As colder weather arrives, make sure your home is ready! There are several simple things that you can do to maximize your home for efficiency and avoid any surprising breakdowns or repairs!

Renee Lucas, LCS Heating & Cooling shares a few tips:

Fall Schedule furnace maintenance Have humidifier serviced and pad changed Install new batteries in thermostat Schedule water heater flush and service Remove (or cover) window air conditioners Install new batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors Test and dust all detectors Check _re extinguishers Clean kitchen exhaust hood and filter Insulate exposed pipes as needed Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned Remove screens and install storm windows Turn off outdoor water supply and store hoses Inspect roof for damage Clean gutters Inspect caulk around windows and doors; re-caulk as needed Trim trees and shrubs away from house Inspect deck for any nails or screws that may be popping up Cover and store outdoor furnitureFA

To learn more, visit:

https://lcsheatingandcooling.com/

http://www.facebook.com/LCSHVAC/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP_00FMh4a-HWGK8EaAl0Q

Download the Home Checklist PDF HERE! https://lcsheatingandcooling.com/hvac-services/indoor-air-quality

SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY LCS HEATING AND COOLING

Original post:
Preparing your home for the winter months ahead with LCS Heating & Cooling - WISHTV.com

Smart thermostats do more than manage your home's heating and cooling. These app-enabled smart home devicesmake it possible to adjust your thermostat from your phone whether you're on the couch, at the grocery store or on vacation -- anywhere your phone or mobile device is connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. Many smart thermostats also work with Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri now too, giving you yet another way to adjust your settings with remote access to your smart home systems.

Some smart thermostat systems also use smart features like a motion sensor to determine if you're home or away and automatically change the temperature -- both heating and cooling -- for you, without you having to fiddle with your HVAC system. Others rely on a geofencing radius: Once you get a certain distance from your home, they automatically switch to away mode and then back to home mode when you return. Then there are features like remote sensors, a power extender kit, thermostats that work with existing infrastructures (in other words, that are compatible with Apple HomeKit) and, of course, thermostats that measure your energy usage so that your home can be more energy efficient. Truly, a smart home thermostat is an energy-saving smart device that's good for both the environment and your wallet.

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Even better, these options offer way more than a programmable thermostat -- you want a learning thermostat that gets better at regulating the temperature to suit your preferences.

To accompany these modern features, many connected heating and cooling systems boast innovative designs. From a rounded shape to a responsive touchscreen, smart thermostats look a lot different than your traditional thermostat. They can also send you smart alerts, sync with the rest of your smart home devices and some even respond to voice commands.

Let's explore the available options model by model. We'll highlight what makes each model stand out from the rest and ultimately pick an overall winner of the best smart thermostat from the pack. Here's a list of smart thermostats we've tested recently:

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat is my favorite pick for best smart thermostat available today. Yes, it's expensive at $249, but it has the performance and features to back it up -- especially if you want to talk to Alexawithouthaving to buy an Amazon Echo. If you don't want or need an Amazon Alexa speaker, the $169 Ecobee3 Lite Wi-Fi thermostat is also a great option. Read our Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control review.

Now playing: Watch this: Ecobee's new thermostat is part Alexa speaker

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The Honeywell Lyric T5 costs less than$150, making it our choice for the best smart thermostat pick for those on a budget. I know that isn't exactlyaffordable. But it's a solid price tag for a Wi-Fi thermostat. Many models, including the Nest Learning Thermostat and the Ecobee4, cost $249. This makes the T5 a great "budget" option that works with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri (via Apple's HomeKit). Read our Honeywell Lyric T5 Wi-Fi Thermostat review.

The Honeywell Home T9 is a $200 smart thermostat from Resideo. The T9 works with Alexa and Google Assistant and offers reliable performance and a solid app. The device also comes with remote humidity, proximity and temperature sensors, making it the smartest sensor accessory around. Nest's sensor only provides ambient temperature readings, while Ecobee's sensor only has temperature and proximity detection capabilities. Read our Resideo Honeywell Home T9 Smart Thermostat review.

The Ecobee Smart Thermostat comes with Amazon's Alexa built in. Ask the speaker for the temperature, current weather forecast, to tell you a joke -- and to adjust the air conditioning of your smart thermostat, all without needing a separate Alexa speaker. This Wi-Fi programmable thermostat also offers mobile app integration with Google Assistant and Siri, so if you have a Google-Assistant-enabled smart speaker or a HomePod, you can control it with Google Assistant and Siri commands. Read our Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control review.

The Ecobee mobile app setup is straightforward and easy to install and navigate. That sounds simple enough, but so many apps make it tough to find the specific setting or feature you're looking for. Not so with Ecobee's smartphone app. And that's important because the mobile app is one of the main ways to interact with your Wi-Fi thermostat when you aren't standing directly in front of it (aside from using a voice command). Read our Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control review.

Let's talk about testing. Smart thermostats start with the installation. Installations can vary widely from thermostat to thermostat and between HVAC systems, but there are some basic steps required for installing these devices. As always, consult a professional installer if you have any questions about the setup process. Here are the general steps:

Was the thermostat setup especially difficult to install? If so, why? Certain models require a C-wire, for example, which can complicate the installation if you don't have one. Not sure what a C-wire is? Start here.

From there, I move on to the app. Every smart thermostat has one. I download the app and create an account if I don't already have one. Then I configure the thermostat following the steps in the app. This usually means connecting to the local Wi-Fi network, giving your thermostat a name like "Hallway" or "Bedroom" and then you can start using your thermostat.

How well does the app work? Is it easy to navigate to the thermostat settings you need? Is it simple to create a schedule or enable geofencing? This factors into the thermostat's usability score, along with how simple the thermostat hardware itself is to control manually.

I also test smart home integration, especially voice-enabled systems you can access through voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant or Siri. Most connected thermostats have compatibility with at least one voice assistant and some, like the Ecobee3 Lite and Ecobee Smart Thermostat, work with all three. Do the voice commands flow naturally, like they would in an actual conversation? Did the thermostat actually adjust the temperature -- heating and cooling -- according to your commands?

All of these things determine a smart thermostat's overall score and how likely I am to recommend it.

Read the original:
The best smart thermostat of the year - CNET

Landmark Heating and Cooling team members in Cottage Grove know that frigid winter temperatures will be here soon.

With that in mind, they spent Oct. 3 installing a new furnace to help a deserving family. This years recipient was forced into early retirement for health reasons and their furnace was on its last legs. Without major repairs, the furnace would most likely not have made it through the winter months.

The Wisconsin family was selected as part of Feel the Love, which asks members of the community to nominate neighbors who are in need. Nominations for the program are accepted year round, with recipients chosen based on specific criteria each Septemberbefore temperatures start to drop.

For 11 years, the Landmark Heating and Cooling team has donated all labor and installation materials to install a brand-new, high-efficiency furnace for a family whose existing unit is severely inefficient or unrepairable, at no cost to the recipient. The furnace is generously donated by Lennox Industries, which has provided more than 1,000 furnaces to families in need as part of the Feel the Love program.

Im proud of our dedicated Landmark team for volunteering and donating their time and talent on a Saturday, says Tom Krausse, manager at Landmark Heating and Cooling. This year held special meaning as we helped a former team member who truly needed a new HVAC system. We knew we had to do something and our team did what they do best.

Landmark Services Cooperative is a member-owned cooperative dedicated to providing customers with the highest quality products and services. For over 85 years, Landmark has provided farm-related products and services to its more than 11,000 members in southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois and eastern Iowa, employing more than 275 full-time people and reaching sales in excess of $373 million.

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Landmark Heating and Cooling and Lennox Industries Team Up to Help a Neighbor - HNGnews.com

In thisGTM series, we're asking people in cleantech to tell us what their jobs are like. We hope the series can serve as a source of information and inspiration for recent graduates,professionals planning their careersor anyone who wants to transition into the industry. We also hope it makes cleantech opportunities more visible and accessible to groups that are underrepresented in our growing industry, including women and people of color.

Anatoly Lednyak operates ALED Technologies, a small heating and cooling business based in Manhattan. Our HVAC technicians respond to emergency calls, troubleshootand determine next steps as needed, says Lednyak. The job is all about problem-solving.

The HVAC field (heating, ventilationand air conditioning) is split between installation and technician work, with someprofessionals performingboth. According to industry group Advanced Energy Economy, half a million people in the U.S. are employed in the high-efficiency HVAC sector, with another 600,000 spending at least some of their time on the job working with high-efficiency HVAC equipment.

Most companies in the industry,like ALED, havefewer than 10 employees. The companys technicians are experts on how heating and cooling systems work. Commercial and residential clients call on them to come up with creative solutions to get flawed systems running smoothly again.

We usually work in large buildings, but whether youre fixing the smallest house or the biggest building, the questions are the same, explainsLednyak. What is it that happens external to this unit that is affecting performance? Is this the right unit for the job? Was it installed correctly originally? Was it sized correctly?

Its not always a specific machine thats broken, according to Lednyak;it could be the whole system. So critical thinking the ability to look at a problem from different angles to hit on the right solution is key.

Different HVAC companies may tackle problems of varying complexity. ALED Technologies tends to work on more complex HVAC systems. Lednyak says he sometimes hasproblems finding candidates with all the skills the job requires.

You need to have a good sense of how the equipment works. And you need to have the ability to take a problem from the beginning to the end successfully. Someone may know how to work with their hands and with tools but may not know how to deliver a finished project.

Though the work can be difficult, it is possible to start a career in HVAC right out of high school. Trade school is not a prerequisite to becoming an installer or technician, according to Lednyak, who prefers to train people on the job.

The best HVAC technicians are quick thinkerswho naturally enjoy tackling technical problems, he says.

Another key skill is time management. In a video for prospective HVAC technicians and installers, YouTuber Yung HVAC notesthatinstallationand technician work can be seasonal depending on the region, with sixor even sevendays of work required during the busiest months. But the work can be lucrative,with some technicians approaching a six-figure salary.

People skills are also beneficial since HVAC technicians often find themselves in people's homes or businesses at stressful times. The flip side is the feeling of satisfaction that comes with fixing their systems.

Sustainabilityis rarely what draws people to the HVAC field,Lednyak says. Butthe social and environmental impact of HVAC technicians work is significant.

Ryan Katofsky, managing director at Advanced Energy Economy, saysinstalling high-efficiency heating and cooling units is perhaps the most tangible and impactful job in the energy efficiency sector.

"Because HVAC systems have long, useful lives, often 20 years or more, and account for a large share of building energy use, installing high-efficiency HVAC has significant and long-lasting energy savings impacts," said Katofsky.

As buildings areelectrifiedand efficient HVAC grows as a subset of the overall HVAC market, workers with an interest in the space have an opportunity to use their problem-solving skills to install new efficient systems and reduce energy consumption overall.

The question of how to keep expanding the HVAC workforce and attract a new generation of workers is a thorny one. Lednyak notesthat the industry is in need of regeneration.

Everything is changing and people need to adapt. Thats a problem with our field the technology is changing but the people arent, he said. However, he alsoobservedthat its not uncommon for new technicians to leave the field after just a few years.

Daniel Aldana Cohen, a sociology professor at the University of Pennsylvania and author of A Planet to Win: Why We Need a Green New Deal, thinks that as the HVAC industry evolves, it could become a more attractive career for young people.

When youre trying to get 16-year-olds excited about this work, with the direction building systems are going,thats easier to do now. HVAC, as a world of all-electric, smart systems that interface with technology, is becoming a pretty interesting sector, said Cohen. The new generation of HVAC technicians could end up doing more interesting, complicated projects that are less rote.

Cohen says that HVAC technicians he has spoken to are interested in newer, more efficient technology like mini-splits and heat pumpsbut inertia is holding the industry back. Cohen sees incentives as key in moving the industry to its next stage.

Cohen used his own apartment as an example. He thinks a more efficient system of mini-splits would be a natural replacement for his failing furnace, but its been hard to sell the concept to his landlord.(The New York Times notes that mini-splits are easier to install than a full ducted system, more efficient than window units or central HVAC.)

Government funding of retrofits for low-income households throughprograms like theWeatherization Assistance Programand a mandate forfor apartment buildings are potential solutions.That would fund "a quarter to a third of homes being retrofitted, according to Cohen.

"Grants for low-income retrofits would bring down technology and installation costs. And incentive programs for wealthier homeowners could yield retrofits for the rest of homes," he said.

In turn, Cohenarguesthat that type of commitment from the government would help justify training programs and encourage a new generation of technicians to regard HVAC as a viable career.

There are all these promises about the potential for retrofits well save all this energy, create all these jobs and then the black box is the actual work of doing it. The [technicians] are the people who are inside that black box, said Cohen.

Read the rest here:
Whats It Like to Be an HVAC Installer or Technician? - Greentech Media News

Bryan White later brought on some of his brothers and the company gradually grew. In the mid- 80s and into the 90s, R&B hit its stride and expanded quickly to more than 40 employees before scaling back down.

We had probably up to 12 techs and 12 crews for install, but they didnt really want to get that big because they wanted to stay true to their roots, Mike White said.

Even when R&B expanded beyond the immediate family, it maintained a tight-knit company culture, prioritizing deep connections with its employees and customers over extreme growth.

We like being the neighborhood company that everybody just thinks of when they want to think about HVAC, Phann White said.

Although times have changed in the HVAC industry, R&Bs approach to service and human connection has stayed the same.

I think its just abouthow we treat the company like we treat our family, Phann White said.Everybody here is a reallytightknit group. Everybodyknows everybody. As long asthey do their job, we makesure theyre appreciated. You can pay anybody anything, but if you show appreciation, they stay with you longer and it shows through their work.

Its often a clich for businesses to use a family metaphor, but R&Bs longstanding employees and customers speak to the companys authentic use of the word.

Mike White spent summers doing ride-a-longs with his uncles who worked for the company and has been working with the company for 25 years. Phann White has been with the company for 19 years. Most employees have been working with R&B for at least 10 years.

That level of loyalty extends to customers both in the city and, increasingly, in Washington D.C. as well. Phone calls with customers regularly become personal conversations about the various goings on with children and grandchildren. Customers will often ask about employees who left the company years ago. R&B employees have even gone to their customers funerals.

R&Bs approach to everything, from an emphasis on word-of-mouth advertising to local installations, has been, and continues to be, community and customer focused.

We take care of our own, Phann White said.

The companys focus on certain HVAC offerings, specifically the Unico system thats meant to be installed in older, traditional homes without the need for remodeling, has also helped R&B carve out a niche in Alexandria and D.C.

At one time, we were thenumber one Unico installation company in the area for the mid-Atlantic, and I still think were top seven of all the companies that sprouted up doing it, Mike White said.

Focusing on Unico system installations has led to some high-profile projects for R&B, including museums, large historic estates and even the homes of former U.S. presidents.

Although R&Bs company culture has remained largely the same over the past 40 years, the company has had to adapt to changing trends in the HVAC industry and technology.

Phann White has been responsible for updating the companys operations, transitioning from the founders old school, pen and paper approach to modern technological practices.

This is the first year we went mobile, so were ticketless now, Phann White said. All the technicians are just doing it from their devices. Last year, I got them to finally do credit cards on the spot now and things like that.

The past 40 years havent been entirely smooth sailing for the company. R&B has had to reckon with a dwindling pool of trained professionals in the field, one that, fortunately, has been eased by a renewed interest in trade schools.

Thats the most challenging part right now, is finding employees and people who want to learn and dont mind a little hard work, Mike White said. But a lot of the guys here, theyre up for a challenge. Thats one of the best parts about it.

R&B has also had to face the 2008 market crash and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, R&B was able to keep all its employees during the pandemic and has had no infections among its staff, according to Mike White.

Its not ideal that the companys 40th anniversary has fallen in the middle of a pandemic, but R&B staff hope to continue providing the community with the same level of quality service for years to come.

We just hope to be here another 40 years and just stay a part of the community, which is the most important thing for us, Mike White said.

See the article here:
R&B Heating and Air Conditioning celebrates 40 years - Alexandria Times

Trenton, N.J. - The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) today announced the launch of a new public education campaign Lighting the Way to a Clean Energy Future to encourage New Jersey residents and businesses to save money, reduce energy use, and contribute to New Jerseys clean energy economy. The statewide campaign highlights the numerous rebates, incentives, and utility assistance available to homeowners, renters, and business owners through New Jerseys Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) at a time when New Jerseyans are facing extraordinary economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial strain among many New Jerseyans, but the incentives available from New Jerseys Clean Energy Program can help residents lower their energy bills at a time when extra support is needed, said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, NJBPU President. These initiatives can also decrease energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing the demand for labor in our green economy. Thanks to Governor Murphys continued commitment to 100 percent clean energy by 2050, New Jersey has an opportunity to capitalize on the economic benefits and job growth opportunities that stem from clean energy, which is especially important as we look to put people back to work.

The public education campaign reinforces NJBPUs efforts to spur job growth in clean energy industries and encourage equity in energy efficiency programs by expanding access and offsetting costs. Marking the first time in 10 years the states clean energy program has run ads to promote its program offerings, the new multimedia campaign will relaunch the program and reach New Jerseyans through both paid and earned media channels. The campaign will invite residents to see how much you can save while inspiring them to realize that we can all play a part in protecting our environment.

Our newsletter delivers the local news that you can trust.

The suite of residential programs and financial incentives available through NJCEP include:

The campaign also reminds New Jersey businesses that clean energy is good for business. Businesses can take advantage of NJCEPs Direct Install program, which pays up to 80 percent for the cost of energy efficiency upgrades in commercial facilities. Through Direct Install, businesses receive a free energy assessment from a participating contractor to determine eligibility and ways to cut energy costs by replacing lighting, HVAC, and other outdated operational equipment with high-efficiency alternatives.

To learn more about New Jerseys Clean Energy Program and the financial incentives, rebates, and programs it offers, visit njcleanenergy.com.

About the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU)NJBPU is a state agency and regulatory authority mandated to ensure safe, adequate and proper utility services at reasonable rates for New Jersey customers. Critical services regulated by NJBPU include natural gas, electricity, water, wastewater, telecommunications and cable television. The Board has general oversight and responsibility for monitoring utility service, responding to consumer complaints, and investigating utility accidents.To find out more about NJBPU, visit our web site atwww.nj.gov/bpu.

About New Jerseys Clean Energy Program (NJCEP)NJCEP, established on January 22, 2003, in accordance with the Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act (EDECA), provides financial and other incentives to the State's residential customers, businesses and schools that install high-efficiency or renewable energy technologies, thereby reducing energy usage, lowering customers' energy bills and reducing environmental impacts. The program is authorized and overseen by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), and its website is http://www.NJCleanEnergy.com.

See the article here:
NJBPU Launches Campaign Promoting Opportunities from New Jersey's Clean Energy Program that Save Residents Money and Reduce Energy Use - TAPinto.net

ST. LOUIS, Oct. 7, 2020 Emerson and Ameren Missouri are helping St. Louisans save on energy costs by giving away 7,000 Sensi smart thermostats. Thanks to instant discounts and participation in the Peak Time Savings program, Ameren Missouri customers can receive Emersons Sensi smart thermostat at no cost. Participants will enjoy ongoing savings and the convenience of controlling their thermostats from a smartphone. Customers can get their free thermostat at AmerenMissouri.com/FreeThermostat.

With many Missourians spending more time at home during the pandemic, now is the perfect time to make energy-efficient upgrades to reduce their electricity use, said Jamie Froedge, executive president of Emersons Commercial & Residential Solutions business.

A Sensi smart thermostat is an easy way to upgrade your HVAC setup and is the only smart thermostat to win ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. ENERGY STAR has found that smart thermostats can help customers save up to $180 a year by using programmable features to heat and cool their homes more efficiently. The Sensi smart thermostat, a top-rated ENERGY STAR certified thermostat, is convenient to control, easy to install and can help save customers money by heating and cooling homes more efficiently.

Features and benefits include:

Smart settings: Access your thermostat from your smartphone and adjust the temperature of your home from anywhere. You can also set the thermostat to detect your smartphones location and automatically adjust the temperature as you come and go (geofencing). Sensi smart thermostats also seamlessly integrate with smart home platforms, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit and SmartThings.

Easy installation: The Sensi smart thermostat, which works in most homes with existing wiring, takes up the same space as a traditional thermostat, eliminating the need to patch the wall or paint. An easy-to-use app walks you through the step-by-step installation process.

Energy-efficient: Monitor your energy usage with daily and monthly reports in the Sensi app and cut down your bill by adjusting the temperature using flexible scheduling, remote access and geofencing. NEWS RELEASE We recognize that these challenging times have had a profound impact on our customers, said Bill Davis, director of energy solutions at Ameren Missouri. "With so many families experiencing financial hardship, we want to do everything possible to help. This partnership with Emerson makes these smart thermostats accessible and affordable for everyone, while helping customers save money." The Sensi thermostat giveaway is just one component of Ameren Missouris residential energy efficiency program. Customers also have the power to save on LED lightbulbs, HVAC systems and other products that use less energy. Find more ways to save at AmerenMissouriSavings.com. Recipients of the free Sensi smart thermostat must enroll in the Peak Time Savings program. Aimed at keeping costs down for the community and benefitting the environment, Peak Time Savings uses cutting-edge technology to make your smart thermostat even smarter. The program works in the background to learn preferred temperature ranges and how your home uses energy. During times of peak demand, the program uses this knowledge to help keep you comfortable while reducing your energy use. Participation requirements:

Must be an Ameren Missouri residential electric customer.

Must install and activate the thermostat by connecting it to the Sensi app within 60 days of ordering. Not installing or activating the thermostat could result in the $50 rebate being charged back to your account.

Must connect your thermostat to in-home Wi-Fi.

The smart thermostat must control a cooling system because it will be enrolled in Peak Time Savings.

Participants in the smart thermostat rebate program since 2019 or those currently enrolled in the Peak Time Savings program are not eligible for this offer.

For more information on Emersons Sensi smart thermostats, visit Sensi.Emerson.com or connect with Sensi thermostat on Facebook (Facebook.com/SensiComfort) or Twitter (Twitter.com/Sensi).

About Ameren Missouri:

Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and the company's electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for its 1.2 million electric and 132,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri.

The company's service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities, including the greater St. Louis area.

For more information, visit Ameren.com/Missouri or follow us on Twitter at @AmerenMissouri or Facebook.com/AmerenMissouri.

About Emerson:

Emerson (NYSE: EMR), headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global technology and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in NEWS RELEASE industrial, commercial and residential markets.

Emerson's Automation Solutions business helps process, hybrid and discrete manufacturers, maximize production, protect personnel and the environment while optimizing their energy and operating costs.

Emerson's Commercial & Residential Solutions business helps ensure human comfort and health, protect food quality and safety, advance energy efficiency and create sustainable infrastructure.

For more information visit Emerson.com.

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Ameren Missouri and Emerson Team Up to Give Away 7000 Sensi Smart Thermostats to St. Louis-area Customers - St. Louis American

The days are getting shorter, the air is getting crisper, and the leaves are changing colorsall familiar cues that winter is around the corner. It also means that the heating season is nearly upon us, and with more Minnesotans staying home and concerned about finances than ever before, energy bills could have a major impact. This makes looking into energy-saving opportunities more important than ever.

The Clean Energy Resource Teams, or CERTs, a group that helps Minnesotans move forward with energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, say there are things that everyone can do to save energy, keep warm, and stay healthy this winter.

Most people dont know that October is Energy Awareness Month, and thats okay, shared Dan Thiede with CERTs. Whats importantespecially right nowis that they know theyre not alone. Many people are worried about bills and having to choose between heating their home or buying food and medicine. Everyone wants to be comfortable and safe at home in the winter, and we hope these tips will help.

After you learn what you can do in your own home, check in with your neighbor or a friend or family member that might be feeling particularly isolated so that they can find ways to reduce their energy bills this winter, too, Thiede stressed. The same goes for local businesses, farmers, and schools that could benefit from learning more about their energy options. Were all in this together.

1. Take steps at homewhether you own or rentto save energy and money this winter

Quick heating tips: In the winter, set your thermostat at 68F during the day and lower it at night and when you are away. Open window curtains or shades during the day to let the sun help warm your home, and close them at night. Also remember to close windows and doors when running the furnace and make sure your air registers are clear of furniture or other obstructions so that air can circulate. You can also seal your home from cold winter drafts with plastic film on the windows and draft snakes, sweeps, and weatherstripping for doors.

If you can, avoid using electric space heaters. They are an expensive way to heat your home, and some are a fire hazard. If its difficult to heat your home to 68F without one, its a good sign that improvements are needed to your heating system or insulation.

Maintain your heating system: Heating and cooling account for a little more than half of the energy used in a typical Minnesota home, the largest energy expense for most homes. Your heating and cooling systems should be inspected annually and maintained. Consider replacing your furnace or boiler if its nearing the end of its expected life (15-20 years for furnaces, 20-30 for boilers), it requires expensive repairs, or it is inefficient.

Steps you can take for even more savings in your home (or discuss with your landlord if you rent):

Get an energy assessment to see if you need more insulation (more on that to come)

Install a programmable or smart thermostat

Replace furnace filters every month

Install ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment and appliances

Install water-efficient faucet aerators and showerheads to reduce hot water use (look for the WaterSense label)

Turn down the thermostat on your water heater to 120F to reduce energy use and prevent burns

Energy-saving tips for any season: Replace old-style incandescent bulbs with LEDs and turn off lights when you are not in the room or when you can use natural lighting. Cook with your microwave or crockpot. Wash your clothes with cold water and clean the lint trap in the dryer before every load. Unplug electronics when not in use or use a smart power strip to do it for you.

2. Get an energy assessment to learn about ways to save and potential health and safety concerns

If you havent already, arrange to get an energy assessment to find out where you can save the most energy, and consider making larger investments for long-term energy savings. Contact your utility, likely Xcel Energy, Steele Waseca Co-op Electric, or CenterPoint Energy, to see what options they offer, or who they recommend. This assessment of how your house is functioning can help you decide what needs fixing, what needs upgrading, and what needs replacement. It will identify some simple low-cost measures you can take, such as weather-stripping doors, and it will determine more expensive but cost-effective measures, such as air sealing and adding insulation.

3. Save even more energy and money at home (and prevent ice dams) with weatherization

Adding insulation combined with sealing air leaks, also called weatherization, is one of the most cost-effective energy-saving improvements you can make to an existing home. It can cut heating and cooling costs by 15 percent or more. Typically, air infiltration causes drafts and a chilly feeling near windows and doors and in basements. An advanced home energy assessment will locate the air leaks (around windows, doors, vents, chimneys, wires, and light fixtures), and sealing those leaks must be part of any insulation job. The home assessment will determine the amount of insulation you have and how much more you need. The main culprit for most ice dams seen during the winter in Minnesota is inadequate insulation and air sealing in the attic.

4. Get help with bills through energy assistance programs with Three Rivers Community Action

The nations average energy burden is roughly 3.5%, but some Minnesotans spend 20-30% of their income on energy. If you are having trouble paying your energy bills, there are two income-qualified programs that might be able to help. The state Energy Assistance Program helps pay for energy expenses and the Weatherization Assistance Program reduces energy bills for the long term with insulation, heating systems, appliances, and more. Three Rivers Community Action serves the Faribault area and can help you get started with both programs. If youd like to learn more about your bill and find more resources and support during COVID-19, contact the Citizens Utility Board of Minnesota.

5. Learn about shut-off protections

If your utilities get shut off or you are behind on payments, contact your utility, likely Xcel Energy, Steele Waseca Co-op Electric, or CenterPoint Energy, to set up a payment plan and find out if they have affordability programs and your local Energy Assistance Program to request assistance paying your utility bills, if you qualify. During the winter, (Oct. 15-April 15), if you receive Energy Assistance or if your household income is under 50% of MN median income, you and the utility should establish a reduced payment plan. During the winter, if you make timely payments based on that payment plan, the utility may not disconnect you, or must reconnect you if you have been disconnected.

6. Consider if solar energy is right for your home

If you have an unshaded roof or area of land that gets a lot of sun throughout the year, solar energy might be a good fit for you and your home. Other technologies like air source heat pumps, ground source heat pumps, and insulation might better reduce demand for fuels needed to heat your home. Any one of these technologies might be right for you depending on your energy use or the solar resource available at your site. You can also contact your electric utility to see about other options like community solar and green pricing.

7. Make your next car an electric vehicle and drive less by biking, walking, and taking transit

Its estimated that by 2040, 55 percent of all new vehicle sales in the US will be electric. There are currently more than 35 plug-in electric vehicle models on the market, most easily going over 100 miles a day, some twice that or more. EV charging infrastructure is in place and growing rapidly across Minnesota, too, especially on major corridors. Of course its also good to consider when biking or walking would be a healthy way to reduce your driving, and to take transit when and where its available.

8. Help businesses and farms in your community save with energy projects

Businesses and farms need help more than ever right now, and many of the same energy-saving steps you can take at home will work for their buildings and operations, too. There are also other funding opportunities like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) from USDA Rural Development and financing options like Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) that can support their energy efficiency and renewable energy projects. Their utilities may also offer specialized energy assessments and rebates, too.

9. Help your communitys school go solar

60 school districts in Minnesota already benefit from solar, including Faribault Public Schools, and there has never been a better time for even more schools to take advantage of clean energy opportunities. On top of the cost savings that solar energy provides for schools, access to solar allows students and teachers to connect STEM education with new technology on school grounds and with one of the fastest growing job markets in the state.

10. Explore careers in the quickly growing clean energy economy

If youve been considering a career in clean energy, youre not alone. In 2019, there were more than 61,000 people working in clean energy jobs across the state1 in 3 of them in Greater Minnesota. Some of the most common opportunities posted to the states Clean Energy Job Board over the last couple years have been solar installers, wind technicians, and weatherization specialists, all of which are good family-supporting jobs. There are also training opportunities available in Minnesota to prepare people for these exciting careers.

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10 ways to save energy, keep warm, and stay healthy this winter - Southernminn.com

When it first burst onto the scene back in 2011, the Nest Learning Thermostat was heralded as a groundbreaking glimpse into the future of home automation for the masses.Here was this revolutionary device that looked unlike conventional thermostats, promised to be more energy efficient, and was incredibly simple to use.

Much has changed over the near decade since its launch as it pertains to connected and smart homes. What was once on the bleeding edge of technology has become commonplace. Plenty of consumers have smart and automated devices and services in their homes; weve adapted to them rather quickly.

Now in its third generation, the Nest Learning Thermostat has seen its fair share of tweaks and adjustments. Features have been added along the way, internal tech has gotten smarter, and it has streamlined its overall design. In just a few short years it hasgone from being a revolutionary breakthrough to an evolutionary product in an increasingly competitive space.

How does the Nest Learning Thermostat stand up in 2020? What is it like to install and use one? Read on for our review of the 3rd Generation device.

The Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd-Gen) is an electronic, programmable, and self-learning WiFi-connected thermostat. Once in place, it begins to learn how users make adjustments to temperatures in the home.

The device uses a combination of sensors and machine learning to figure out schedules and temperatures. It can even shift into an energy-saving mode to turn off when nobody is home.

I was pleasantly surprised by how easy the Nest was to install. Included in the box are all of the requisite screws and mounts, some of them even being optional.

While I am not a handyman, I can still find my way around a toolbox. With that said, it took me about 15 minutes to remove the old thermostat and install the Nest.

Your mileage may vary, depending on how many wires you have or how elaborate of a heating and cooling system is in place. For me it was a case of inserting four wires (red, green, yellow, and white) into place.

Once mounted and snapped into place, the Nest walks you through the initial software and user experience part of the setup. Using a combination of spinning the dial and pressing it youll set up language, location, and other basics. From there its on to the app.

As expected, the Nest app was straightforward and intuitive. Further, there were far more options and settings available in the app. Considering the simplicity of the device itself, I found the app revealed just how smart the Nest Learning Thermostat can be.

While you can pretty much install it and leave default settings in place, it pays to look around and tinker. And thats not just a turn of phrase, either. Youll save yourself money over the life of the thermostat; its worth a few minutes in the app to add nickels and dimes to your bottom line.

Ive only had the Nest Learning Thermostat in place for about a week or so, but I feel confident that its already working for me. Moreover, its a hell of a lot easier to manage than a traditional thermostat. Plus it looks really cool on the wall.

I appreciate that I can turn the dial up a notch or two, or switch from heating to cooling with a flick of the wrist. I also like that I can set things so that the Nest will turn off or kick in when the temperature reaches a certain number.

You know those nights where the temp drops lower than you expected? I sleep better knowing that the Nest will kick on and heat the house even if the unit was otherwise turned off.

Likewise, its nice knowing that those daily temperatures settings and schedules arent set in stone. What works on Mondays and Tuesdays may not be the same as the rest of the work week. Nest will figure this out before I ever would and make adjustments.

Without a doubt. If you are in the process of building out a smart home, you owe it to yourself to at least consider the Nest Learning Thermostat. The sooner you add it to your house, the sooner youll be saving money long term.

Im a big fan of the Nest app and love the full range of options. Im also really fond of the way it integrates with the Google Home app and Google Assistant experience. It doesnt take long before you understand which voice commands prompt results or adjustments.

Given that its available in a variety of finishes, and that it comes with a variety of mounting options, I have zero doubts that youll find something that matches your environment or tastes.

The Nest Learning Thermostat is available at a wide range of retailers, both brick-and-mortar (Target, Best Buy) and online (Amazon). Learn more about it at Googles store where its available for $249.

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Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd Gen) review - AndroidGuys

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Its challenging enough deciphering if the coughing, sneezing, scratchy throat and body aches are caused by a virus or allergies in an average year.

But toss COVID-19 into the mix, and its nearly impossible to make a definitive call based on symptoms alone, said Dr. Uzma Muneer, a board-certified pediatrician with Elmhurst Clinic.

Thats why we have to do testing and isolation, Muneer said. We just dont know.

Muneer did say the presence of a certain symptom, even in children, rules out allergies.

Fever is not a part of seasonal allergies, Muneer said.

A fever can be COVID-19. But it also can mean the flu or strep throat.And many people who do test positive for COVID-19 never run a fever, Muneer said.

[In that case,] a doctor may say, Stay at home, monitor symptoms and call us if things escalate, Muneer said.

Typically, cough, sore throat, fatigue, congestion or runny nose and muscle or body aches are symptoms that often are seen with colds, especially in kids.

Symptoms that generally arent part of the common cold are nausea or vomiting, diarrhea and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

But shortness of breath also can accompany allergies and asthma, Muneer said. Thats why its so important for people to have a primary care physician, she said.

Thats especially true this year, when parents and patients should not be relying on guesswork to figure out the cause of their symptoms, she said.

You wouldnt have bat an eyelash in previous years, she said.

Parents worry aboutmultisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, but this illness, although serious, is not common, according to a news release from Edward-Elmhurst Health.

Symptoms of MIS-C include a persistent, prolonged fever, skin rash, red eyes, lips and tongue, and swollen hands and feet.

Findings suggest that children are less likely to get COVID-19 than adults, and if they do contract COVID-19, they generally have less serious illness than adults. But scientists still are learning how COVID-19 spreads and impacts children.

Some people become infected with COVID-19 and dont develop any symptoms. But they still can spread the virus to others, including those who are at risk of complications.

We do recommend testing if theres any concern of COVID, Muneer said.

With any virus, its important that parents keep a close eye on their children, Muneer said.

You know your child best, Muneer said in a news release from Edward-Elmhurst Health. Let your childs doctor know if your child has a fever, is lethargic, wont drink fluids, has any difficulty in breathing or has any other symptoms that concern you. When in doubt, call the doctor.

Children should have regular wellness checkups and stay up to date with all recommended vaccinations, especially the flu shot this season.

Muneer also recommends people and families continue to limit exposures, wear masks in public, wash their hands frequently and physically distance themselves.

But dont let your guard down, even if a COVID-19 test comes back negative, she said.

Continue doing whats recommended, Muneer said.

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Cold, flu or covid? How to tell the difference especially in kids - The Herald-News