[Energy Efficiency]
NEW and FREE: Webcast on Space Heaters
Friday, January 30, 2009
Register to win a space heater when you join us for a live broadcast by expert Jeff Springer!
WHEN: Wednesday, February 18, 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Tight Watt invites you to attend a 30-minute webcast to learn more about space heaters: how to choose and use them, energy efficiency and more!
WHERE: Join us from your computer. A high-speed internet connection is not required! You computer needs to h...
[Ask Mr. Tight-Watt]
Ask Mr. Tight-Watt: Wet-blown insulation
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Will it get moldy?
Question: I have talked with some others and have a concern about using the wet-blown insulation. The complaint is it will be too wet and produce mold in the house before it dries. Is this true or what needs to be done to make sure it will not happen?
—John, a Smart Choices reader
Mr. Tight ...
[Appliances]
Learn More about Energy Star Refrigerators
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Smart HomeOwner magazine says new fridges offer innovative features and save energy costs.
Smart HomeOwner magazine is a bi-monthly publication dedicated to providing information to help you make wise choices on home building and remodeling and maintenance projects. You’ll find information on new products and materials, techniques and more.
Read more by clicking the magazine below ...
[Ask Mr. Tight-Watt]
Ask Mr. Tight-Watt: Turning off CFL Lights
Friday, January 23, 2009
Should you turn off the lights when you leave the room?
Q: Should I turn off my “curly” CFL lights when I leave the room for a short time?
—A Smart Choices Reader
Answer from Mr. Tight Watt: According to the Lighting Design Lab, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and Scientific American, the “magic number” is about 15...
[Energy Efficiency]
Star Light, Star Bright, Sky Lights!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Add beauty and natural light to your home while saving energy.
National expert Jim Dulley answers a reader’s question.
Dear Jim: I want more natural lighting with fewer electric lights to save electricity, so I plan to install skylights in several rooms. What are the most efficient skylight designs to save the most energy?
—Jon B.
Dear Jon: Most...
[Safety]
Survive Winter Storms
Friday, January 23, 2009
Advance planning helps you weather a power outage.
Losing power is disruptive any time of year, but an outage during a fierce winter storm poses special dangers. Spare yourself much stress—and make sure those you love are protected—by making plans, right now, for what to do when the power goes out.
Two plans are better than one
Many pe...
[Ask Mr. Tight-Watt]
Ask Mr. Tight-Watt: CFLs and Photo Eye Fixtures
Friday, January 23, 2009
Mr. Tight Watt finds an answer for a Smart Choices reader.
Question: Why will a new compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) not work on a photoelectric eye light?
--Richard
Richard's question is answered by Rob Kirkpatrick, Service Concepts, our CFL expert:
Answer: Richard, this is an excellent question. There's an overly simple answer, and a deta...
[Food & Nutrition]
What Recession? Our Secrets for Food Savings
Friday, January 23, 2009
Is a shrunken food budget making you feel deprived and bored? If so, help is at hand; try these tips that can help you eat what you love for less!
Welcome to the second in a series of Smart Choices articles focusing on eating well for less!
Last month we looked at general ways to cut your food budget while still eating well: Start with nutritious, inexpensive recipes; plan your menus in advance; eat at home; use up what you have on hand; don&...
[Environment]
Creating a Sustainable Iowa
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Save energy, help your community with help from CEEE.
America’s schools spend an estimated $6 billion each year -their second or third largest expenditure—on energy-related costs. As those costs keep going up, it becomes ever more difficult for Iowa schools to pay their energy bills—but the good news is that those bills can be reduced...
[Gardening]
Start Seeds Soon … Indoors
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Dreaming of summer’s veggie harvest? Order seeds now to plant indoors in March!
It’s never too soon to get a head start on planning and preparing your garden for spring planting. However, with Iowa’s fickle spring weather, planting outdoors must be carefully choreographed with Mother Nature’s whims.
Instead of digging directly into the dirt, try starting your...
[Safety]
Winter driving
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Be safe AND efficient on the roads this winter.
You may not want to admit it, but winter is not going away any time soon. That means you still have a lot of winter driving to face in the coming weeks and maybe even months. Icy roads, snow-covered streets and sub-zero temperatures create stressful, dangerous and energy inefficient drivin...
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