McAllen family receives makeover on home, utility bill

McALLEN – Evelyn Quintero never thought much about utility bills.

But as she dodged seven South Texas College students renovating her family’s McAllen home for energy efficiency Monday, the 18-year-old said she was beginning to learn about conservation.

“I was more involved with my life and didn’t think about lighting or electricity,” Quintero said. “I’ll be much more aware now. I’ll try to learn more so I can save money but also help the environment.”

The recipient of a $500 home energy makeover from TXU Energy, Quintero said her family expects to see a reduction in their electric bill right away.

The renovation project brought energy-saving light bulbs, water heater insulation, window solar screens, a programmable thermostat and more to the Quintero home – small fixes that can help families lower their utility costs during the nation’s economic downturn, TXU spokeswoman Sophia Stoller said.

“We want to educate how simple it is to conserve energy and save money,” she said. “All the way from the mansions to lower income homes, we all can afford this and can get money back.”

An entire home makeover might not be realistic for most families, but spending few extra dollars for compact fluorescent light bulbs and insulating electrical outlets, doors and windows are small investments every resident could make, said Stoller.

The Quintero renovations were TXU and STC’s second partnership, which also provides training hours for students from the college’s Electrician Assistant and the Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology certification programs.

Last fall, TXU and STC made similar improvements to a family who lived on food bank assistance. The family saw nearly 20 percent reductions in their electric bills, Stoller said.

Student Martin Lopez’s utility bill decreased at least 10 percent by making some similar changes to his own house.

“Precisely because of this economy, I did it,” said Lopez, 42. “I know it takes a little more up front, but I get it back later.

“It’s not ripping down the house. Any do-it-yourselfer can make the changes.”

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Neal Morton covers education and general assignments for The Monitor. He can be reached at (956)683-4472.