Energy Saving Fall

ENERGY SAVING FALL/WINTER CHECKLIST

Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy Resource Educator

As the fall settles in, there are tasks that can be done around the home to prepare for cooler weather. Keep in mind that most New Yorker renters or homeowners will qualify for a free home energy assessment right now. If you are interested, contact Energy Educator Sean Welsh, sw288@cornell.edu or call 845 292 6180 ext. 127

Doors

Door sweeps can be installed to seal gaps beneath doors. Different kinds of door sweeps can be found on the market for a more permanent installation, or a peal and seal product can be removed.

If you are a renter look into rope caulk, which is designed to not chip or peel paint and can provide draft reductions. Caulk and weather-stripping can be installed for a low cost way to lessen heat loss and save energy.

Drapes/Shades

On colder days, take advantage of the

shades and drapes open while the sun is shining!

Insulation

Weather-stripping can be installed on doors and caulking can be done around windows to help seal and prevent air leaks, helping to provide more comfort and energy savings. Home energy audits are free for most New York homeowners and renters and can assist those who meet income guidelines with costs associated with some of the recommended upgrades. Call your local Community Energy Advisor at 845 292-6180 ext. 127 to find out if you qualify for a program or to line up a home energy assessment.

Windows

Consider replacing screens on windows with storm windows for an additional barrier from the cold outside winter air.

Window plastic can be applied to help air seal around drafty windows. If you are in the market for new windows, Energy Star certified windows are a more energy efficient option.

Air Conditioners

Window units should be removed and windows should be locked and secured during the colder months. If it is a permanent wall unit, a tight fitting cover can be placed over it to insulate it from the cold air. These covers can be found at most home improvement or hardware stores.

Attic/Floor Vents

Attic and floor vents should not be blocked by furniture, rugs or other obstacles.

Boilers

Boilers should be serviced annually by a qualified contractor so it is as efficient and working as well as it is able. When in the market for a new boiler consider an ENERGY STAR certified boiler.

Fireplaces

If not in use, close your fireplace damper to help warm air stay in the home. Fireplace balloons or chimney plugs can be found at home improvement stores to provide a tighter seal, rather than just the damper alone. A fireplace can be fitted with a low emission wood pellet stove. These stoves are more efficient than a fireplace alone and burn less fuel, saving home owners money. There are incentive options based on income for homeowners in New York to purchase these stoves.

Furnaces

Having your furnace serviced annually for oil burning furnaces and every 2 years for natural gas. Making sure your duct work is sealed and insulated helps with the efficiency of the system.

Heating and Cooling Equipment (HVAC)

Look at your HVAC air filters monthly. This is even more important during the winter and summer when these systems are in heavier use. Check with the manufacturing information about how often filters should be cleaned or replaced. Dirty filters will make the system work harder and less efficient. Systems should be serviced by professionals annually for a preseason tune up. For systems older than 10 years, new more energy efficient heating and cooling options are available. Systems such as air source heat pumps can give cooling and heating even in colder climates, reducing energy costs.

Thermostats

Smart thermostats can be programmed to help regulate the temperature of your home, even when outside the home. Energy Star certified smart thermostats can be found on utility websites for a reduced cost.

Utility Online Marketplaces

Check with your electric utility for rebates on some of the above mentioned equipment. Utilities offer online marketplaces, which give discounts on energy saving products and rebates on appliances and heating and cooling systems. To discuss options for major purchasing decisions, you can check with a community energy advisor to talk about programs, current rebates and incentives to help drive down energy costs and improve the efficiency of a home.

Accessed Sept 8, 2020. http://www.energy. gov/energy/energysaver/energ-saver.

DIABETES & FOOD BOURNE ILLNESS

Submitted by SueAnn Boyd, Healthy Schools Coordinator

When we talk about people who are at higher risk of foodborne illness, the groups that often come to mind are small children, older people, people who are seriously ill, and pregnant women. Another group is people who are immunocompromised- and people with diabetes are squarely in this group. People with diabetes, and their family members, are often unaware that diabetes puts you at increased risk of foodborne infection. Diabetes is often assumed to affect only blood glucose levels, but the damage diabetes can wreak can affect nerves, eyes, circulation and kidneys. Blood vessels may be damaged, and this can lead to heart attacks or strokes.

The reasons for their susceptibility to food borne illness may be because of the effect of high blood sugar levels on the nervous system. This nerve damage can result in gastroparesis, a condition in which normal stomach digestion activity slows or stops. This results in the infected food staying in the stomach and intestines for longer, giving harmful bacteria extra time to multiply. Production of gastric acid may also be reduced. The acid works to break down food in the stomach and functions as a barrier to harmful bacteria. In addition to their already immune-compromised state, foodbor ne illness symptoms, such as excessive vomiting, can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which, if not treated quickly, could lead to blurred vision, slurred speech, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Poor blood sugar control appears to be an important risk factor in the increased risk of infection and of serious infection for people with diabetes.

meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs.

running water.

diabetes and their family members can do to reduce their risk of food borne illness. Managing diabetes and maintaining blood glucose concentrations in the goal range may reduce the risk of foodborne infection.

Following the four simple steps from www.FoodSafety.gov- clean, separate, cook and chill, can help keep your family safe from food poisoning at home.

Clean: Wash Hands, Utensils, and Surfaces Often

Illness-causing germs can survive in many places around your kitchen, including your food, hands, utensils, and cutting boards.

Wash your hands often, especially:

seafood, or their juices, or uncooked eggs a child who has used the toilet or animal waste

Wash surfaces and utensils after each use:

Use separate cutting boards and plates for produce, meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs.

Cook to the Right Temperature

Food is safely cooked when the internal temperature is high enough to kill germs that can make you sick.

food is safe. When you think your food is done, place the food thermometer in the thickest part of the food, making sure not to touch bone, fat, or gristle. F or above). Read package directions for cooking and follow them exactly to make sure food is thoroughly cooked.

sit for a few minutes enables colder areas to absorb heat from hotter areas.

Chill: Refrigerate and Freeze Food Properly

Refrigerate perishable foods within 2

multiply quickest between 40°F and 140°F.

counter. The safest way to thaw or marinate meat, poultry and seafood is in the refrigerator.

throw food out before harmful bacteria grow.

Know That People with Diabetes Are at a Higher Risk for Foodborne Illness (aka Food

hours.

2, 2020. Accessed September 11, 2020. https://extension.unh.edu/blog/did-youknow-people-diabetes-are-higher-riskfoodborne-illness-aka-food-poisoning.