5 Minutes Blog

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.

Stake energy vampires with smart strips

In an average home, 5 percent to 8 percent of electric use stems from "energy vampires" -- devices that use power even when turned off.  Smart power strips help you unplug energy-draining devices when not in use easily.

There are typically three different types of outlets on a smart strip:

1. The blue outlet serves as a control plug (ideal for a TV or computer).
2. Devices plugged into red outlets stay on -- electricity to these receptacles never cuts off, making them perfect for satellite boxes and other items that need constant power.
3. Remaining outlets, often green or neutral in color, are sensitive to current flowing through the blue outlet.  Turning off a device plugged into the blue outlet cuts power to items connected to these outlets.

Smart strips are available online or at specialty electronic retailers and generally cost $30 or more depending on their size.

In unrelated news, be sure to sign up for the Annual Meeting today.

Greener mowing

Alternatives to gas-powered mowers are quieter and pollute less while getting the same job done.  A manual reel mower is one option, if you don't mind pushing; plug-in and battery-powered electric mowers also have their perks.

Solar tip

Consider using solar lights for outdoor lighting.  Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity that can be stored in a battery and tapped at night to make light.  Check manufacturers' instructions to make sure your solar lights are situated to receive sufficient sunlight to recharge each day.

Window A/C

Does your home have a window air conditioner?  Make sure that your window unit is properly weatherstripped, and clean the filter monthly.  Keep "fresh air" vents on window A/C units closed.

Family Fun Day is one month away

Exactly one month from today (Fri., June 24, 2011) we'll host Family Fun Day.

It's an informal, relaxed open house style event with plenty of freebies and fun.  We hope you can come.  Check out official details on our website:  www.hwe.coop/familyfunday.htm

Clean sweep

Vacuum your refrigerator coils every three months to eliminate dirt buildup that reduces efficiency and creates fire hazards.  To clean condenser coils:

Step 1:  Unplug the refrigerator.

Step 2:  Pull off or unscrew the vent plate that protects the coils.

Step 3:  Clean the coils with a vacuum hose, using a brush to wipe off dust you can see.