come."
The couple's home overlooks a beautiful view of the Katonah village, but their inefficient windows have prevented them from enjoying their surroundings.
"We fell in love with the house for the view, but we've been unfortunately forced to keep the curtains closed most of the time to help lower our heating bills," said McCabe. "We are trying to save energy in every way we can. We have taped, sealed, and caulked, but sadly our efforts have had limited effects."
McCabe and Reis are not alone in their struggles with outrageous energy bills. In fact, currently in homes across the country there are more than one billion single-pane windows that unnecessarily increase utility bills each month.
Energy efficient windows are one of the best long-term solutions to seal the exterior shell of a home, which can improve comfort, lower energy use and lead to lower utility bills. According to the most recent ENERGY STAR research, homeowners can save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling costs (or up to 10 percent on their total annual energy bill) by sealing and insulating their home.
About JELD-WEN
For 50 years, JELD-WEN has built its reputation as the world's most reliable manufacturer of windows and doors. Today the company offers a full breadth of stylish windows, interior, exterior and garage doors, and has earned numerous awards and endorsements for dependability, innovation and excellence. With a strong commitment to sustainability, JELD-WEN also is a recognized leader in manufacturing energy efficient products -- providing solutions that deliver exceptional value for builders, architects and homeowners all over the globe. The company captured its second ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award in 2010. For more information about JELD-WEN, or to find a dealer near you, visit www.jeld-wen.com or call 800-877-9482.
Contact Information:
Contact: Stefanie Week, CMD on behalf of JELD-WEN, 503-274-7006 or
