The Dwyer Group Supports National Homeownership Month, Offers Tips to Keep Homes Healthy

In support of President George W. Bush's declaration naming June 2002 as National Homeownership Month, The Dwyer Group (NASDAQ:DWYR) and its subsidiary and affiliate companies have released the following tips for consumers to maintain their most important asset - a healthy home.

"It's clear that more Americans are realizing their dreams of owning a home," said Dina Dwyer-Owens, president and CEO of The Dwyer Group. "But with it comes the responsibility of maintaining, repairing and even improving one's home to protect that investment."

The following tips will assist in giving homes a long and healthy life:

1. The average American typically spends 44 percent of each utility bill on heating and cooling a home, so give your cooling system a tune-up every year. Equipment that is properly maintained runs more efficiently, functions safely, and helps save on energy costs.
2. When updating a bath or kitchen use "universal design," which can accommodate an aging and diverse population. Traditional design for able-bodied or non-elderly residents fits less than 15 percent of the population. 
3. Plumbing repairs can be costly. Avoid disasters before they happen by having the pipes inspected with a camera-operated system to spot weak areas, cracks, roots or other potential problems. 
4. To ensure most leading carpet manufacturers' warranties, use a professional carpet cleaning service at least every 18 months. It will extend the life of your carpet and also assist in reducing allergens and other pollutants. 
5. Don't waste energy when refrigerating food. Keep the refrigerator at 37 degrees, the freezer at zero degrees, and check the seal around the door by closing it on a dollar bill. If you feel resistance when trying to pull the dollar out, the seal is good. If not, you need the gasket replaced to avoid wasting energy and spoiling food. 
6. A home is robbed approximately every 10 seconds in America. To help keep this from happening to you, consider proper exterior lighting for increased safety. 
7. Check the energy-efficiency of your windows. In 1990 alone, the energy used to offset unwanted heat losses and gains through windows in the United States was $20 billion. 

During 2000, the U.S. homeownership rate reached a record 67.7 percent. As the trend continues, it becomes more important for The Dwyer Group?s subsidiary and affiliate companies to build upon their national network and offer reliable quality services for maintenance and repair to the residential market.

"Owning a home is an important achievement, and maintaining that home is an ongoing task," Dwyer-Owens said. "The goal of our companies is to make it all easier."

About The Dwyer Group:
The Dwyer Group Inc., based in Waco, Texas, is a public holding company that owns six franchisor corporations. Each corporation sells and supports a different service-based brand name Franchise under the following service marks: Aire Serv® Heating & Air Conditioning, Glass Doctor®, Mr. Appliance®, Mr. Electric®, Mr. Rooter® (Drain Doctor® in the UK), and Rainbow International® Carpet Care and Restoration Specialist. The Dwyer Group is also affiliated with another franchisor corporation named DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen by Worldwide® (an associate company). Collectively, the franchisees of these franchise concepts offer customers a broad base of residential and commercial services. The Dwyer Group concepts currently support over 900 franchisees in the United States and, through their master licensees, nearly 400 more franchisees in 24 other countries.