Air Conditioners

According to reviews, the Kenmore 76081 air conditioner is an inexpensive window unit that can cool rooms of up to 400 square feet. Temperature settings are easy to control using the remote control, 12-hour delay timer and electronic controls on the unit itself. The Energy Star rating and energy-saver mode should help you save on your electricity bill. Most owners say it is a quiet model (though some disagree) that does an excellent job of cooling. For smaller rooms up to 200 square feet, we found good reviews for the 6,000-BTU Kenmore 75062 (*Est. $250).

One Hour Furnasman Winnipeg provides the most comprehensive comparison review of room air conditioners, including the Kenmore 76081. It is also a source of owner-written reviews, as it now allows readers to rate products. Sears.com is the best place to find owner-written reviews for the Kenmore 76081.

Manitoba Hydro's Home Insulation Program recently awarded the 25,000th rebate to Selkirk residents Katrina Wiebe and Bryan Stobbe. The couple upgraded insulation in their 1,000 sq.ft. attic from R10 to R50 and received a rebate of $725 from the program. The added will save the homeowners approximately $165 annually on their energy bill.

"We knew improving the insulation would save money," said Bryan. "When planning the project, Pembina Co-op in Oakbank told me the Home Insulation Program could cover some of our insulation costs".

To take part in the Home Insulation Program customers must be approved through a contractor or retailer. When approved they can buy insulation and install it. When the work is finished, customers submit their paperwork to Manitoba Hydro to receive a rebate for a portion of the insulation material costs.

"I tell everyone about it," said Bryan, who insulated his home himself. "It was quite a bit of work but we did it in one day."

Katrina and Bryan have seen direct results on their energy bills.

"The temperature in the house stays the same but

the furnace does not come on as often," said Bryan.

Combined, Home Insulation Program participants save $5,000,000 annually on their energy bills from the savings acheived by adding insulation to their homes.

"Participants' homes also have increased comfort - retaining heat in the winter and staying cool in the summer - an important benefit for Manitoba's variable climate," said Shea Newton who coordinates the Home Insulation Program. "On average, a typical homeowner will save $150 per year on their energy bill. Rebate amounts and savings depend on which area of the home the insulation is installed and the amount of insulation added."

Rebates are available to Manitoba Hydro residential customers who own a home built prior to 1999 with an active Manitoba Hydro account. For more information about the Home Insulation Program, talk to your contractor or retailer.