[Your Efficient, Comfortable, Safe Home]
Check Your Snowy Roof
Monday, December 28, 2009
A snow-covered roof is a good thing, according to Home Energy magazine.
No need to bring in blower doors, infrared cameras or other high tech equipment to check how well-insulated your home is. According to an article in Home Energy magazine, written by Don Hunek, Wisconsin Division of Energy in Madison, all you need to do is “read” your snow-covered roof.
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[Ask Mr. Tight-Watt]
Ask Mr. Tight Watt: CFLs and Time to Fully Light
Monday, December 28, 2009
A reader wants to know how to speed up the lighting process.
Q: I like compact fluorescent light bulbs but they take a while to fully light. Would increasing the gauge of the wire or using a 30 amp circuit breaker help? When I only have one bulb screwed into the fixture, it turns on fast. But when I screw in all four it takes a few minutes t...
[Environment]
“Green” Questions and Answers
Monday, December 28, 2009
Interesting questions to ponder, with some surprising answers.
Sometimes it’s hard to determine which of your possible options is the most energy efficient or “green.” These questions, gleaned from a variety of sources, may answer questions you’ve had … and you may be surprised by the answers that experts have provided.
Q: Which ...
[Education]
SchoolNet Shows Local Weather
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Keep an eye on the weather through this popular program. Check out the live webcams!
SchoolNet, sponsored by your Touchstone Energy Cooperative and other Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of Iowa, provides up-to-date weather information from over 70 school-based sites across the state. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives work with KCCI-TV (Channel 8, Des Moines) to sponsor the program.
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[Your Efficient, Comfortable, Safe Home]
January: Radon Action Month
Monday, December 28, 2009
Iowa has high levels of radon; test your home this month.
Radon is a radioactive gas formed with the breakdown of uranium in soils. It is odorless, colorless and tasteless. A study conducted by the University of Iowa in the 1990s states that Iowa has the highest average concentration of radon in the U.S. This is a concern because radon exposure is the seco...
[Home Building & Remodeling]
Register for Building Trades Conference
Monday, December 28, 2009
If you are in the building trades, learn the latest techniques from the experts.
Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative, along with the Iowa Energy Center, is a sponsor of Momentum Is Building, an energy-efficient home-building conference that will be held in Des Moines on February 11-12.
Sessions include:
Building science
Electric c...
[Energy Efficiency]
Motors and Electrical Demand
Monday, December 28, 2009
New publication available from ISU Extension.
Understanding electrical demand and the difference between single- and three-phase motors can reduce on-farm energy use and save farmers’ money. A new publication from Iowa State University Extension can help farmers learn how to control demand charges on their electric bills and use three-pha...
[Energy Efficiency]
New Year’s Resolution: Home Energy Savings
Monday, December 28, 2009
Visit TogetherWeSave.com for inspiration and ideas.
As you put together your list of goals for 2010, add “increasing your home’s energy efficiency” to your list. Not only will you save money, but you can also do your part in making our environment just a little bit cleaner and greener.
To jumpstart your plans, check out...
[Education]
Co-op EnergyCasts Coming Soon
Monday, December 28, 2009
Plan to attend our January sessions and sign up for email reminders.
Your Touchstone Energy Cooperative offers an opportunity to learn energy-saving information from experts and to have your questions answered on a variety of topics… without leaving your home office!
3 easy steps
1. Check out our schedule for January, February and March.
2. Sign up to recei...
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