Landscaping for an energy-efficient home
When planning outdoor improvements this spring and summer, consider landscape designs that can improve your home’s energy efficiency, while still adding to its beauty. The effects of properly placed plants can help trim your monthly energy bill. ... Read more
Video game energy use explained
Video game console owners, or those considering the purchase of one, may want to think about the system's energy consumption, in addition to its many other features. This becomes especially important since the annual rate of energy consumption of gaming systems in some homes can come close to that of a refrigerator. Each of the three, top-selling systems on the market – Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PlayStation 3 – has energy usage levels that vary significantly. ... Read more
New ENERGY STAR® rating recognizes top
energy-efficient products
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has developed a new pilot to identify and acknowledge the most energy-efficient products among those that qualify for the ENERGY STAR® designation. The ENERGY STAR® Most Efficient designation tells consumers the energy efficiency of a product represents approximately the top 5 percent most efficient products in that category. ... Read more
Add energy efficiency to your New Year's resolutions
Now that the holidays have concluded and we begin to write our list of New Year's resolutions, remember to include energy efficiency (preferably just above losing that Christmas weight gain). Not only will becoming energy efficient help conserve energy, it can also help you save on your monthly energy bill. ... Read more
Light bulbs to change in 2012
Many standard incandescent light bulbs will become a thing of the past after Jan. 1, 2012, when the Energy Independence and Security Act becomes effective. ... Read more
Season's greetings on heating
Although being energy efficient is important year-round, being energy smart during the holiday season is especially important. The amount of money spent on heating and energy increases during these months ... Read more
'Tis the season to be energy smart
Lighting your home for the holidays can really add up by the end of the season. Switching to LED lights can save a significant amount on your energy bill. ... Read more
Keep the cold out this winter
According to the Alliance to Save Energy, South Dakotans will spend an average of $1,248 this year to heat their homes. That accounts for more than 55 percent of a South Dakotan's residential energy bill. While there's no way to stop Old Man Winter from bearing down this season, there are ways you can stand up to him and lower your energy bills. ... Read more
Are you Energy Smart?
How much do you know about energy efficiency? Take this multiple-choice energy efficiency quiz for fun to find out!
What is the life span of a compact fluorescent light (CFL)?
a. 2 years
b. 10 months
c. 5 years
d. 7 years
Seek Advice with a Professional Energy Audit
Conducting an energy audit is a good idea. For an in-depth examination of how energy is used – and wasted – in your home, consider the services of a professional energy auditor. ... Read more
Locate Leaks With a Blower Door Test
About one-third of the money you spend on heating and cooling slips through the cracks, literally. Studies have found many homes have enough air leaks from cracks, crevices and gaps that can add up to be the same has leaving a window open, year-round. A blower door test will help you find leaks in your home. ... Read more
Be Energy Smart With A Home Energy Audit
When auditing your home, keep a checklist of areas you have inspected and problems you found. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades. ... Read more
A Tale of Two Bulbs
Regular incandescent bulbs create a lot of heat. Only about 5 percent of the energy to power an incandescent bulb is converted to light – the rest is released as heat. ... Read more