Start lowering your energy bill now, by attending the Pinpoint Your Energy Waste Workshop from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Newton Public Library. The free workshop is offered by the Hometown Rewards program Black Hills Energy and Alliant Energy.
At the workshop, Hometown Rewards Community Coordinator Jackie Boat will discuss heating and cooling options along with how to insulate and air sealing tips for the house. Also, hot water usage advice and electronics, appliances and lighting control hope to help save money and become more energy efficient in the home.
“Various little changes, as well as big ones, can save you money,” Boat said. “Weatherization and energy efficiency have benefits for all seasons. The class covers general energy efficiency concerns, but due to the timing will have an emphasis on gearing up for winter weather.”
All attendees will take home an energy-efficiency gift bag filled with a digital thermometer, a smart power strip and outlet gaskets, among others items to help make the home more efficient and save money. One lucky winner will take home a Wi-Fi smart thermostat, which is valued at $249.
“I think the take away message from this class will largely be that the little things matter,” Boat said. “Slight changes in behavior are an important part of energy efficiency, as well as implementing larger projects for greater impacts.”
Newton joined the Hometown Rewards program earlier this year. The program rewards Iowa communities for cutting back energy use. It partners with Newton to set energy savings goals and find ways to meet them over a two-year period.
If the goals are met, the program will help fund an energy-efficient project chosen by your community. Past projects include new LED streetlights, an energy-efficient heating and cooling system for a school and solar panels for a town library.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com