News Releases

To addressees: This is a test of the PR Newswire broadcast fax and e-mail

system. Please ignore this message and e-mail me (Connie Lessard) when you receive it. Some will receive this as an e-mail and others will receive it as

a fax at home.

Allentown, Pa. -- A building contractor Paul knows gave him some energy- saving tips that can be built into a new home. If you're considering building, try incorporating these features in your new home.

Have the building contractor specify double glazing on all windows. It can reduce heat transmission up to 50 percent. Additionally, a double-doored foyer will enhance architectural styling of the house and prevent air leakage at the same time.

Have all passages or openings between unfinished attics and heated spaces closed and sealed. Be sure to seal off cracks around attic doors.

A multilevel house design will have a smaller roof area for a given amount of living space and less heat will be lost. A two-story house, for example, loses about 15 percent less heat than a single level home.

Insulate exterior walls with material having an R-value of at least 11 (three-and-a-half inch mineral wool batts or their equivalent). Ceiling insulation should have an R-value of at least 19 (six-inch mineral wool batts or their equivalent).

One inch or more of perimeter insulation should be used for on-grade slabs and footings.

Consider designing your house with fewer or smaller windows. As much as 40 percent of all heating loss occurs at windows and doors. Tight construction should be demanded of door and window installers. Cracks between frames and walls should be sealed with mineral wool or foam.

  Contact:   Connie Lessard, 610.774.5071
             PPL
             Two North Ninth St.
             Allentown, Pa. 18101
             Fax (610) 774-5281

SOURCE: PPL Corporation