[Co-op EnergyCast]
EnergyCast: Tips for Controlling Energy Costs
Friday, March 26, 2010
View a presentation by expert Chad Reisenauer.
In the past 25 years, energy costs have risen 27%. That may sound like a lot, but compared to health care costs (185%) and a gallon of gasoline (91%), energy costs are still relatively stable.
However, it’s still good to know that there are actions you can take to decrease what you are spendi...
[Energy Efficiency]
Is It Time for New Windows?
Friday, March 26, 2010
2010 offers a window of opportunity with a tax credit; should you make the investment?
Replace or not? Not necessarily an easy call
The tax credit available through the end of 2010 provides 30 percent – up to $1,500 – for replacing windows and/or doors and for other weatherization projects. It sounds like a good deal; so how do you decide whether to take advantage of...
[Momentum is Building]
Sustainable Materials that Consumers Want
Friday, March 26, 2010
Conference speaker shares information about green materials.
Jeani Lee, Kitchen, Bath and Home, Ames, spoke to builders trades professionals at the annual Momentum Is Building conference in February. The information she shared with attendees is valuable information for consumers, also.
View her slide presentation.
Highlights of the presentation:
...
[Energy Efficiency]
Energy Star Improvements
Friday, March 26, 2010
Using the ENERGY STAR label for appliances.
Use of appliances accounts for about 25 percent of the average home's utility bill. Purchasing ENERGY STAR-labeled appliances is a way to help your household save energy and money.
ENERGY STAR has recently received criticism, including that from the Government Accounting Office, as a self-certifica...
[Seasonal Topics]
Energy-Efficient Spring Cleaning
Friday, March 26, 2010
Take this traditional rite of spring one step farther by lightening up on energy use.
After your home has been closed up through this long hard winter, it’s time to fling open the windows, sweep out the dust bunnies, and haul away accumulated debris.
In addition to sweeping, swiping, and swishing out the grime, spring is an excellent time to clean up your act to ensure energy ...
[Your Efficient, Comfortable, Safe Home]
Avoiding Wet Basements
Friday, March 26, 2010
With our wet spring, can you avoid leaks and drips “down under”?
As the snow quickly melts under the recent spring rains, our Iowa soils are saturated with moisture. That moisture can spell disaster for our basement areas, where water may seep, creep, or pour in. What’s a homeowner to do?
According to Iowa State University Extension, in a publication &ldqu...
[Education]
Annie’s Project
Friday, March 26, 2010
Farm management classes—just for women—are offered in our area.
“Oftentimes, women don’t feel as connected to the business of running the farm as their husband does,” says Bob Wells, ISU Extension Field Ag Economist. “But in case of their husband’s death or just to help in making critical decisions, farm women should feel empowered ...
[Weather]
Storm Safety
Friday, March 26, 2010
Spring inevitably brings storms to Iowa; take time now to prepare for your family’s safety.
News flashes from the National Weather Service: The average number of tornadoes in Iowa per year is 49 (although the 2009 figure was a low 25). And, flash flooding is the number one severe thunderstorm killer.
Spring storms can be dangerous … but often we don’t take the time to plan an...
[General Information]
Everyone Counts: 2010 Census
Friday, March 26, 2010
Take 10 minutes to fill out 10 easy questions.
You’ve probably received a letter from the U.S. Census Bureau that announced the imminent arrival of your census form. You may have already received your census form in the mail. And if so, hopefully you spent a few minutes to answer the questions and mail back your completed form. Doing so no...
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