I got a jump on my 2006 escape thee other day now my power locks are sluggish. Any suggestions on how I can go about locating the problem and a cheap fix?

 

Why did you get a 'jump'? If the battery is on its way out, the voltage available to run the little motors that move the lock mechanisms will be lower, and the motors will run slower.
I would check battery resting voltage and engine running voltage. If the alternator is working, the voltage will be in the 13-14v+ range. Definitely higher than battery voltage, which should be 12.7x, not just '12v', for a fully charged battery. Both voltages will provide information on the battery and the alternator condition.
Replacing the alternator is not fun, so be sure before making a decision to replace.

If your voltages are ok, then figure you have gummy linkages, frayed wires supplying power to the motors, worn brushes on the motors, dirty contacts, and 12.3 bazillion other things that can go wrong. In that case, my only suggestion is to pull the door panels for inspection of the wires, motors, and linkages.
tom