Extension’s Energy Tips: (click here to view all tips)
September 2009: Both older and newer homes benefit from proper insulation. You can reduce your heating costs by making sure there’s enough insulation in your home. Learn more.
August 2009: Fan + Air Conditioner
Use an interior fan along with your window air conditioner. Together they’ll spread the cooled air more effectively through your home without greatly increasing your power use. Get more air conditioning tips.
June 2009: Save Energy When Driving
If you have to drive, combine errands into one trip. Several short trips, each from a cold start, can use twice as much fuel as one trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Get more driving and car maintenance tips.
May 2009: Solar-powered Outdoor Lighting
Let there be light — with solar powered outdoor lighting. Installation is quick and easy, with no wires or electricity costs. Learn more about renewable energy options.
April 2009: Plug Electronics into Power Strips
Plug TVs, DVD players and other home electronics into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use. (TVs and DVDs in standby mode still use several watts of power.) Get more energy-saving ideas at www.energysavers.gov. Extension’s Energy Tip for March 2009
March 2009: Cut Energy Costs While Doing Laundry
About 80 to 85 percent of the energy used for washing clothes is used to heat the water. To reduce this cost, use less water: wash full loads and use cooler water and cold-water detergents. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. Learn more...
Extension’s Energy Tip for February 2009
Turn off the lights in any room you’re not using, and use task lighting to focus the light where you need it. Also try compact fluorescent lamps; they are more efficient and last longer than incandescent bulbs. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. Learn more...
Extension’s Energy Tip for January 2009
Look for ENERGY STAR computers, copiers, printers and fax machines when purchasing new equipment for your home office. ENERGY STAR products use about half the electricity of standard equipment. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. Learn more...
Extension’s Energy Tip for December 2008
Water heating can be expensive, but you can lower your costs. Repair leaky faucets, use low-flow showerheads and lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. Learn more...
Extension’s Energy Tip for November 2008
A programmable thermostat can automatically adjust your home’s temperature according to your schedule -- it can cut back heating at night, for instance, and turn it up again before you rise in the morning. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. Learn more...
Extension’s Energy Tip for October 2008
Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors and crawl spaces to see if it meets the recommended R-values for your area. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension.
September 2008: Home Energy Audits
An energy audit shows where your home uses the most energy and helps you decide how to reduce energy costs. Do it yourself or contact your local utility. Learn more ...
August 2008: Energy Efficient Windows
If your home has single-pane windows, consider replacing them with new energy efficient double-pane windows with high-performance glass (e.g., low-e). Learn more...
July 2008: Air Conditioning
If you use air conditioning, set your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. The less difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. Learn more...
June 2008: Driving Tips
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking) wastes gas. It can lower your highway gas mileage 33 percent and city mileage 5 percent. Learn more...
These tips are brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension.
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