FPL gives homeowners an energy makeover

WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA - Florine Patrick was one of 50 homeowners in the Pleasant City neighborhood of West Palm Beach treated to a Home Energy Makeover recently.

Florida Power & Light energy consultants and 60 volunteers teamed with the city to perform energy efficient upgrades for 50 low-income homes in the historic community. To complete all 50 makeovers in one day, 12 teams of four to five volunteers that included FPL energy specialists visited the homes of residents who were pre-qualified through an application process with the city to identify homes in eligible low-income neighborhoods.

The teams, sometimes with the assistance of contractors, spent a few hours in each home, installing energy efficient upgrades from weather stripping and new air-conditioning filters, to repairing holes in ducts or closets that hampered air conditioning.

FPL has previously performed such energy makeovers in Sarasota and Broward counties.

Mayor Lois Frankel marked the event by proclaiming Nov. 13 Energy Awareness Day in West Palm Beach. Frankel said "It is my hope that all of our residents will be motivated to embrace energy-efficient practices in their own homes."