One local homeowner will win up to $10,000 in home energy upgrades to lower energy bills and increase comfort, through the Richmond Region Energy Alliance's Richmond Home Energy Makeover Contest, which opened today and will continue through Aug. 26.

Ten finalists will also win free home energy assessments valued at $300.  Local nonprofits can also take part in the Contest’s Nonprofit Challenge for a chance to win a $1,000 cash prize.

“This is an exciting opportunity for homeowners in Richmond to finally take control of their home energy bills,” said Bill Greenleaf, executive director of the Richmond Region Energy Alliance. “With home energy improvements, one lucky homeowner will win once and save forever. We hear from homeowners all the time that they are paying too much on their energy bills while still suffocating in their homes during our hot and humid summers – and then shivering in frigid rooms in the winter. The Richmond Home Energy Makeover Contest is a free and easy way to enjoy your home again.”

The contest is open to single family homeowners who reside in the counties of Henrico, Hanover, Chesterfield, Goochland, Powhatan, New Kent and Charles City, the City of Richmond and the Town of Ashland

To enter, visit http://www.rrea-va.org/contest  .

Contest entry involves completion of a five-minute form that will create a personalized home energy report that identifies what your energy bills are paying for and outlines simple ways you can cut those costs.

The Richmond Region Energy Alliance is a community-based nonprofit that provides tips for homeowners to solve their high home energy bills and comfort issues through home energy improvements. The contest is sponsored by Carrier Corp and EarthCraft Virginia.

Home energy improvements for the grand prize winner will range from small to large solutions and often include air and duct sealing, HVAC upgrades, insulation, sealing and/or replacing windows and doors, lighting and appliance upgrades.

The winner will be selected at the end of September, and the improvement work will be scheduled in October in coordination with the homeowner.