Knowledge is less power wasted Austin Utilities offers energy savings class and home audit By Christopher Baldus chris.baldus@austindailyherald.com
When it’s all done, you will have a to-do list specifically designed to save you money, and someone will try to suck all the air out of your house. Maybe that’s a bit of an overstatement; not all the air. If at the end of attending the free workshop “Saving Energy 101,” you choose to take advantage of Austin Utilities’ comprehensive home energy audit, you will experience the blower door test. It’s a big part of the audit. What happens is a contraption is put on your front door, all the windows and other doors are closed and it tries to blow the air out of your house and measure the pressure. The lower the pressure, the more of an energy use problem you have. “That tells you how much air leakage you have in your home,” said Kelly Lady, Austin Utilities manager of marketing and energy services. The house audit is a $300 value, she said. Going through Austin Utilities, customers can have it done for $50. But for people who attend Saving Energy 101, the price is $25. The workshop is next scheduled for 1-2 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 15, at Austin Utilities, 1908 14th St. NE. It is free and you can register calling 460-1706 or going on the utility’s website.
A blower door is used to test air leakage of the building envelope by de-pressurizing the home following a standardized method. The test calculates the amount of air infiltration by measuring pressure differences across the exterior walls. Air leakage through the building envelope impacts energy costs, occupant health, and building durability. Homes that allow air movement across the building envelope waste energy during both the heating and cooling seasons. Air transported moisture that becomes trapped within building assemblies and is unable to dry can lead to health concerns for homeowners and shorten the life of a structure. Photo courtesy of University of Minnesota Extension
Stacy Boots Camp, an outreach coordinator at the Center for Energy and the Environment, leads the workshop and will present practical, innovative, energy solutions for homeowners, businesses, nonprofits, and government. The workshop is offered only a few times a year.
“The class kind of supports the audit,” Lady said. “The class is going to be a lot of behavioral things you can do and its going to give you a big oversight picture of how you use energy at home.” The audit will look at everything in your home from appliances to the building shell.
They are not aiming to recommend big, expensive projects, Lady said. “Some people might think, ‘I have to replace all my windows and my energy bill will go down,’” she said. “That’s very expensive to do, and the reality is, your windows would have to be in pretty bad shape before we would recommend making an investment like that. This audit might tell you another action that would be a lesser cost that would give you more value.” In the workshop, Camp will also introduce the concept of phantom energy use. She talks about how when you turn the lights off in a room, you likely have not killed all the power, Lady said. The phantom power load remains. “She shows this dark slide with all these little red lights all over and it looks like scary things,” Lady said. “When she flips the light on you realize it’s the TV and all these things still operating in the background.” The class and the audit help you understand where your energy drains come from. “Generally, when you think about energy savings at home, where do you start?” Lady said. “(You say), ‘Well I’m turning my lights off, but I’m not seeing an impact. Maybe that’s not your problem.” The workshop will look into a variety of areas and solutions, such as LED lighting or improving heating and cooling efficiency by making certain your furnace fan filter is changed on a regular basis. “That will arm them with a checklist of action items and help them learn where to invest their money to get the best bang for the buck,” Lady said.
TIPS It’s a good time for people to be thinking about their furnaces. In 2016, Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota convened meetings with heating, ventilation and air condition-
ON FINDING A FURNACE CONTRACTOR ing contractors to create a series of tip to help consumers find qualified contractors when they need maintenance, repairs or are shopping for a new furnace. These are some of those tips.
KNOW YOUR FURNACE, RESEARCH BUSINESS PRACTICES Before hiring a company, consumers should also familiarize themselves with their furnace. What make and model is it? How old is it? When is the last time it was serviced? From there, research company backgrounds at bbb.org. Once your list is narrowed down, ask the following questions before making a hiring decision: • Is there an estimate or service fee? Be aware if there is a call for service, there might be a service charge included in the total fee. • Ask questions regarding your current system: How does it work? What is best for my home or business? • Are the technicians working on commission? Commissioned staff may recommend more costly service or repairs than are actually needed.
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OTHER THINGS PEOPLE SEEKING HVAC SERVICE SHOULD KNOW
1. Consumers have the right to cancel a contract signed at their home within three business days. 2. Many warranties require annual maintenance to keep the warranty in effect, so be aware if your warranty has this requirement. Also, be clear on what is covered under warranty and what is not. If damages are discovered after the work is completed, contact the business ASAP. Reputable HVAC businesses will work to resolve any issues. 3. An HVAC unit is a system; sometimes multiple issues may exist. Though the technician may have fixed the first issue, subsequent problems may arise and be more complex than previously thought. 4. Furnaces have an average lifespan of 15 to 20 years. If your system approaches or passes this lifespan, you may be in need of a replacement. 5. Your new furnace and/or air conditioning unit may have a tax credit or a rebate available. Check with your tech or tax preparer for more information. 6. Before signing the contract, you should ask if the business is licensed, bonded and insured. In Minnesota, license and bonding information can be found through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (www.dli.mn.gov). A business does not need licensing to do some aspects of HVAC work; however, they may need licensing for portions of the job such as electrical work, or they may also subcontract such work out to another business. You should know who the subcontractor is and how they will be paid. The mission of Better Business Bureau is to be the leader in building marketplace trust by promoting, through self-regulation, the highest standards of business ethics and conduct. It is open open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Contact BBB at bbb.org or 651-699-1111, toll-free at 1-800-646-6222.
KNOW WHO IS COMING TO YOUR HOUSE
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If you’re having or suspect you have furnace issues, mention them prior to the service visit. It’s also a good idea to ask if the person coming to your home is an estimator or a technician. Estimators are often technicians with years of experience.
GET MULTIPLE QUOTES, RESIST HIGH-PRESSURE SALES TACTICS Industry experts say it’s always important to get multiple bids for jobs, but caution is advised when evaluating those estimates, as different size furnaces may be offered or other services could be included. Always be on the lookout for high pressure sales tactics. In addition, BBB’s industry group felt it was important that consumers be advised about situations where HVAC technicians inform you there’s an emergency with your furnace. Technicians are responsible to shut down – or ‘red tag’ furnaces – if they feel the homeowner’s safety is at risk. Businesses can be liable if they find an unsafe furnace operating in a home and choose to do nothing about it. However, techs should discuss with the client how the problem should be handled. Often, the business may suggest repairing or replacing the unit. Just the same, consumers should not be pushed into a decision if they are not comfortable with options a company has discussed or proposed. Space heaters or a fireplace can be used if you have to wait for a second opinion. Despite popular belief, using heaters will likely prevent pipes from freezing overnight while getting a second opinion.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2017
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AUSTIN DAILY HERALD FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
YARD & GARDEN U of M Extension
Pollinators need pollen and nectar as early as April in some parts of Minnesota. Hardy spring-blooming bulbs such as scilla, allium, daffodil, fritillaria and crocus provide this much needed early season nutrition. These bulbs require a cold period in order to flower successfully and therefore must be planted in fall (September - October). In other words: right now! Bulbs are relatively inexpensive and easy to plant. Here are tips on planting bulbs
INSPECT BULBS BEFORE YOU BUY
Before purchasing your bulbs, it is important to check for any signs of disease or damage, such as cuts or bruises. The bulb should be firm, and have a protective papery skin surrounding it. Any structure which is soft or has mold growing on it should be discarded.
CHOOSE YOUR SPOT
Most bulbs require warm, sunny locations. Sun-loving bulbs can be planted underneath deciduous shade trees because they will bloom before the tree leafs out. Bulbs grow best in rich, well-drained soil. This is crucial for a successful planting and should not be underestimated. Avoid planting in areas that are notorious for standing water.
DECIDE ON A DESIGN
Bulbs are much more attractive if planted in odd numbered groups or mass plantings. They may be enjoyed more also if the planting can be seen from a favorite window in the house. Plan out your design so you can properly prepare the site.
PREPARE THE SOIL
Prepare new beds by freeing the soil of any debris such as rocks and tough matted roots. Use a garden fork or a tiller to work in some organic matter such as peat moss, fine compost or shredded leaf mulch to a depth of 10-12 inches where the bulb roots will eventually grow.
FOLLOW PLANTING DIRECTIONS
Follow planting instructions on the bulb package for depth and site specifications. Make sure you mark your planting location with a plant label so you remember what you planted next spring. Generally, bulbs are planted two and a half times deeper than their diameter. This will vary AUSTIN DAILY HERALD FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Plant hardy bulbs now for early spring pollinators with the type of soil. With light, sandy soils, plant 1 or 2 inches deeper and on heavier clay soils, set the bulbs an inch or two more shallow. With the pointed end facing up, firmly press the bulb into the prepared soil so that the base is resting at the appropriate depth. After planting, soak the soil with water. If conditions are dry (little rainfall), soak the soil with water when dry until the soil freezes. Mulch the surface with 3-5 inches of leaf material, grass clippings or straw. This will insulate the bulbs and help keep soil temperatures more constant during the late fall and early spring. If the precipitation is below normal during the fall season, one or two additional deep soakings may be necessary for bulbs to establish a good root system.
A honey bee lands on a crocus. Photo courtesy of U of M Extension
• The bulbs were planted too shallow, too late in the season or were not hardy for this region. • The bulbs were disturbed by animals such as squirrels, chipmunks or mice. • The bulbs rotted. Bulb rots are usually caused by using fertilizers excessively high in nitrogen or fresh manure, wet soil conditions, or by poor quality, bruised or cut bulbs. • If bulbs flowered the first year but not the second, it is quite possible the area is too shady or the foliage may have been removed before it had yellowed and withered naturally. When cutting flowers for indoor use, leave as much foliage behind as possible.
AND THEN SPRING COMES
As soil temperatures begin warming, carefully remove the layers of mulch. Keep a bag of old mulch around in case of any hard frosts which might damage early emerging shoots. If spring rains are sparse, water thoroughly during and after the flowering process to ensure that enough moisture is reaching the roots. But be careful not to overwater. Soggy, wet conditions will promote bulb rot. Fertilize lightly as the flowers begin to decline. Cut off the faded flowers once they are finished blooming to prevent the plant’s energy going towards seed production. At this time it is important to keep the foliage green and healthy as long as possible. Don’t remove it until it has yellowed and withered. The longer it lasts, the better the bulbs will grow the following year. These hardy bulbs are treated as perennials, left in the ground year after year. Every three to four years they may need to be replaced or divided if they are starting to crowd each other and aren’t blooming well. If this is the case, or if you must move them for some reason, the best time is just after the foliage has yellowed and withered. To divide the bulbs, carefully lift the bulbs, shake off any loose soil and roots, discard any small ones and store the remainder in a cool, dry, well- ventilated room until fall planting time. Keep the bulbs out of direct sunlight and check them periodically for any disease. Old onion sacks or shallow seed trays work well for storing the bulbs over summer.
COMMON PROBLEMS
Bulbs generally have few insect or disease problems. Some reasons for poor flowering the first year could be the following: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2017
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It’s nearly the right time to seed your lawn Help others
keep warm
U of M Extension
So, what do or did you risk by seeding in October? Well nothing really, except the cost of seed. Chances are that a good majority of this seed will germinate prior to winter, and complete loss of seedlings is possible over the cold winter months. Because of this, your time and money are better spent waiting for the appropriate dormant seeding time which is generally mid- to end-November. Dormant seeding can be conducted with any turfgrass species. This practice involves seeding when temperatures are too low for the seed to germinate prior to winter. Germination prior to winter is bad and seedlings will generally die if they haven’t matured. Sometimes it is a bit of a waiting game at this time of year. The trick is to find the time when soils are unfrozen so that seed can be worked in slightly, yet air temperatures must be cold enough so the seed won’t germinate. Wait for high daytime temperatures of 35-40 degrees before seeding. Is there an advantage to dormant seeding versus spring seeding? Yes and no.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2017
GRAPHIC COURTESY OF U OF M EXTENSION
A dormant seeded lawn could mature as much as one month faster in the spring than a spring seeded lawn. This is because some of the germination process actually starts prior to winter in a dormant seed situation, although the shoots still haven’t emerged from the seed. When temperatures are adequate in the spring, complete germination occurs. In this case the seed actually dictates when temperatures are warm enough to grow. Just like late-fall, temperatures and weather patterns can be unpredictable in the spring. For this rea-
son, the best timing for spring seeding is difficult to predict, which can delay the timing to actually sow seed. Still, there some negative aspects of dormant seeding to consider. First, because of the spring temperature fluctuations, it is possible to have good seedling establishment initially, but a cold spell during this time will injure these seedlings. Also, there is a greater potential for seed loss over the winter due to erosion and water movement, predation, and decay. These positive and negative aspects should always be considered during this process.
The winters in Minnesota can be very cold. Unfortunately, not all homes in Austin will be warm throughout the winter. Many Austin Utilities customers struggle to keep up with high winter bills, according to a news release from the utility, which offers its customers the opportunity to help out through the HeatShare Program. HeatShare is a Salvation Army program that provides emergency utility assistance for people with no place left to turn. The program is funded in part by Salvation Army donors and customers of local utility companies such as Austin Utilities. All the donations Austin Utilities receive are given to the Austin Salvation Army to use for the local HeatShare program. A donation can be made on your utility bill or by calling the office to charge to a credit card. To reach a customer service representative, call 507433-8886.
AUSTIN DAILY HERALD FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT