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April 2014 Storm Season: Consider A Generator Purchase


When weather forecasters predict a stormy spring, it may be time to think about backing up your electricity with a home generator. Generators come in two styles: portable and permanent.


Small portable generators that cost a few hundred dollars typically can power a few ap- pliances at a time—like a small refrigerator, a TV or a hair dryer. Larger portable generators can keep the TV, water heater and sump pump running if you lose electricity during a storm. Inverter generators, which are portable but cost about three times more than the standard model, are designed to run sensitive electronic equipment, like computers and home theater equipment.


Permanent, standby generators cost a few thousand dollars, but they can run large appli- ances. Larger ones can run all of the electri-


cal devices, including the air conditioning system, while you’re waiting for power to be restored.


Most permanent generators are connected to the home’s power supply through the electrical panel and will automatically turn on when the lights go out. A caution: A quali-


connect a generator to your home’s electri- cal panel. Installed incorrectly, the switch that makes the connection can “backfeed” electricity into a “dead” power line, and any- one who is touching the line–such as a utility worker–could get electrocuted. Don’t wait until the power goes out to de- cide which kind of generator you need. If you do, you’ll probably wind up with the only unit that’s left on the store’s shelves during the middle of a storm—and you won’t get what you really need.


A Little Effort Can Save Energy Usage It doesn’t take much time or money to reap


1. Caulk and weather-strip around win- dows and doors, where even the tiniest gaps or cracks can let your heated or air-condi- tioned air outside and the outdoor air in. Plug these energy-wasting leaks and save up to 20 percent on heating and cooling bills. 2. Turn off lights, fans and the TV when you leave the room, and unplug everything you can before you leave the house for an extended time like a weekend away. 3. Check your attic insulation. You might have plenty up there, but if it’s sagging away from the surfaces it’s supposed to touch, it’s not doing you any good. A properly insulated at- tic can save you up to 20 percent on heating and cooling bills.


4. Wash your clothes in cold water. They’ll get just as clean as if you use warm water. Also, select the “energy saver” and “no heated dry” options on your dishwasher.


5. Change any remaining incandescent


more than 30 percent less energy than traditional bulbs.


6. Install a programmable thermostat and tell it to turn the temperature down a few degrees in the winter and up a bit in the summer in the morning after everyone leaves the house for the day. You could save 10 percent on heating and cooling bills.


great Cream Cheese Squares.


Cream Cheese Squares Are you craving a sweet, delicious treat? Use canned crescent roll dough to make these


2 (8 oz.) cans refrigerated crescent roll dough 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese 1 cup white sugar


1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup margarine, melted 1/4 cup white sugar


1 teaspoon ground cinnamon


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13-inch pan. 2. Press one can of the crescent rolls into the bottom of the prepared pan. In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Spread over the crescent layer. Unroll the second can of crescent rolls and lay them on top of the cream cheese layer. Do not press down. Pour the melted margerine over the entire pan. Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle over the top. 3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is crisp and golden.


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