Mischer News

Sometimes it takes a little extra effort to make a difference on your electricity bill. And, cooling costs can comprise a sizable chunk of your electricity bill. But, making everyone in your house sweat uncomfortably for your peace of mind is a little bit extreme too! By following these simple tips and paying a little more attention to your family’s habits around the house you are sure to find ways to comfortably compensate for these rising summer expenses!

• Make sure your home is well sealed. Make sure to keep the fireplace damper closed, install a timer (available at Home Depot or Lowes) on your bathroom exhaust fans and check to see if your ductwork is well sealed.
• Keep your home cool simply and naturally by use energy-saving compact fluorescent bulbs and grilling food outside. Plant full trees or attach awnings on the east and west sides of your home to shade the windows and reduce the temperature inside by as much as 20 degrees.
• Install Energy Star–certified ceiling fans and use them when a room is being occupied. This can allow you to keep your home as much as four degrees cooler in the summer without even noticing.
• Program your digital thermostats. This is a very simple, but often overlooked energy-saver. Make sure to set the temp between 78 and 80 when you will not be home and then allow the temperature to gradually be reduced in the few hours prior to your return.

Did you know that most power companies will send someone to your home free of charge to evaluate the basic efficiency of your home and offer tips to improve the areas that need a little help? Just call your provider and explain that you have concerns as to the air tightness of your home and ask if they provide the valuable free service.

With potential savings of up to $500 a year, you’ll have a little extra in your wallet to splurge on something really fun for the whole family!

Green FACT: According to the EPA, “if 1 in 10 households bought Energy Star–rated heating and cooling equipment, the change in greenhouse-gas emissions would be equivalent to taking 1.5 million cars off the road.”

Source: EPA/Energy Star

We all know that even if there’s no printed expiration date, no product will last forever. Your fire extinguisher is no exception.

Most extinguisher manufacturers say they should work between 5 to 15 years (a frighteningly wide range), and most consumers have no idea if they purchased theirs two years ago or 12. So, follow this expert advice to rest assured your extinguisher will fire away in the event of an emergency. 

Local fire chief Dennis L. Rubin says consumers should regularly check their extinguishers pressure gauge – as often as once a month. “If the needle is in the green area, it’s functional,” he says. “If it falls anywhere else, the extinguisher is unreliable and should be serviced or replaced. For an older model without a gauge, have it checked by a pro.” Look in your local Yellow Pages under “fire extinguishers” or call your local fire department to find companies that refill and service extinguishers in your area. 

And remember, if you the nozzle is cracked, the locking pin on the handle is missing, or the handle is wobbly or broken it should be replaced immediately. A fire can happen in an instant, so always be prepared!