Home Gets Energy Makeover

Tulsan Betty Flippo knew her home was drafty, but wasn't in a position to do anything about it.

"My husband died and I couldn't do it anyway, and I didn't have the funds to do it with anyway," said Betty Flippo.

So, she continued to pay higher than normal utility bills. Until  the Oklahoma Energy Resources Board came to her rescue. They are contributing $250,000 to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce's weather assistance program to help people like Betty use their energy more efficiently.

"We have already committed $1.75 million to weatherizing homes around the state. We are approaching 800 homes, and this is one of our homes that we are doing extreme energy makeover on. But, what you'll find is there are things that are not extreme that will save you energy and money," said OERB Executive Director Mindy Stitt.

Like the energy saving florescent light bulb they are installing, the thermal blanket for Betty's water heater and the weather stripping they are putting on her attic door. But, why are they caulking Betty's windows?

"There was a lot of air, cold air, whenever she tried to cool her home coming out from her home through the cracks in the windows and the holes in her walls," said Reggie Owings, weatherization expert.

And Betty could see a 30% reduction in her energy bills with just these few quick fixes. So, what does Betty think about this program?

"I think it's needed and I think there's people like myself who couldn't do it financially and they need it done, and if the learn about it maybe they can get help," said Betty Flippo.