Author Archives: kthomas

Motorcycles Thrill, Sadly They Spew Pollution, Too

BY Adam Wasch, Energy Outreach Consultant for CCHRC and UAF CES
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner March 19th, 2009, Section A3

I bought my first motorcycle last summer when gas prices were high and still rising. Gas prices had nothing to do with it. I wanted to go fast. I wanted to feel the panicky thrill of unadulterated physics. I wanted to feel free. Well, I got two out of the three things I wanted, which is pretty good for an impulse purchase by a man approaching his 40s faster than a fly waiting for a windshield on a freeway. Continue reading

Snow Accumulation on Roofs: When to Worry

BY Adam Wasch, Energy Outreach Consultant for CCHRC and UAF CES
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner March 12th, 2009, Section A3

Last summer, I had a small deck built onto the back of my cabin. From there I enjoy a pleasant view of real woods instead of my neighbor’s yard, which is filled with artificial Christmas trees – a collecting hobby of his. My deck does me no good in wintertime, though. It’s covered with snow. So much snow that I got to wondering how much it can carry. Continue reading

Think Your Homepage is Cool? Check Out Energy Star’s

BY Adam Wasch, Energy Outreach Consultant for CCHRC and UAF CES
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner March 5th, 2009, Section A3

Sometimes, I worry that the U.S. economy is in trouble because our gross national product is almost entirely comprised of web pages. I’d contribute by adding my own personal web page, but I’m afraid my lack of substance could trigger a full-blown depression. Some websites are pretty nifty, though. Like the one by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star program. Continue reading

Knowing What Insulation to Put Where in Your Home

BY Adam Wasch, Energy Outreach Consultant for CCHRC and UAF CES
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner February 26th, 2009, Section A3

As a kid, I felt betrayed when I saw the Pink Panther cartoon character promoting Owens Corning’s pink fiberglass-thermal insulation on TV. Owens Corning thought the Pink Panther’s playful pantomime lent credibility to their product. But I lost faith, realizing that even the sly Panther was beholden to a boss. Never mind years later when the Pink Panther promoted Sweet’N Low artificial sweetener. By then, as an adult, I accepted endorsements as retirement security for my childhood heroes and felt a sad admiration for the Pink Panther, who could survive so long. Continue reading

Septic Systems, Conservation, and Deep Thought

BY Adam Wasch, Energy Outreach Consultant for CCHRC and UAF CES
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner February 19th, 2009, Section A3

I think a lot about stuff I can’t control. I tend to do this sort of thinking in places like bathrooms. The law of conservation says that energy is neither created nor destroyed, which is some comfort. But in life, things do get moved around a lot. All of which led me to decide a subject for this week’s column: understanding and caring for your home’s septic system. If you live in the city and use a public sewer, read on anyway. It’s all the same in the end. Continue reading

Good Communication Key to a Successful Weatherization Rebate

BY Adam Wasch, Energy Outreach Consultant for CCHRC and UAF CES
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner February 12th, 2009, Section A3

Meeting a contractor for the first time can be more nerve racking than going on a blind date. What habits does he or she have? Will you agree on the work that needs to be done? And, most importantly, will they take into account your needs? Plus, with so many Alaskans weatherizing their homes and lining up home improvement projects for the spring, will you even get a second date? Continue reading

Preventing Mold Growth in Your Home Requires Moisture Control

BY Adam Wasch, Energy Outreach Consultant for CCHRC and UAF CES
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner February 5th, 2009, Section A3

Seal it. Tighten it. Insulate it. Weatherization has become a high priority among homeowners, contractors, and builders – and for good reason. The cost of heating oil may have declined from last year’s record highs, but making ends meet is increasingly difficult. A tight house uses less heating oil. But beware. If you fail to manage indoor humidity, your home is at risk for mold growth. Continue reading

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Extreme Temperatures Require High-Quality Windows

BY Adam Wasch, Energy Outreach Consultant for CCHRC and UAF CES
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner January 29th, 2009, Section A3

Back in November, we discussed basics to look for in windows. These qualities included efficiency ratings from the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings, and double or triple panes. That was before temperatures plunged into the -40s Fahrenheit and reports of cracked windows and frames became common. What happened? Well, our advice wasn’t complete. We neglected to recommend that everyone move to Hawaii for the month of December. Continue reading

The Whole Story Behind Infrared Heaters

BY Adam Wasch, Energy Outreach Consultant for CCHRC and UAF CES
Energy Focus: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner January 22nd, 2009, Section A3

Paul Harvey, famous for “The Rest of the Story…” spots on A.M. radio, is endorsing a category of heater for which today I will endeavor to tell the rest of the story. I’m no Harvey, so bear with me. And no matter what you read here today, nothing I say is intended to diminish the appeal of advertising. Continue reading