News and Announcements

From WPPI - Improve window unit efficiency

If you're cooling a single room or a small apartment, a window air conditioner can inexpensively provide the relief you need on hot days. Here's how to maximize your unit's efficiency:
* Select an efficient unit. For the greatest energy savings, buy an ENERGY STAR certified unit with an energy-efficiency ratio of 10 or more. Look for features such as a slide-out filter for easy cleaning, variable fan speeds, and a digital thermostat.
* Pick the perfect spot. Install the unit in a north or east facing window, and make sure the outdoor heat exchanger is shaded - direct sunlight reduces efficiency by 10 percent. Avoid placing hot appliances, such as lamps or TVs near the unit's thermostat. This causes the unit to run longer than necessary.
* Size it up. Allow for 20 British Thermal Units (Btus) for each square foot of living space you need to cool. If the air conditioner is too small, it won't cool sufficiently, and if it's too big, it won't cool uniformly.
* Hibernate during winter. If possible, remove the unit in late autumn and store it until summer to prevent chilly drafts.

From WPPI - Save watts at home while you're away

If you take a vacation break, give your electric bill a break, too. There are many steps you can take to avoid wasting energy when no one is home.

Before you leave on vacation, take a few minutes to turn off and unplug equipment. You'll save energy and avoid safey hazards. You might want to read your meter before you leave and when you return - it's a good way to spot any hidden energy wasters.

Turn off:
* Lights. Turn off all lights except for one or two. Unless these lights are compact flourescents, put them on timers that can be set to random patterns to discourage potential prowlers. Photo sensors or motion detectors are good ideas for outdoor lights.
* Air conditioning. Turn if off. Close window coverings to help keep heat from building up in your home while you're away.
* Electric water heater. Turn off your water heater at the electric breaker panel if you are going to be away for more than a few days. If it is a natural gas water heater, turn it down but not off.
* Refrigerator. If you're leaving on an extended trip of a month or more, you might want to empty, clean and unplug your refrigerator to save energy. Prop the door open to prevent odors.

Many appliances draw energy even when they're turned off. So, unplug your television, VCR/DVD player, stereo, computer, washer and other appliances. You may need to reset the clock on VCR/DVD players or clock radios when you return. For safety's sake, don't overlook small appliances that are best left unplugged when unattended - items like toasters, coffee makers, irons, curling irons, hair dryers and electric tools.

Volunteers Needed for Boards and Commissions

The City of Maquoketa currently has four boards and commissions that have openings available. The Cable Commission has two openings, the Planning and Zoning Board has two openings, the Police Board of Trustees has two openings and the Sidewalk Board has five openings. All Maquoketa residents are encouraged to apply to volunteer for one or more of these positions. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact City Hall at 563-652-2484. Applications can be downloaded from our download center in the left hand menu.