These tips are brought to you by the U.S. Department of Energy and ISU Extension.
February 2009: Lower Your Lighting Costs
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.
January 2009: ENERGY STAR in the Home Office
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. Learn more.
December 2008: Lowering Costs for Water Heating
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.
November 2008: Programmable Thermostats
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.
October 2008: Insulation
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
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