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Remodeling for energy savings

Following these tips from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry [NARI] of Des Plaines can help you reduce your energy bills.

You can easily test your home for air leaks by holding a smoke stick next to closed exterior doors and windows, and places where plumbing or electrical wiring penetrates through exterior walls, floors or ceilings. Caulking, sealing or weather stripping can seal most gaps. Expanding foam can seal large gaps.

Storm windows can be installed over single-pane windows. For window replacement, consider specially coated double-pane windows designed to reflect heat back into the room.

Replacing the air filter once a month will maximize the efficiency of a heating system. You can also install a programmable thermostat.

Ducts running through attics, crawl spaces and garages should be sealed and insulated. It is not unusual to find improperly sealed joints leaking conditioned air.

Nothing is cozier than curling up next to a roaring fire on a blustery winter day, but a fireplace can send energy dollars up the chimney. Keep fireplace dampers closed when the fireplace is not in use. Install snugly fitting glass doors and close them to reduce heat loss while the fire burns itself out. The doors also protect the home from flying embers.

For more information go to NARI's Web site at www.RemodelToday.com, call (800) 611-NARI or contact your local electric cooperative.

Leaders urge students to get involved

Every June for the past 44 years, something amazing has been happening in our nation's capital. Nearly 1,500 young people from across America gather here for the "Youth to Washington" tour.

This year's speakers included a representative from the White House Office of Freedom Corps, Therese Lyon, who encouraged students to go back to their communities and participate in a volunteer activity. The Freedom Corps is George W. Bush's effort to foster volunteer service.

Senator Richard Durbin said, "I don't care where your home town is, whether you're rich or poor, if you have an interest in public service and want to get involved in government, the opportunities are there. Get to know your community. Get an education. Get involved."

The National Youth Day keynote speaker was Lt. Col. Brian Birdwell, a survivor of the 9/11 attacks on the Pentagon. He said, "Our Founding Fathers were relying on the abilities and judgment of the average citizen to provide a check on the power of the government."

This year, 60 Illinois students visited with their congressional representatives; toured national historic sites, such as the White House, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, FDR Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Korean Memorial and Lincoln Memorial; and went to museums like the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum.

For many of the students who come to Washington, it is their first trip. Not only do they get to visit the sites in D.C., but they also come away with new friendships and enthusiasm for serving their communities.

Interested high school sophomores, juniors and seniors should contact their local electric or telephone cooperative for more details on winning a trip of a lifetime.

6 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.icl.coop

Are you a "Youth to Washington" tour alumnus?

In the last 44 years, more than 2,500 students have traveled from Illinois to meet with presidents, senators, representatives and other national leaders. Many of these young people go on to be community leaders, and we are trying to find out more about the Youth to Washington alumni.

We learned seven alumni from the 1998 Youth to Washington trip graduated from the University of Illinois in May.

Derek Price, sponsored by M.J.M. Electric Cooperative, Inc., graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering and a minor in Chemistry. He plans to attend graduate school for a Master's in Cell and Structural biology at the University of Illinois.

Nick Dolce, sponsored by Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. He plans to study hydrology during graduate school at the University of Illinois, and hopes to end up with a career in a governmental agency.

Jessica VanTine, sponsored by Western Illinois Electrical Coop., graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Leadership Education. She also plans to attend graduate school at the U of I, and will study Agriculture Education.

Megan Sievers, who was sponsored by M.J.M. Electric Cooperative, Inc., graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Food Science Human Nutrition, with the option of Dietetics. She will begin an internship and Master's program soon after graduation and upon completion will take an exam to become a registered dietitian.

Carrie Riggins, sponsored by McDonough Power Cooperative, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She started working as a teacher for the University of Illinois Child Development Lab immediately following graduation.

Brian Hetzer, sponsored by Norris Electric Cooperative, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science.

Mike Anderson, sponsored by Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative, graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering.

If you, or someone you know participated in the Youth to Washington tour, please send a note to John Freitag or Linda Comstock, Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708 or e-mail us at lcomstock@aiec.coop.

Interested high school sophomores, juniors and seniors should contact their local electric or telephone cooperative for more details on winning a trip of a lifetime.

What you can do about natural gas prices

Natural gas soared last winter and could again this year. Because of increased demand and decreasing resources, the long-term future for natural gas prices may not be any better.

The average gas bill for consumers of one Midwest gas utility for November through January totaled $320.80, up from $259.85 the previous year.

The best way for consumers and businesses to avoid dependence on an energy resource this volatile is to install a geothermal heating and cooling system.

Geothermal heat pumps enable designers to create buildings that are extremely efficient in energy use as well as in space utilization. Check the ads in this magazine for a list of geothermal heat pump dealers.

Source: WaterFurance International www. waterfurnace.com.

Bill will hold postal rates steady until 2006 The President has signed a bill into law holding the price of a postage stamp to its current price of $.37 through 2006. After the Senate passed its version of the bill in early April, the House followed with its unanimous passage of the Postal Civil Service Retirement System Funding Reform Act of 2003 the following week. "The passage of this legislation is good news not just for the Postal Service, but for everyone who uses the mail," the Postal Service said in a press release. "It will enable postal rates to remain stable until 2006, providing a much-needed boost for the $900 billion mailing industry and the overall economy." The legislation will allow the Postal Service to reduce some pension fund payments, which would save the organization $5.5 billion over the next two years. Last year, the organization asked Congress to reduce its payments into the Civil Service Retirement Fund after an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) study showed that the agency would over fund its pension obligations by $71 billion. Reducing payments should not affect the benefits of current and future retirees, according to postal officials. The OPM study found that the retirement program would have a large surplus mostly due to a yield from pension fund investments during the last 30 years that exceeded expectations. The savings accrued to the Postal Service must be used to pay down its $11.2 billion debt, preventing future increases under the legislation. Last June the Postal Service issued its third rate increase in 18 months. If this legislation were not passed, another increase would occur next year. Postal unions, consumers, non-profit groups and others in the mailing industry are applauding the legislation. Source: Alliance of Nonprofit Mailers; Washington Post; United States Postal Service

SEPTEMBER 2003 www.aiec.coop 7

Save money with an ENERGY STAR® air conditioner Most new air conditioners are more energy-efficient than ever before. The best models have improved coils, more efficient motors, variable-speed fans and dual compressors. Air conditioners bearing the ENERGY STAR® seal are the most efficient of all, and use I0-20 percent less electricity than a standard new central air conditioner, and about 30-50 percent less than an older central air conditioner. All air conditioners are rated by the amount of heat they remove for each kilowatt-hour of electricity they use. Central air-conditioning units are rated by a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). Room air conditioners are rated only by their EER. All air conditioners must display their energy ratings on yellow energy guide labels. The higher the SEER or EER rating, the more efficient the air conditioner and the lower its annual operating cost. An ENERGY STAR® seal requires SEER ratings of at least 13 for split system central air conditioners, and SEER ratings of 12 or higher for packaged central air conditioners. Portable room air conditioners must have an EER of around 11 to qualify for the ENERGY STAR® seal. If you install a new central air conditioner, be sure to work with a contractor who will perform a quality installation. Recent studies show that more than half of central air conditioners don't perform up to their potential because of one of the following installation problems: • Air conditioner is oversized • Ducts are leaky • Airflow is restricted • Refrigerant charge is incorrect Special financing may be available for ENERGY STAR® labeled central air conditioners. Visit the ENERGY STAR® Web site (www.energystar.gov), and click on Special Offers, or call the ENERGY STAR hotline toll-free for more information at (888) STAR-YES (888-782-7937). Source: John Krigger, Saturn Resource Management, www.residential-energy.com.

Farm Progress Show returns to its Illinois roots

The "Super Bowl of Agriculture" returns to a farm site not far from where it began nearly 50 years ago in Vermilion County. The 2003 Farm Progress Show will take place Sept. 23-25 near Henning. The golden anniversary show brings together the farm operations of the Peter Gernand and Scott Clark families to host what is expected to be among the most memorable Farm Progress Shows ever. Both families are members of Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative, the co-op providing electric service to the tent city that will be erected.

This year's show site, the Penfield-Gernand farms, is located about 10 miles from the Earl Bass farm, the site of the first Farm Progress Show held in 1953.

While honoring the show's heritage is important, the primary Farm Progress Show mission remains focused toward showcasing future opportunities and challenges.

President/CEO of Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative Wm. David Champion, Jr. says, "We are really excited about being the electric co-op serving the Farm Progress Show in its 50th year. It is an honor for them to come back to the same area that they started in 50 years ago and for us to be a part of the celebration." Eastern Illini will also host one of the tents and demonstrate its various services such as Internet and telecommunication services.

Safe Electricity will also have a demonstration on farm safety at the show. Safe Electricity is a joint effort undertaken by members of the Illinois Electric Council. For more information go to www.safeelectricity.org.

The modern-day Farm Progress Show attracts more than 100,000 visitors from around the world. To find out more go to: www.farmprogressshow.com or call the Danville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at (800) 383-4386.

The Farm Progress Show staff took a little trip back in time when they arranged the planting of a 50-year-old hybrid using a cabless, tricycle wheel Farmall M tractor. Planting was on 38-inch rows just like it was done in 1953. The 50th Farm Progress Show will be held near Henning, 15 miles north of Danville, September 23 to 25.

Illinois rural teachers earn less

Illinois' rural teachers earn nearly $10,500 less than teachers in the rest of the state, the largest gap in the nation. There are more than 1 million people living in rural Illinois, and the state ranks among the top 10 states in percentage of students attending small rural schools, one fourth of which suffer declining enrollment. The sheer number of rural students makes it important for Illinois to address rural education policy.

Source: The Rural School and Community Trust www.ruraledu.org.

8 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.icl.coop