November 2009 -- Home Energy Publications
Four home energy publications from the Iowa Energy Center are available from Extension’s Online Store. The Home Series, covers home tightening, insulation and ventilation; home heating and cooling; water heating; and major home appliances.
Extension's Energy Tip for 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 about proper insulation. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension.
Extension's Energy Tip for August 2009
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. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension.
Extension's Energy Tip for June 2009
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. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension.
Extension's Energy Tip for May 2009
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. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension.
Extension's Energy Tip for April 2009
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.) You can go online for more energy-saving ideas. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension.
Extension's Energy Tip for March 2009
When washing clothes, wash full loads and use cooler water and cold-water detergents. Switching the temperature setting from hot to warm cuts a load’s energy use in half. Check out Laundry for more tips. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. You can find more information on Jack Payne's March Newsletter.
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. You can find more information on Jack Payne's February Newsletter.
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. You can find more information on Jack Payne's January Newsletter.
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. Check out Water Heating for more tips. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. You can find more information on Jack Payne's December Newsletter.
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 brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. You can find more information on Jack Payne's November Newsletter.
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 brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. You can find more information on Jack Payne's October Newsletter.
Extension’s Energy Tip for September 2008
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. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. You can find more information on Jack Payne's September Newsletter.
Extension’s Energy Tip for August 2008
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). This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. You can find more information on Jack Payne's August Newsletter.
Extension’s Energy Tip for July 2008
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. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. You can find more information on Jack Payne's July Newsletter.
Extension’s Energy Tip for June 2008
Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking) wastes gas. It can lower your highway gas mileage 33 percent and city mileage 5 percent. This tip is brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension. You can find more information on Jack Payne's June Newsletter.