When you look at your utility bill, keep this in mind: about 43% of the money you spend goes for heating and cooling. And when the thermometer soars, so does the amount of electricity we use to keep cool. If you read this blog regularly, or visit our Energy Savers site, you know we want to help you save some of that money. But we can't do this alone—we need your help. What are you doing to save energy this summer? Here in Washington, D.C., where it's been cold and wet for much of June, it's hard to get to those outdoor projects—but that doesn't mean you can't weatherstrip doors and windows, draw the curtains (especially on windows that face the sun during the course of the day), clean your air conditioner's filters, and adjust your thermostat so that your home doesn't feel like the grocery store freezer case. These are just our ideas. What are YOU doing? We would love to hear your suggestions for ways to save energy. Do you take family day trips (and cut off the AC while yo... [More]

You can save 5%–15% on your cooling bills by raising the temperature setting on your thermostat when you are away and don't need cooling. Only lower the setting to 78°F when you are home and need cooling. A programmable thermostat can make it easy to adjust the temperature on a regular schedule. At what temperature do you set your thermostat when you are home and awake in the summer? How about when you're asleep or away? Each Thursday, you have the chance to share your thoughts on a topic related to energy efficiency or renewable energy for consumers. Please comment with your answers, and also feel free to respond to other comments.

Ener-Gee Whiz would like to offer a hearty thanks to all of you who've written in for your great efficiency and renewables related questions. Now, on to some answers! Patti writes: Is it efficient to raise the thermostat in a business when the business is closed during air conditioning season? Ener-Gee Whiz: Your business might be able to save energy—and money—by turning your thermostat up during the cooling season. But how much energy and money you save are largely dependent on how much you set your thermostat back and for how long. The Energy Savers website suggests that turning up your thermostat 10-15°F for at least eight hours can save an average of 10% on your cooling bills. In a 1997 study, the Energy Information Administration conducted a more detailed analysis of possible energy savings during the heating months by setting a thermostat back one degree. Even this minimal setback, if consistent, resulted in estimated savings of $16-28 dollars per year, depending ... [More]

Anyone who has decided to save energy at home knows that the entire household needs to be involved if you really want to see savings. Some people—be they roommates, spouses, children, or maybe even yourself—just seem to need some extra reminders to take simple energy-saving steps. How do you encourage everyone in your household to save energy? Each Thursday, you have the chance to share your thoughts on a topic related to energy efficiency or renewable energy for consumers. Please comment with your answers, and also feel free to respond to other comments.

Just when consumers started getting familiar with the spiral ice-cream cone-shaped and prong-shaped compact fluorescents (CFLs), along comes LED lighting, a solid-state lighting (SSL) solution. Some experts are predicting that solid-state lighting is set to turn the current lighting industry on its head, and perhaps in the not-too-distant future make the century-old incandescent light bulb go the way of the dinosaur. Many consumers have been saving money and helping the environment for years by using LED lights during the holidays. These light strings use 75% less energy than conventional (i.e., incandescent) light strings. ENERGY STAR decorative light strings are independently tested to meet strict lifetime and electrical requirements and come with a three-year warranty. The ENERGY STAR decorative light strings site provides both a list of qualified brands and a list of manufacturers of these energy-stingy lights. LEDs flashlights are also popular because LEDs provide a bright light a... [More]

On Tuesday, Allison wrote about some resources that can help you take quick and easy steps to save energy. As Rhonda pointed out in the comments, even small steps can save you quite a lot of energy and money. What small improvements have saved you significant energy and money? Each Thursday, you have the chance to share your thoughts on a topic related to energy efficiency or renewable energy for consumers. Please comment with your answers, and also feel free to respond to other comments.