In response to last month's Green Corner request for energy questions,
comments, or concerns from our community, we received the following
items:

Ted Cady submitted a reminder about access to one of our most basic
energy-saving resources:  public transportation!  He forwarded these
links and scheduling/cost information.  

MAX intercity daily bus service between Worcester and Northampton via
Orange/Athol/New Salem 

Adult fare from Orange to Worcester one way is $8. Is $6 for seniors. 
HYPERLINK
"http://www.maxpressbus.com/max-fares"http://www.maxpressbus.com/max-
fares 
HYPERLINK
"http://www.maxpressbus.com/max-schedules"http://www.maxpressbus.com/max
-schedules
 
In addition, here are a couple of 'Q & As' we hope you will find useful.
 

Q:  During the last snow storm, I noticed that the snow on the roof
melted over the bathroom fans.  What can I install in the ceiling of the
second floor that won't be a roof melter?

A:  So much depends on the roof construction; BUT if the fan duct fell
off or is vented directly into the attic, this is VERY bad and needs to
be fixed ASAP. All fans need to be directly vented to the outdoors
preferably through a straight and insulated duct (no sagging) and a
back-draft damper.

****
Q:  Is it worth turning down the thermostat overnight or while away? 
Or, does it then take more energy to bring the house back up to a
comfortable temperature and to warm up large items such as couches and
mattresses?

A:  The higher the temperature difference between inside/outside, the
greater the rate of heat loss to the outdoors.  It makes sense to turn
down the thermostat 5-10 degrees during the coldest part of the night or
even when away during the day.  This can be accomplished easily with the
use of a programmable thermostat, where you could then set the
temperature to come back up before you get up in the morning or before
returning home, thereby avoiding that 'cold couch' feeling. 

****

Thanks to all of you who sent in a question or comment this month.  
Please keep your energy-related thoughts coming to the Green Corner as
we make our way through winter, now that it is finally here!  

~ Warwick Buildings & Energy Committee