When preparing for winter weather, many homeowners rely on whole-house and portable generators to power their homes in the event of a long-term power outage. While these generators are great resources for your home, there are three major risks that you should consider. Risk 1: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning To prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, keep… Continue reading.
Trees add beauty and value to your home. They also attract melodic songbirds to your yard and can help save energy by shading your home in the summer. If you plan to join in Arbor Day celebrations on April 30 by planting a tree this spring, here are some things to remember: Choose the right… Continue reading.
Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes. And finding unusual things to buy from unusual places is especially enticing to a shopaholic like me. That’s why I was so excited to learn about the Unclaimed Baggage Store which, just like its no-nonsense name suggests, sells all kinds of items that were lost in transit or… Continue reading.
At least 2 billion people around the world have vision problems – but how do you know if and when your pet is struggling with its own eyesight? “Sometimes animals struggle with the same eye problems that people do. They’re just not as good at telling us when something is wrong,” said Dr. Wendy Townsend,… Continue reading.
A lot of tourist attractions claim to have “something for everyone.” While few actually live up to the billing, Wilstem Wildlife Park in Southern Indiana is an exception. You like exotic animals from around the world? Wilstem has them. Animals from down under? Got those. You like native North American critters? Wilstem has them …… Continue reading.
By Pamela A. Keene Whether you have a multiple-acre plot or a patio, you can grow your own vegetables. With a little bit of know-how and a sunny place, enjoying the bounty of your own labors can be fun, rewarding and tasty. “There are so many reasons to grow your own vegetables and the flavors… Continue reading.
Huntington County is home of the J.E. Roush Lake, the only impoundment on the Wabash River; and the county hosts the only museum dedicated to the vice presidents of the United States, particularly former resident Dan Quayle. J.E. Roush Lake, first known as Huntington Lake, was completed in 1968 by the U.S. Army Corps of… Continue reading.
Utility poles remain the backbone of most electric distribution systems. After more than 80 years since electric cooperatives first set them throughout rural Indiana, they remain the most cost-effective way to safely support power lines, insulators, transformers and other electric hardware. Occasionally, either through a vehicle strike, lightning strike, ice storm, tornado, or simply age,… Continue reading.
Saving energy isn’t difficult, but it’s not automatic. You need to plan to buy energy-efficient appliances and to develop energy-wise lifestyle habits. Here are 11 easy things to do around the house to save electricity and pare down your energy bill: Install a programmable thermostat to help you save energy while you work and sleep. … Continue reading.
If you see condensation on your windows, it means the panes are not efficient enough to keep the cold air out. Same goes in the summer: Single-pane windows are not high-quality enough to keep your cool, air-conditioned air indoors. Those foggy windows are trying to tell you something: Replace them. Moisture in the air condenses… Continue reading.
Spring’s renewal traditionally means cleaning time, too: sweeping out the winter dirt from the garage, washing the windows, scrubbing the floors. While you’re spiffing up the house, don’t neglect your appliances. Dust the refrigerator. Refrigerators exchange heat through a system of coils. A buildup of dust and pet hair will make the unit run longer… Continue reading.
“Energy hogs” are villainous creatures that feed on wasted energy. Don’t let your home be their home, too. Insulate your house. Insulation traps warm air inside so you don’t have to turn up the heat. In the summer, it keeps the cool air in and warm air out, reducing the amount of energy it takes… Continue reading.
Electric bills vary with the seasons, driven by weather and consumer use patterns. Weather matters when talking about electricity and your bill. When it’s cool outdoors, family members generally want the house warm. When it’s warm outside, air conditioners make living areas pleasant. How much weather affects your bill depends upon many factors, including your… Continue reading.
