As we think about summer home energy use, one appliance working hard in the basement is the dehumidifier. Muggy weather, rainstorms, and lack of air conditioning combine to create damp conditions and that tell-tale musty odor. However, not all homes require the same capacity unit. The Energy Star program provides a useful table to help you determine […]

Used prudently, portable space heaters can serve as backup in cold rooms or to take the chill off before you start heating the whole house. They can be energy hogs, so it’s important to use the right size heater for a room, calculated at 10 watts per square foot (a 10 x 15 room would

As Iowa’s dog days approach, are you wondering whether your cooling equipment is up for the challenge? When fans and ventilation can’t keep up with the heat and humidity, what do you do? Have you given any thought to the new heat pumps and mini-splits that are now attracting lots of attention in Iowa? Might

Chefs love their gas ranges, right? However, we are increasingly aware of their negative impact on air quality and the environment. Compared to gas, induction stoves are easier on utility bills, the environment, and healthier for your family. Top-rated brands, according to Consumer Reports, including Frigidaire, LG, and Samsung, are all available at Appliance Barn

Are you going to need a new furnace in the next ten years? A new water heater? When you do, think “electric”. Cutting long-term energy costs AND cutting greenhouse gases is fairly simple conceptually: (1) upgrade to electric-powered appliances and (2) convert the electric grid (and potentially your home) to renewable solar, wind, and geothermal

Lingering in a hot shower is one of life’s pleasures, but heating water is a household’s second highest utility cost, accounting for 18% of the typical home’s energy use. Much of this energy is a standby loss because we heat water even when we are not using it. Because replacing a water heater is often