• Last updated 3/30/11 by stins

  From shutting down the electronics and picking up a book (gasp!) to closing your curtains at the right time, here are 22 simple things you can do to save energy, and save cash in your home.     Institute periodic Pioneer Days in your house. Lower your thermostat a few degrees in the winter. An ideal temperature for a home is 68 degrees. If you leave the house for a prolonged period of time in the winter, turn the thermostat down more. This can save you between $10 and $30 per month on your heating bill. By turning your thermostat down 10 to 15... read more

• Last updated 3/30/11 by stins

How To Get Tax Credits For Energy Efficiency Home Improvements Assess if your home improvement project qualifies. Tax credits are available for projects like adding insulation, replacing windows, and adding some high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. For more specific information, see the EPAct Summary of Tax Credits for Homeowners from Energy Star. Between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007, the maximum amount of homeowner credit for all improvements is $500. If you are starting from scratch with new home construction, your... read more

• Last updated 3/30/11 by stins

When looking into HVAC systems or components, remember that lab ratings of efficiency are not equivalent to the real world (although the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating and the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio are important, do not expect to get efficiency that high). Testing occurs in very particular conditions (with very little air flow resistance and always at a constant 82 degree outdoor temperature). Not to mention, most HVAC installations are not perfect in the real world. However, despite these complications, there are ways to make your HVAC more... read more