News Release Distributed 01/06/14
BATON ROUGE, La. – If your home has trouble staying warm during this week’s cold snap or your next utility bill is disturbingly high, explore solutions at the LSU AgCenter LaHouse Home and Landscape Resource Center’s open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan. 18.
Visitors can discover the “cozy” technologies used in the demonstration home of the LaHouse Resource Center. Numerous green living solutions and ways to safely improve comfort and energy efficiency during winter months will be highlighted.
“Everyone can feel the advantage of a toasty home and appreciate a low heating bill, but many may not be aware of common winter health hazards in typical Louisiana homes,” said Claudette Reichel, director of the LaHouse Resource Center. “Low level carbon monoxide poisoning can cause flu-like symptoms. So if you feel ill at home in winter, find out if it’s the flu or CO.”
LaHouse showcases various cost-effective examples of efficient heating systems; a safer fireplace and cooktop; energy-saving and durable building or remodeling methods and materials; heat-holding windows and doors; and a wide variety of insulation alternatives. These components work together to provide greater comfort, efficiency and health while preventing common indoor air quality and home moisture problems during colder months.
Attendees can explore these and LaHouse’s other high-performance features with experts on hand to answer questions.
LaHouse opens its doors one Saturday each season to accommodate those who cannot visit during regular business hours or who want to speak with LSU AgCenter experts. Each season’s open house highlights attributes of LaHouse useful for that season. Past open houses have included a special focus on hurricane and flood resistance, healthy homes and summer cooling technologies.
LaHouse is open for self-guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. It is located at 2858 Gourrier Ave. in Baton Rouge, La., directly across from Alex Box Baseball Stadium.
Extensive publications and a reference library are also available to LaHouse visitors. A suggested donation of $5 per adult is requested to help support LaHouse educational exhibits and operations. For more information, visit www.lsuagcenter.com/LaHouse or call 225-578-7913.
Olivia McClure