Any smart consumer knows it’s wise to shop around, read reviews and weigh various products against each other before making a purchase. The companies selling us those products know it too, which is why every website, whether they’re selling video subscriptions, socks or artisan chocolate, includes ratings and consumer reviews.
As perhaps the greatest invention of the modern world, the internet holds the entire summation of human knowledge just a few keystrokes out of reach — unless you want to get reviews on home energy conservation products.
Want to know which conservation products live up to the salesperson’s claims and which ones will force you to keep a repairman’s number on speed dial?
You may be left with more questions than answers.
While 1.7 megabytes of data are added to the internet every second, very little of it appears to be devoted to accurate, regionally specific home energy conservation.
“It can be hard to find trustworthy, and accurate, information on energy-saving measures and equipment. Often the information that is available isn’t specific to the Northwest or the climate we live in,” said DuWayne Dunham, Clark Public Utilities energy services supervisor.
Fortunately for the prospective home improver, the Southwest Washington area is filled with experts, many of whom will be available to help at the Clark Public Utilities Home & Garden Idea Fair. No matter if you’re planning to upgrade your home within the month or the next few years, you’ll be hard-pressed to find so many professionals under one roof.
“Our energy counselors and a host of other professionals will be at the Home & Garden Idea Fair throughout the event and they have local knowledge, and experience, to help you determine what makes sense for your home,” Dunham said.
3 days of inspiration
The annual Home & Garden Idea Fair is three days of inspiring services, showcases, product demonstrations and displays built to speak across a wide spectrum of lifestyles. Want to know about raising chickens? There’s an expert speaker and demonstration (with live chickens) for that. Thinking of hiring a contractor but worried about being ripped off? A guest presentation will teach you to avoid the pitfalls. Want to talk to several heating and cooling companies in one afternoon, see the options and schedule a bid or two? Take care of it all under one roof.
“This year we’re highlighting innovation,” said Heather Allmain, Clark Public Utilities communication services manager. “Many of our vendors and Clark Public Utilities employees can help you learn about products and techniques you might not think of — or even know about — that can help you save money in your home and business.”
“Many of the vendors are local so they understand our local economy, our energy services and our local climate,” Allmain added.
At the Clark Public Utilities space, visitors can discover the ideal location in their yards to plant a tree to help improve comfort and lower utility bills. They’ll also be able to exchange burned-out screw-in compact florescent light bulbs for two free light-emitting diode, or LED, bulbs per household.
Elsewhere, visitors with a valid driver’s license and proof of car insurance can test drive and learn about some of the latest electric vehicle models on the market.
Admission is free, but donations of nonperishable food for local food banks or cash for Operation Warm Heart, a program providing home heating assistance to families in financial crisis, are welcomed. Parking at the Clark County Event Center at the Fairgrounds is $6. However, the utility provides free shuttle bus service from the Fisher’s Landing and 99th Street transit stations. Information is available at www.homeandgardenideafair.com.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
