5 Minutes Blog

Jobs

In today's economy, the one word title is probably all we need to catch your attention. Yes, Hancock-Wood has several jobs available, which you can view here: http://www.hwe.coop/aboutus/employment.htm

Scholarships available

If you know of a HS senior living on our lines, you may want to remind him/her that Hancock-Wood offers scholarships, and the dealine is February 1. Applications are available here: http://www.hwe.coop/community/scholarship.htm

'Tis the saving season

During the holiday season, consider using ENERGY STAR-qualified lights and strands to decorate. They use 70 percent less energy than regular lights and last up to 10 times as long. They also give off less heat, reducing the risk of fire.

Slaying energy vampires

Did you know that you're sharing your home with "energy vampires" -- electronic and electrical devices that continue to suck electricity even when turned off? On average, these items are responsible for an estimated 10 percent of the electricity you use every month.

Here's a tip from Hancock-Wood that can help you drive a stake through the heart of these vampires, saving energy and money.

One way to identify energy vampires is to look for devices with remote controls -- TVs, DVRs and audio equipment, for example. Then target gaming consoles, computers, monitors and printers as well as chargers for cell phones, iPods, small DVD players and laptops. Chargers draw energy even when they're not charging anything.

An easy way to seal the coffin on energy vampires is to plug components of your computer or home entertainment system into a power strip. With a single flip of a switch, you can fully cut power to them.

In addition, don't forget to unplug any appliances -- such as coffee makers and toasters ovens -- with digital clocks when you aren't using them. As TogetherWeSave.com has shown, pulling plugs and employing power strips can save you $222 in electric bills per year.

For other tips on how to save energy -- and money -- visit Touchstone Energy Cooperatives energy-saving website, www.TogetherWeSave.com.

It's here this week!

The big day is almost here, and if you want to be there, you need to sign up today.

Annual Meeting just 12 days away

Be sure to sign up for the big event of the year -- the Annual Meeting -- which is free and open to all members.  You'll enjoy a fantastic free hearty breakfast, free giveaways, door prizes and even pony rides.  We hope you can come.

Wash your hands of a problem

Is your washing machine more than 10 years old?  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, families can cut related energy costs by more than a third -- and water costs by more than half -- by purchasing a clothes washer with an ENERGY STAR label.  Choose a front-load or redesigned top-load model.

Test before you touch

Electrical hazards are the sixth leading cause of workplace fatalities.  According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), contact with large appliances, such as air conditioners, contributes to nearly 20 percent of consumer product electrocutions.  Whether at home or in the workplace, there are a number of safety precautions that can reduce the chance of deaths, injuries and economic losses due to electrical hazards:

• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) to help prevent electrocutions.
• Understand your electrical system -- know which fuse or circuit breaker controls each switch, light and outlet.
• Make sure circuits are turned off before starting electrical work, and take measures to make sure they are not turned back on while working.
• Use a circuit tester.  Make sure it is working by testing it before and after you use it to test the circuit.
• Always test before you touch.

Adding attic insulation

One of the easiest ways to make your home more energy efficient is to add insulation in the attic.  To see if you need insulation, look across an uncovered attic floor.  If the insulation is level with or below the floor joists (such as this), you probably need to add more.

Change air filter to save energy, money

It's been hot this summer.  That means your air conditioning system is working hard to keep you comfortable.  Here's a tip from Hancock-Wood that can help your cooling system operate more efficiently -- and save you money.

Change your air filter regularly.  It only takes a couple of minutes to change the air filter in your heating/cooling system.  It's simple and easy.  As TogetherWeSave.com has shown, changing your filter every month can save you $82 a year.

But that's not all you can save.  A dirty air filter makes your system work harder to keep you cool, which wastes energy.  Changing your air filter regularly helps to ensure efficient operation and keep your electricity bill in check.  What's more, a dirty air filter allows dust and dirt to build up in your system.  Changing your air filter regularly can reduce the need for costly maintenance and prevent damage to your system.

And when winter arrives, it's just as important to change your air filter regularly.  Your heating system needs to work as efficiently as possible to keep you warm, and a clean air filter helps it do that.

Experts recommend turning your system off before changing the air filter.  Make sure that the arrow on the filter -- which indicates the direction of the airflow -- is pointing toward the blower motor.  When you've made the change, turn your system back on.  To save time, it's a good idea to keep a couple of spare filters on hand.

For other tips on how to save energy -- and money -- visit Touchstone Energy Cooperatives energy-saving website, www.TogetherWeSave.com.