Workshops offer tips for saving energy
by St. Joseph News-Press
Saturday, March 28, 2009

When it comes to utility bills, small changes can add up to big differences.

A workshop on “Low-Cost Home Energy Savings Tips and Tools” will offer some practical help. The sessions will be at 7 p.m. April 2, 9 and 16 in Rock Port, Mo. The workshop will feature low-cost practices that can have a large impact on the home energy bill but are still simple enough that most homeowners can implement them on their own.

“Most people are amazed at how inexpensive and easy some of these techniques are and how much they can save on their energy bills,” said Jim Crawford, natural resource engineer with University of Missouri Extension, which is conducting the workshops.

The first session will demonstrate how to use a home energy checklist, the proper levels and the different types of insulation that can be used in a home and a series of five-minute energy-saving tips.

The second session will focus on weatherization, including hands-on exercises on how to install weather stripping. Information will be provided on the variety of tax incentives from the federal government available for home energy conservation practices.

The third session will look at alternative energy, including solar water heating, photovoltaic panels, wind power, as well as at-home production of ethanol and biodiesel.

The fee is $20 for all three workshops or $10 per session. To register, call the Atchison County Extension Center at (660) 744-6231 or e-mail Mr. Crawford at CrawfordJ@missouri.edu.