OAK BROOK, IL--(Marketwire - Dec 16, 2011) - On December 15, Ace Hardware, the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the industry, traveled to Fort Hood, Texas, and provided military families on the Fort Hood Army Base, the largest active-duty military installation in the United States, with over 72,000 energy-efficient light bulbs. The free supply of light bulbs was intended to help residents of the Fort Hood Army Base turn their home maintenance to-do list into a to-done list as they prepare for new energy-efficient lighting standards scheduled to take effect in early 2012.
According to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, 100-watt general service incandescent light bulbs can no longer be manufactured for the United States, beginning in 2012. This change will be the first of several phase-outs over the next two years, with 75-watt incandescent bulbs no longer made in 2013, followed by the 60- and 40-watt incandescent bulbs phasing out in 2014. As a result, consumers will need to transition to energy-efficient light bulbs for their lighting needs, such as CFLs (compact florescent bulbs), LEDs (light-emitting diode) and energy-efficient halogen options.
"CFL and LED alternatives are about 70 percent more energy efficient and can last up to ten times longer than older incandescent bulbs. Not only do you get energy savings, but also cost savings," said Lou Manfredini, Ace Hardware's Home Expert. "At Ace consumers will find a full selection of these energy-efficient lighting options plus helpful associates to guide people through this change."
As incandescent bulbs begin to be phased out, Ace is lighting the way for consumers, starting with military families at the Fort Hood Army Base. While on base, Ace set-up an education event led by Manfredini to help families understand the new lighting standards and energy-efficient light bulb options currently available at their neighborhood Ace Hardware stores. Ace also donated an assortment of free GE® energy-efficient light bulbs in varying wattages to each family and helped one lucky family update their entire homes' lighting accordingly through an on-site raffle at the event.
"We relished this opportunity to promote energy conservation to our residents," said Mack Quinney, Fort Hood Family Housing Project Director. "Thanks to Ace Hardware, we helped further our sustainable culture of teaching our local community how we all can make a difference, one bulb at a time."
Ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Home Improvement Stores for the Fifth Consecutive Year," according to J.D. Power and Associates, Ace prides itself on being helpful inside and outside its store walls. In fact, Ace offers a full selection of new lighting options and the helpful associates to guide homeowners to the right bulbs for their home. Its helpful service and extensive lighting portfolio will leave consumers confident with their purchase as they update their home's lighting and venture into new and different options.
For more information on Ace Hardware's lighting portfolio, stop by your local Ace Hardware store or visit www.acehardware.com.
About Ace Hardware
For more than 85 years, Ace Hardware has been known as the helpful hardware store in thousands of communities across America. Customers depend on Ace to help them take care of their homes quickly and easily so they can get on with their lives. In 2011, Ace ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among Home Improvement Stores for the Fifth Consecutive Year," according to J.D. Power and Associates. With 4,500 locally owned and operated hardware stores, Ace is the largest hardware cooperative in the industry. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace currently operates 14 distribution centers in the U.S. It also has distribution capabilities in Shanghai, China; Panama City, Panama; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Its retailers' stores are located in all 50 states and more than 60 countries. For more information on Ace, visit www.acehardware.com.
Disclaimer
Ace Hardware received the highest numerical score among retail stores in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2007-2011 Home Improvement Retail Store Studies(SM). 2011 based on responses from 6,985 consumers measuring 7 stores and opinions of consumers who purchased a home improvement product or service within the previous 12 months. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed March-April 2011. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com
