[Ask Mr. Tight-Watt]
Ask Mr. Mr. Tight-Watt: AC vs. a Dehumidifier
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A reader wants to know: Which option makes energy sense?
Mr. Tight Watt calls on energy expert Curt Klaassen from the Iowa Energy Center to answer a Smart Choices reader’s question.
Question: I do not do well in the summer with the heat and humidity. I currently have 2 air conditioners I use for my apartment, but at times they just can’t keep...
[Energy Efficiency]
Garbage Disposals: Wasteful or Energy Efficient?
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
New-fashioned grinders now included in green homebuilding standards.
For years, garbage disposals have been accused of wasting energy and lots of water. And while it’s true that composting food scraps is an excellent—perhaps the best—alternative option for disposal (the bonus is a healthier garden), electric disposals may not be as bad as they have ...
[Energy Efficiency]
AC Update
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
As summer settles in, be sure your air conditioner can handle the heat.
We’ve been blessed with a relatively cool spring and early summer, and until the recent hot spell, you may not have run your air conditioner regularly. If you haven’t taken time to provide routine maintenance, now is the time to check it out. Otherwise, you could be unnecessarily wasting...
[Ask Mr. Tight-Watt]
Ask Mr. Tight-Watt: Incandescent Light Bulbs
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Several ways of looking at efficiency.
Mr. Tight Watt answers a question from a Smart Choices reader.
Question: What is the efficiency rating for a 60-watt incandescent bulb? From Olga
Answer: There are various ways of defining “efficiency;” that’s what we’ll try to do here.
First, remember that like any electr...
[Energy Efficiency]
Good Calls for Cell Phone Care
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Whether or not you have a new cell phone, find out what you can do to keep yours working like new and how to recycle it when it quits.
New or old, cell phones take a beating. They’re attached to most of us at the hip (often quite literally). And it’s the ultimate multi-tasker, simultaneously allowing you to keep tabs on the kids, text your spouse while sitting in a meeting, and figure out how much to tip the waitress du...
[Just for Fun]
Making Light with Jokes
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
How many of us does it take to screw in a light bulb?
Light bulbs have been in the news a lot lately. We are being urged to save energy by switching to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), available in more shapes, sizes, and colors than ever before. Light emitting diode lights (LEDs) are being researched and are perhaps the next wave of energy efficiency...
[Energy Efficiency]
Solar Clothes Drying: It's a Breeze
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hang it up to let the sunshine and air do the work, along with a clothesline from an Iowa manufacturer.
By Kathy Roth Eastman, Smart Choices editor
There’s nothing like crawling between bed sheets that have been line-dried in the sun and breeze. In fact, many laundry detergents and softeners claim to have a “fresh breeze scent.” So why go for artificial when the real deal is even be...
[Food & Nutrition]
Guide to Meat Cuts
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Want to buy bulk meat through a farmer or locker? Better understand how to store and prepare meats? If so, this guide’s for you.
You may be trying to save food dollars by looking for sales or purchasing cheaper cuts of meat (and perhaps don’t know much about some of these cuts and how to prepare them). Or you may be interested in purchasing meats in bulk (such as a half hog or beef animal) directly from a farmer or a lo...
[Energy Efficiency]
Plugged-in Kids
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
This summer, turn your kids on to energy efficiency.
When you hear the “I’m bored, there’s nothing to do” line from your kids this summer, encourage them to learn more about energy efficiency, while letting them have fun on the computer at the same time. A few energy efficiency tips and tools may sink in and help your fami...
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