[Energy Efficiency]
Making my home more energy efficient
Friday, December 28, 2007
Can this home be saved? Will our efforts pay off?
My name is Kathy Eastman; I'm the editor of Smart Choices newsletters for your electric cooperative. My family has lived in our central Iowa home for the past 13 years. And for all of those years, we have struggled with making our home more energy-efficient, seemingly with little success until now.
...
[Energy Efficiency]
Energy Myth of the Month: Heating
Friday, December 28, 2007
In honor of the colder temperatures, Mr. Tight Watt shares the true stories behind three heating myths.
Before your energy bills begin (or continue) to skyrocket, find out the truth behind three common misconceptions about heating your home.
Myth #1: If I set my thermostat high, my home will reach the desired temperature faster.
Fact: Cranking up your thermostat to a higher temperature wil...
[Energy Efficiency]
Make a few home resolutions
Friday, December 28, 2007
Ready your home for 2008
5-4-3-2-1 … Happy New Year! While you’re in the habit of finding ways to enhance your health, relationships and career, don’t forget home sweet home.
Remember old acquaintances. Check. Lose 10 pounds. Check. Get in shape. Check. Most of us aren’t strangers to New Ye...
[Education]
Build your knowledge
Friday, January 04, 2008
Two opportunities to learn more about energy efficient home building
Whether you are considering a minor home remodeling project or are a building contractor, your electric cooperative—in conjunction with other Touchstone Energy cooperatives in Iowa—is offering a duo of educational opportunities for you.
1. Build It Right. Join building expert Bi...
[Seasonal Topics]
Energy-efficient snow removal
Friday, December 28, 2007
Take a smart approach to getting rid of the white stuff
A fresh blanket of snow is prime material for snow angels, sledding and the occasional snowball fight, but it can make backing your car out of the driveway or navigating the sidewalk a real challenge. Luckily, you can remove snow and lessen your impact on the environment with these energy-efficient ...
[Seasonal Topics]
January holidays and observances
Sunday, December 23, 2007
This month's celebrations don’t end when you go back to work on January 2.
Ah, January, a time of cabin fever and the post-holiday blues. Lift yourself out of the winter doldrums by celebrating this month’s holidays and occasions with the suggestions below, or create your own observances.
January 3
Take a short person to lunch in honor of J. R. R. Tolkien, b...
[Heating & Cooling]
Heat your surroundings … radiantly
Friday, December 28, 2007
Step up to this energy-efficient heating method
Ahhh, wouldn’t it feel good this time of year to step onto a heated bathroom floor on a cold winter morning? Or wouldn’t you love it if your driveway and steps were heated so that snow and ice would melt?
Those ideas aren’t pipe dreams; they are indeed possible, for both indoor an...
[Energy Efficiency]
Build for energy efficiency
Friday, December 28, 2007
If you’re planning on buying or building a new home, look for one with the Energy Star—or Touchstone Energy—label.
What does it take for a home to be “blue” and “green” all the way through? Find out what to look for when building or buying an energy-efficient home.
Energy Star “blue”
You’ve heard about individual appliances with the blue Energy Star label, but did you ...
[Seasonal Topics]
Winter pet care
Friday, December 28, 2007
Don’t let the cold threaten your pets
Winter is a time of joy and wonder not experienced at any other time of the year. The joy of the first snow; sledding; ice skating; snowball fights; and, of course, the holiday season. But for our pets, it is also be a time of danger. Here are a few tips to help keep your dogs and cats safe and comf...
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