Local Family Wins Home Energy Makeover Contest

After a brief home energy assessment, the Muchesko family learned they could reduce their heating and cooling bills by completing a whole house makeover. What they didn't know is that they would be getting it all for free.

The Muchesko family lives inside a 2,400-square-foot home in Seward. It was built in 1983, but had developed some mold and moisture issues. Laura Muchesko said entering the contest was easy.

"I was paying the electric bill," said Laura Muchicko. "It was one little icon in the bottom corner [that said] enter this contest to win a home energy makeover contest. I clicked on it, entered the info and that was it."

Part of First Energy's Whole House System Makeover contest, improvements included extensive air sealing of the ceilings, wall and floors. The water heating system was replaced with a geo spring hybrid water heater. And originally electric baseboards were used to heat the home, but now they have a heat pump system, which allows for even more energy savings. The family was told they won a $10,000 energy makeover, but Muchesko said it ended up totaling more than that.

"It's been a downhill battle, but when we won this contest it changed our lives," said John Muchesko. "It's worth about $25,000 worth of repairs."

While all the improvements still run on electric, the home's usage has been nearly cut in half. That means the Mucheskos will only be paying half of what their utility bills used to be. The family says they've already noticed a difference. They feel like they have a brand new home

Officials say there were more than 400 applicants for the contest, which were then narrowed down to 15 finalists before the Mucheskos were picked as the grand prize winner. The family did say there is a key to winning; make sure you check the entry box on your utility bill.