07/25/16   Hampton Couple Wins An Energy Makeover 

Tim and Shelia Bastien of Hampton, Ouachita Electric Coop members, was one of 17 homes that will soon become much more energy efficient thanks to the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas 9^th Annual Energy Efficiency Makeover contest.

The 17 winning members' homes will each receive up to 5 thousand dollars in energy efficiency improvements. According to Bret Curry, manager of residential energy marketing for the Electric Coops of Arkansas, hundreds of electric coop members from across the state submitted applications. Cooperative representatives objectively selected 17 winning homes with above average electrical consumption per square foot of living space.

Each winner receives a comprehensive energy audit that includes a blower door air infiltration test, a ductwork leakage test and infrared thermal imaging scan. Upon diagnosis of the energy problems, a team of experts will properly install additional attic insulation, seal and insulate whole house attic fans and attic  access points, caulk and seal unwanted leaks, reconnect, seal and insulate the duct work.

Other area winners included Earlene McBride of Star City and Hunter Smith of Crossett.