Dehumidifiers Video

Dehumidifiers provide us with greater comfort by removing moisture from the air. They can also prevent mold infestation and musty odors. ENERGY STAR® certified dehumidifiers save electricity by removing humidity more efficiently. In general, dehumidifiers with a larger capacity (more pints per day) are more efficient, so purchase the largest model you can afford. For more advice on dehumidifiers, view the video or call the Home Energy Line at 252-7117.

Dehumidifiers and Humidifiers [PDF - 745 KB]
Energy Star

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1. Turn off the air conditioner when no one is home. Use a programmable thermostat for central air or a timer for room air conditioners to start cooling before you get home.
2. Use a whole house fan, room fans or ceiling fans instead of air-conditioning. Room or ceiling fans also allow you to be comfortable at a warmer air-conditioning setting.
   
3. If you use a dehumidifier, set the humidistat so the dehumidifier doesn't run continuously. For basements, 50% relative humidity is recommended.
   
4. Close drapes, shades or blinds during the day to keep heat out.
   
5. Grill out or use your microwave.
   
6. Use exhaust fans to remove heat and moisture produced from cooking and showering.

Energy-Saving Tips for All Seasons [PDF - 641 KB]

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My "Focus on Energy" home energy evaluation

When I purchased a 1962 home in November of last year, I had no idea whether it was energy efficient or not. Through Focus on Energy, a state program, I hired John Viner from GDS Associates to perform an in-home evaluation.

John attached a device to my front door and performed a blower door test. This device simulates a 20-mph wind on all sides of the house at once. The test measures how airtight a house is and helps locate air leaks. We discovered that a room addition had only a crawl space under it and it was not properly insulated or sealed. The kitchen exhaust fan vented into the attic (THAT'S where all the moisture was going) and there was no bathroom exhaust fan. In the basement, the sill boxes needed to be insulated and air sealed. Using an infrared camera, John showed me pockets in my walls where the insulation had settled over the years and where I needed to add more. Although I had enough attic insulation, I needed to add insulation chutes to proved adequate ventilation at the edge of the attic. These improvements my husband and I can do ourselves.

Because Focus on Energy gives Cash-Back Rewards for making some of the recommended improvements, my evaluation and all of the materials should be paid for by the money I receive back. For more information on "Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program, call 800-762-7077.

Focus on Energy Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® program

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Contest winners - "I have the oldest refrigerator"

Winifred M. Parent of Madison was the winner or our "I have the oldest refrigerator" contest.

Her 1948 Leonard refrigerator took First Prize. It was entered by her daughter, Patty Calloway. Second-prize winner was Monica Harkey with her 1985 GE refrigerator.

(The Leonard Company was founded in 1881 by Charles H. Leonard in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Electrical refrigerators were introduced in 1918, and by 1925, Leonard was building one of every five refrigerators produced in the United States, which amounted to 1000 refrigerators per day. Leonard merged with Kelvinator in 1926.)

Hot tip: One larger refrigerator uses less energy than two smaller units.

Refrigerators [PDF - 217 KB]

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Our guy on the street video

Our "Energy Guy on the Street" asks you...

"What appliance uses the most energy?" Is it your electric dryer, dishwasher or refrigerator? You might be surprised at the answer.

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Let us recycle your old thermostat

Thermostats contain small amounts of mercury. Older, mechanical models contain the most.

Bring your old thermostat to MGE's general office at 133 S. Blair St. anytime from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We'll make sure it is recycled appropriately and at no charge.

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Should I insulate my water heater?

Pre-1990 water heaters (especially electric heaters) benefit most from tank insulation. Newer models come with proper insulation, and some even prohibit installing a blanket. Follow safety instructions that come with the insulation kit, especially for gas heaters. Don't cover warning labels on newer water heaters. Finally, don't cover the inspection plate with the blanket or store any combustibles close to the heater. It could be a fire hazard.

Water Heaters [PDF - 1.4 MB]

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At Your Service

For your convenience, here are links to our most requested online services.

Online Bill Payment
Ask the Experts
Start/Stop Service
View My Energy Use
Green Power

Home Energy Line: 608-252-7117 or 800-245-1125
Customer Service: 608-252-7222

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If you have any questions or comments about this e-mail please contact us.

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