Ask an Agent - UF/IFAS Sarasota County Extension

The place where you can ask an Extension agent a question online and get an answer within 24-72 hours.  Just click on your area of interest and ask away!  Be sure to check the Frequently Asked Questions first, because you may find your question (and answer) there.

Family and Consumer Sciences

Energy

Q: How can I save energy in my home?

Q: What is an energy tax credit?

Q: How can I get an energy tax credit?

Q: What is a carbon footprint?

Q. Should I be concerned about global warming?

Families

Q: How can I get rid of stress?

Q. How much allowance should my child get?

Q. Will divorce hurt my child?

Healthy Homes

Q: Should I get an indoor air purifier?

Q: Are my children at risk for lead poisoning?

Q: What is a sick house?

 

Energy

Q: How can I save energy in my home?
A:  Here are 12 QUICK TIPS, and for more information, see LINKS at the end.

1.  Use energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs; look for EnergyStar® label.

2.  Adjust the thermostat – Keep your home at 78° or warmer during the cooling season  with the thermostat fan switch on "auto." For additional savings, raise your  thermostat to 82° or warmer when you're away from home. During the heating          season, set it at 68° or lower.

3.  Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically and maximize your energy savings. It also helps to maintain a comfortable  temperature when you wake up or return home.  

4.  Carpool to work or use public transportation to save energy and reduce pollution.

5.  Bike or walk to work and on errands whenever possible. It’s good for you!

6.  Put a muzzle on that gas guzzler! Drive a fuel-efficient car. Rebates are currently  available for trading in that old clunker. See LINKS at end of tips.

7.  Choose a reusable mug or container instead of a throwaway or disposable.

8.  Bigger isn’t always better. How big a home, car, air conditioner do you really NEED.  The larger your house, A/C unit, and vehicle, the greater your energy use will be, the more carbon emissions you create, and the higher your gas and electric bills.

9.  Install trees in your yard for shade, awnings or window films on your windows, and a radiant barrier in your attic to keep the sun’s heat out.  Reducing solar gain will reduce your demand for airconditioning, your electric bill and your carbon emissions. It will also increase your comfort.

10.  Make your home air-tight. Install or repair your weatherstripping and caulking around  openings and wall penetrations. Save 10-20% or more by plugging air leaks around windows, doors, ducts, outlets, and chimneys.

11.  Clean or replace your air-conditioner’s filter every month to trim your cooling  costs and help your unit run more efficiently.

12.  Turn off the ceiling fan when you leave the room. A fan that runs constantly can cost up to $7 a month depending on its size and age.

LINKS to more information: 

Q: What is an energy tax credit?
A:  In October 2008, Congress passed H.R. 1424: The Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008, extending tax credits for certain energy efficient home improvements that had expired at the end of 2007. Then, in February 2009, President Obama signed into law the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,” which added $20B in tax credits for certain vehicles and energy efficiency improvements to homes and businesses.

The legislation increased the amounts of the previous tax credits, eliminating the upper limits on many of the upgrades---  and it extended the deadlines for installation considerably.

TAX CREDITS give you a bigger bang for the buck than a tax deduction. They’re treated like a payment already made toward the taxes you owe---like withholding.  In other words, the tax CREDIT is subtracted directly from the tax liability owed---instead of just being deducted from your income---which means, a credit is usually between 25-50% more advantageous to the taxpayer than a deduction.

LINKS: 
www.irs.gov
www.dsireusa.org
www.eere.energy.gov
www.energy.gov/taxbreaks
www.energystar.gov
www.energytaxincentives.org

Q: How can I get an energy tax credit?
A:  You will find all the information that you need at the above websites, and the form that you need to file with your taxes is Form 5695, which can be found on the IRS and EnergyStar® websites. You can also go to www.energystar.gov for a complete list of all the materials and equipment that qualify for tax credits, the rules that determine the amount of the credit, the requirements and the forms to apply.

For credit purposes, costs are treated as being paid when the installation of the item is completed.

Q: What is a carbon footprint?
A: A carbon footprint is “the total set of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product.” (UK Carbon Trust 2008)  Greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change and global warming.  For information on how you can reduce your carbon footprint click here Climate-Friendly Choices.
Q:  Should I be concerned about global warming?
A:  The state of Florida is particularly vulnerable to the effects of global warming and climate change because of its geography and location.  Harmful effects of global warming could include sea level rise and erosion of shorelines, declining tourism and reduction in state revenue, an increase in the strength and intensity of storms and an inability for sensitive plant and animal habitats to adjust to rapid changes.  For more information, read Climate-Friendly Choices.  

Still need help? You can email our Energy Education Specialist by clicking here!

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Families

Q: How can I get rid of stress?
A: Stress is a normal part of living. Too much stress, sometimes called toxic stress, can make you ill. Toxic stress is defined as stress that is unrelieved and long-lasting and often results in symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, weight gain or loss, use and/or abuse of self-medications such as alcohol, cigarettes, and over-the-counter drugs.  You cannot “get rid of” stress permanently, but there are many ways to control and manage your stress.  Find out how: Stress Management

Q: How much allowance should children get? A: There is no set amount. Things that should be taken into consideration are the child’s age, family income, what the allowance is supposed to cover (clothing, recreation, etc). An allowance can help kids learn to manage money and teach them to have more appreciation for the things they buy with their own money. http://life.familyeducation.com/allowance/money-and-kids/48026.html

Q: Will divorce hurt my child? A: Divorce is stressful for parents and kids alike. Although reactions will depend on a child's age, temperament, and the circumstances surrounding the split, many kids feel sad, frustrated, angry, and anxious — and it's not uncommon for them to act out because of those feelings. It is important to be patient with your child as he or she adjusts to the new situation. Open and honest communication is also crucial as is the ability of the divorcing parents to maintain a civil relationship. http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/divorce.html

Still need help? You can email our FCS Program Specialist by clicking here!

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Healthy Homes

Q: Should I get an indoor air purifier? A: Maybe. An air purifier alone will not clean the air in your home or relieve asthma and allergy symptoms. Actions you can take yourself will usually do more to protect your indoor air quality. They include banning indoor smoking, keeping pets out of bedrooms, removing carpeting and other dust-mite harbors, opening windows when possible, and using outdoor-venting fans in the bathroom and kitchen. Do not use ozone generators because they emit hazardous levels of ozone. (Consumer Reports) For more information on indoor air quality, visit our Healthy Homes Section.

Q: Are my children at risk for lead poisoning? A: If you live in a home built before 1950 your home probably has lead in the paint and water pipes. Lead paint was banned in 1978. When lead-based paint chips or flakes off, young children may be at risk of inhaling and ingesting lead. One out of every 40 American children has too much lead in his or her body. Ask your health care provider about having your child tested for lead.

Q: What is a sick house? A: The term “sick building syndrome” (SBS) is used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified. The complaints may be localized in a particular room or zone, or may be widespread throughout the building. (EPA) Many of the symptoms associated with sick building syndrome are the same as symptoms associated with exposure to mold, and mold is often a major culprit in sick building syndrome. For more information about mold and how to protect yourself, your family and your home, visit our Healthy Homes Section.

 

 

 

Ask An Agent

Ask An Agent

The place where you can ask an Extension agent a question online and get an answer within 24-72 hours. 

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