Categories
- Case Study (3)
- Energy Efficiency Benefits (11)
- Energy Saving Tips (11)
- Services (13)
- Technology (10)
Why is energy efficiency important?
There are many benefits to having a building that operates efficiently; the most obvious being reduced energy and operational costs.
Employee Ryan Lovan was featured on Channel 13, WHO Tv, on Tuesday January 3, 2018. He provided tips and tricks that are easy to accomplish on your own. He discussed proper ways to: insulate pipes caulk around windows how to feel for a draft through a window or door (without using technology) water heater tips and many more Would you like to put more cash into your pocket? Then the time is now, click on the link below to watch the video. You won’t regret it! Other Tips He Has for You: Air infiltration through the attic access panel. If […]
Energy efficiency is a noble goal to strive for, but sometimes the realities of life (namely, money or the lack thereof) can get in the way of realizing these goals. Cindy, our manager for TEG’s Affordable Housing Program, has put together this helpful infographic that provides budget-friendly ways for you and your tenants to save energy – and money. Click on the link below to view and download the infographic. Energy Saving Tips Flyer 6.9.2017
Super Bowl LI is this Sunday! Whether you’re a Patriots fan or a Falcons fan, chances are you’re either holding a Super Bowl party or attending one hosted by friends or family. With so many people tuning in, you may think that energy usage spikes during this time- but in reality, it actually drops! How does this work? According to the National Center for Policy Analysis, this drop in energy use occurs precisely because of the number of people who hold or attend Super Bowl parties. Say you’re attending a watch party with seven other people. Only one TV is […]
In October of last year, the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB), a governmental board that regulates utilities, approved MidAmerican Energy’s request to raise electric and gas rates. The increase in rates will help to cover rising costs and increase revenue over three years. The proposed increase will phase in over a three year period starting on August 15th, 2013. Each customer would pay on average $2.73 more through 2014, $2.75 more through 2015, and $2.68 more through 2016. These average base rates would then drop after 2017 due to the recent announcement from MidAmerican Energy, Gov. Terry Branstad, and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds […]
Did you know that all electrical appliances and equipment still draw or “suck” energy even when they are turned off, as long as they are still plugged in? This draw of energy is called standby power, or phantom load, and most experts agree that it happens for two reasons. One, power supply circuits and sensors receive a remote signal while plugged into the wall. Two, circuits continue to be energized even though the appliance or equipment is turned off. The average residential setting adds about $200 or 5 to 10% more to their average annual energy bill from products plugged […]
The Simpsonian, Simpson College’s student newspaper, published an article discussing the college’s recent outdoor LED lighting project. The Indianola college updated 200 of their outdoor lighting fixtures from 81 Watt high pressure sodium lamps to 51 Watt LED lamps. In the article, TEG is credited for helping to secure the funds to complete the project. We were able to provide the energy analysis necessary for Simpson to apply for a State Energy Program grant as well as facilitate the selection and purchase of materials. Perks of the lighting upgrade not only include decreased utility and maintenance costs, but also a cut […]
In 2012 TEG performed a plug load anaylsis for the Hunziker & Associates Realty office in Ames, Iowa. We caught up with Carla to learn about her experience with the energy analysis process and impacts it had in her office. She explained that the office was concerned with sustainability and that she is on a committee (Ames Sustainability Task Force) which wanted to lead by example. When Carla received her original energy assessment last year it showed that the realty office was very energy efficient and confirmed that they were on the right track, but there was a large portion […]
The Energy Group attended the Ames Creation Care Workshop on June 27th. The Ames Creation Care Group is an organization of churches in and around the Ames, Iowa area. Mary Jean Baker, an active member within the Creation Care Group, planned to hold a round table discussion about energy efficiency in light of the announcement of upcoming rate changes by the City of Ames electric utility. TEG was asked to participate in discussion to inform church members about energy efficiency and the importance of getting an energy assessment. We have been working with the City of Ames for several years to […]
Edith Monroe, writer for Corn and Soybean Digest, published an article earlier this summer on the benefits of applying for a REAP (Rural Energy for America Program) Grant (1). She contacted us to get connected with an operation that had been through the process, from grant application to implementation. We caught up with Ron Heck and discussed his thoughts on REAP and the auditing process (2). Ron Heck (Perry, IA) received his energy audit from TEG two years ago to include in his REAP grant application. And as Edith puts it, he’s “already reaping from the benefits”. Our audit identified […]
Now is the time to get your home or business checked for insulation and window deficiencies! As the colder months approach, we are gearing up to heat our spaces and many elect for equipment tune-ups in an effort to avoid wasting money and energy. But a bigger threat to your pocket book may be lingering, – heat loss. If heat is lost, regardless of how efficient the heating system, money is wasted. Don’t underestimate the high costs associated with heat losses due to poor or failed insulation and windows! With our infrared imaging assessment, we will identify weaknesses in the […]
