Dear Eartha, Is it just me, or does it feel hotter this summer? Am I crazy for thinking about getting an air conditioner? As rapper Nelly presaged, “It’s getting hot in here.” And while he definitely wasn’t referring to heat building up in the atmosphere, he was right. It is getting hotter. And not just […]
Dear Eartha, I’ve heard that to avoid the scariest impacts of climate change, we humans need to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Are we doing enough to get there? What would it take to hit that target? As we emerge from the Covid reality of the past year, it’s worth reflecting on the world we’re […]
Dear Eartha, Last year, my neighbor installed solar panels on her roof, and she loves them. I’m interested in solar now, too. How do I get started? When you pause to think about it, solar energy is pretty rad. The most abundant source of energy on Earth, it powers nearly everything around us – growing the […]
Dear Eartha, My gas stove is on its last leg. When I was looking for replacements, I read that gas appliances can cause poor air quality. I love cooking with gas, but is it healthier to cook with an electric stove? With the average American spending nearly 90 percent of their time indoors – maybe […]
Dear Eartha, I’ve been hearing some rumblings about new construction codes in the county. As a local Realtor, what should I know about these updated codes? Will these changes improve the energy efficiency of new homes? With a new set of codes in effect across the community, sustainable construction has certainly taken a step forward. […]
Dear Eartha, I saw an ad in the paper advertising free home energy assessments. I’ve been thinking of signing up because my energy bills are so high. What can I expect from the process? As dedicated readers know, I’m all about conservation. And I especially love energy efficiency because it’s not only good for the […]
Dear Eartha, I spent so much money last winter to heat my home, and I still felt cold! Is there anything I can do so my house stays warm and my bills stay low? –Don, Summit Cove It’s that time of year, Don. When the first dusting of snow appears on the peaks of the […]
Dear Eartha, My car’s not quite a clunker yet, but it’s getting there. I’m thinking about trading up for an electric car, but I’ve heard people say that electric cars are actually worse than gas-powered cars. That can’t be true…is it? -Tony, Breckenridge Tony, just a month ago, a friend and I had a similar […]
Dear Eartha, I heard some buzz this week about an energy conservation day. What can I do to partake in energy conservation here in Summit? – Nancy, Frisco Thank you for your timely question this week. World Energy Conservation Day is indeed today, and the intention is to highlight the importance of energy consumption and […]
Dear Eartha, I’d like to decrease my carbon footprint. I have a good understanding of how to decrease my home energy use, and I know that I can buy renewable electricity from Xcel Energy. I’m also trying to purchase less, waste less, and eat less meat. But I can’t afford an electric car right now, […]
Dear Eartha, With spring rolling in, I’m getting ready to dive into some projects around the house. I’ve always been interested in making my 30-year-old home more energy efficient and comfortable. What home-improvement projects should I consider adding to my list this summer and where should I start? -Thomas, Summit Cove Although this winter seemed […]
