Energy Assistance - Minnesota

We really have two seasons here -- winter and getting ready for winter. Every year it gets harder to love living here: snow, wind, cold, below zero, ice...

Winter can be really daunting, especially if you are struggling to make ends meet and you see winter rapidly approaching over the horizon.

The Energy Assistance Program can help you pay energy costs-- like your heating bill-- between Oct 1 and Sept 30 each year. If you qualify, you could receive a grant to cover some of your energy expenses and the grant is paid directly to your energy provider, to reduce your energy bill.

Additionally, if you receive Energy Assistance, you may qualify for weatherization services. These services can improve your home's energy efficiency and lower your energy bill.

Furnace repair or replacement assistance is also available.

Please share your energy saving tips in the comments. 

Links:
Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin - Home Rehab Services 
Community Action Partnership of Suburban Hennepin - Energy Assistance Program 
Minnesota Energy 
Minnesota Energy : Low Income Assistance 
Community Action Partnership of Ramsey & Washington Counties
Minnesota Energy Assistance (EAP) Service Provider List 

Image: Riley

Polishing the family silver

Winter is approaching and yet I still have no desire to polish silver... weird isn't it? In my quest to always find things that work well and are simple, today I'm sharing a silver polishing recipe from Aggie's kitchen.

• 1 quart water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda 
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• Small piece of aluminum foil

1. Place the water in a glass container. 
2. Mix in the baking soda and salt. 
3. Add the small piece of aluminum foil.
4. Soak your silver in the mixture until the silver is clean. Soaking time will depend on how tarnished the silver is. 
5. After soaking, wash the silver with soap and water and dry well.

Do you have tips for cleaning silver? Share them in the comments.

How to Clean the Jets in Your Bathtub

I had the opportunity to talk to Scott Bakke, the plumber that installed this Jacuzzi® tub. I asked about jetted tubs in general and about the black flakes and brown scummy bits that sometimes appear when the jets of a tub are turned on.

Those little bit and pieces are actually mold and mildew. Yes, as it turns out, mold and mildew can -- and does -- grow in the pipes inside your jetted bathtub because there is always a little moisture in pipes. This is different than a hot tub/spa which is usually full and holding hot water so not as big of a concern.

Bakke tells me that it's important to clean the jets regularly to keep your tub enjoyable and offered this easy and inexpensive way to do it. 

1. Check your manufacturer's instructions to be sure nothing you are using is bad for your tub. Once you have confirmed that, fill the tub to about 3-inches higher than the highest jets. 
2. Turn off the air induction valve. 
3. Add 1/4 cup of low foaming disinfectant like Cascade dish washing powder. 
4. Run the jets for 5-15 minutes at the highest pressure. 
5. Drain the tub and refill with cold water. 
6. Run the jets again for between 5-15 minutes as a rinse cycle. 
7. Drain and wipe clean with a soft towel. 

Hope that helps and if you have any tips please share them in the comments.


Photo by Riley