Just like a regular medical checkup can help promote good health, a home energy checkup can help promote energy efficiency and reduce energy use. Reliant Energy customers in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex can sign up for a free home checkup to help make sure their homes are in good energy shape for winter and next summer.

"Improving a home's energy efficiency is good for customers' pocketbooks and the environment," said Bill Clayton, Vice President of Customer Care Operations, Reliant Energy. "Our service helps customers understand how they are using energy in their home and what they can do right now to be more energy efficient. That helps them manage their energy use, spend less on their electricity bills and contribute to a cleaner environment."

Reliant's Home Energy Checkup provides customers with a personalized analysis of how their home is using -- and possibly losing -- energy. During the checkup, Reliant's energy consultants spend approximately one hour with customers in their homes, discussing their electricity consumption and pointing out where energy-saving improvements can be made.

Customers receive a detailed report with energy saving tips and energy efficiency recommendations, ranging from adding insulation to installing a programmable thermostat.

"This program helps customers have more control over their energy use," said Clayton. "With the home checkup, customers will get personalized energy-saving suggestions ranging from easy, no-cost ideas like turning off computers and office equipment when they are not in use to making significant improvements like replacing an outdated heating and air conditioning system."

The home checkup is free for Reliant Energy customers and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. It includes personalized energy-saving solutions as well as a bill analysis to review current product pricing and discuss plan options.

Customers will receive a leave-behind guide with tips on how to efficiently operate their heating and cooling systems, home appliances and lighting. The leave-behind guide also offers tips on reducing energy loss through windows and attic space, which without adequate insulation can lose up to 40 percent of heated or cooled air.

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