ISU Extension in northwest Iowa offers tips and links to help you conserve energy. Call your ISU County Extension Office to request an energy presentation for your group.
Energy Resource Websites
Simple Gas Mileage Calculator
Energy Curriculum & Educational Materials
Energy Tips - brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension.
Tip # 1: Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and hard braking) wastes gas. It can lower your highway gas mileage 33 percent and city mileage 5 percent.
Tip #2: 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.
Tip #3: 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).
Tip #4: 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.
Tip #5: 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. Learn more.
Tip #6: 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. Learn more at /vpnews/articles/2008/11energy.htm
Tip #7: 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. Learn more at /vpnews/articles/2008/12energy.htm