[Ask Mr. Tight-Watt]
Ask Mr. Tight-Watt: Drafts
Thursday, May 01, 2008
This homeowner wants to know how to correct several drafty areas in his house.
Mr. Tight Watt asked for assistance from Jean Eells, E Resources Group in Webster City. E Resources Group provides education on the environment and energy and also provides evaluation services. Jean provides the answers below.
Q: I get a draft through my bathroom exhaust fan. It is vented in my att...
[Safety]
Electrical safety month: Shocking statistics
Monday, April 28, 2008
The life you save may be your own (or your child’s).
There are three areas of home electrical service that are cause for concern: fires, childhood electrical burns and electrocutions. The Electrical Safety Foundation International addresses these issues during electrical safety month … and provides easy, inexpensive ways to prevent these traged...
[Energy Efficiency]
Plant trees, says the DOE
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Temperatures under trees can be 25 degrees cooler than nearby blacktop!
The Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Solar is promoting tree-planting as one way to help reduce your energy costs.
That’s because heat absorbed through your windows and roof makes your air conditioner work harder and gobble up more electricity. But incorpo...
[Energy Efficiency]
Myth of the Month: Energy savings and HVAC
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Mr. Tight Watt tells the truth about energy savings.
Myth: Buying an efficient air conditioner or furnace will automatically reduce my energy bill.
Reality: This is true to some extent, but you won't realize all the possible savings if the equipment is not sized or installed properly.
Studies have shown that typical air conditioner and duct systems ...
[Energy Efficiency]
Outdoor security lighting
Thursday, May 01, 2008
National expert Jim Dulley answers a consumer’s question.
Dear Jim:
There were some break-ins in my neighborhood this past year, so I want to install some outdoor security lighting that can also be used when entertaining. What are my options and which are most efficient? - Ann J.
Dear Ann:
Installing outdoor lighting is one method to reduce the po...
[Environmental]
New life for old phones
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Don’t dump it when you’re done.
Cell phones have become an integral part of our everyday lives, allowing us to stay connected with friends, family and coworkers while on the go. Constantly evolving in appearance and high-tech features, we replace them frequently too—every 18 to 24 months, according to the Rechargeable Batter...
[Your Efficient, Comfortable, Safe Home]
Breathe easier: Allergy-proof your home
Monday, April 28, 2008
Improve the air quality in each room of your house.
Got the sniffles? Pollen may not be the only culprit. The list of possibilities for problems is nearly endless:
Poor indoor air circulation allows pollutants to accumulate in your home, where you spend a significant amount of time.
Carpet, plywood and other building materials expel forma...
[Family Finances]
Economic stimulus $$
Monday, April 28, 2008
Turn your “green” into more green.
Between now and early July, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will mail out more than 130 million economic stimulus checks to many Americans. Payments of $300 each to certain low-income recipients and $600 or $1,200 to single or married taxpayers, plus additional money for families with qualifying ...
[General Information]
Shop around for home help
Monday, April 28, 2008
Find the right contractor for your project.
This Iowa winter will be remembered as long and cold, but now that nice weather is here, it’s time to think about all those projects around the house. Finding the right pro to work with is essential for a positive outcome. When it comes to your largest financial investment, you can’t be ...
[Family Finances]
Is a home equity line of credit right for you?
Sunday, April 27, 2008
HELOC: A flexible option for home remodeling costs.
Are you considering a remodel to make your home more energy efficient, but can’t cover the cost upfront?
If you’re looking for a way to cover the cost of an ongoing remodeling project or another large expense, you may want to consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC). A HELOC is a f...
[Energy - General]
Energy information in plain language
Thursday, May 01, 2008
This government agency provides easy-to-understand info.
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) released a new series that explains important energy topics using plain language.
The new Energy in Brief series strives to make EIA information more accessible to energy novices. EIA is the source of official energy statistics from the U.S. Government,...
[Energy Efficiency]
Energy News from the Department of Energy
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Interesting news about energy in our world from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
The Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) newsletter, EERE Network News, published by the U.S. Department of Energy, covers national and international energy efficiency and renewable energy news, events, Web sites and energy facts.
Most recent issue of EERE News
EERE News Archives
...
[Seasonal Topics]
May holidays and observances
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Reach out to friends with a scrapbooking party, listen to a piece of radio history or take time to observe the night sky.
May 3
Not that you need a day set aside for it, but if you really, really love scrapbooking, there’s a holiday for you: National Scrapbooking Day. There will even be an “online crop” at 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on the event’s Web site.
May 6
“Oh, the huma...
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