For More Information:
Sue O’Brien, Colle+McVoy
612-305-6110 (work)
319-231-6129 (cell)
sue.obrien@collemcvoy.com 

Attachment: IBS Freewatt 

LAS VEGAS (January 20, 2009) – For much of the United States, high heating bills have become as synonymous with winter as snowplows and ski trips. But this winter, a new home energy technology will allow homeowners to turn home heating into power generation.

The freewatt^® technology, which is manufactured by ECR International, uses micro-combined heat and power (micro-CHP) technology and combines a furnace and generator to make electricity and heat the home.

Developed with support from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), freewatt is featured in the American Gas Industry Showroom at the International Builders Show (IBS), the world’s largest light construction show.

“Today freewatt is the only system available that heats the home while producing electricity,” said Maggie Reed Lutz, ECR International senior marketing representative. “Homeowners who operate freewatt for an average of 4,000 hours a year can produce nearly 5,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity, which not only saves money but reduces their carbon footprint by up to 6,000 pounds of greenhouse gases per year. Meanwhile, freewatt is significantly more efficient at producing electricity than the electric utility, using 60 percent less fuel.”

Using the concept of net metering, electricity not immediately used in the home will spin the electric meter backward to gain a credit toward the electric bill for electricity generated by the homeowner’s system. In areas where net metering isn’t available, homeowners may be able to sell unused electricity back to the energy grid.

Tracy Burleson, PERC director of residential trade outreach and partnerships, cited a recent PERC-sponsored study in which 80 percent of surveyed homeowners said they were concerned about their homes’ energy efficiency.

“Homeowners are increasingly interested in using energy-efficient appliances,” she said. “We’re excited to support freewatt in developing this breakthrough technology and making the system accessible for homeowners. PERC’s investment in funding the research and development for the propane freewatt system helps address the more than 50 percent of homeowners who are interested in home appliances that make their home more energy-efficient. ”

The freewatt  technology is currently available to consumers who use natural gas. A propane version, freewatt Plus, will feature backup power capability and is expected to be available by spring 2009.  Homeowners may now install a freewatt-ready system in preparation for the freewatt Plus version, and systems can be installed in both new and existing construction by certified professionals. Both warm air and forced hot water distribution systems have freewatt system solutions.

For additional information about the freewatt system or building with propane, visit PERC at booth N2617 at the 2009 International Builders’ Show or visit buildwithpropane.com. Information can also be found at freewatt.com.