Energy-Saving Tip of the Week
Electric water heaters often have two thermostats – one for the upper heating element and one for the lower heating element. Make sure both thermostats are set to 120 degrees. However, before removing the access panels on the water heater to reach the thermostats, turn off the electricity at the circuit breaker panel.
Cut drying time and energy bills
Fluff bulky items such as towels, sheets and heavy clothing before you put them in the clothes dryer. Then you’ll be able to run a shorter cycle, because these items will dry faster.
GET INVOLVED! Congress is about to start debate on a climate change bill that could significantly raise your monthly utility bill. Urge your U.S. representative and senators to keep electric bills affordable! Click here to send a message to your lawmakers NOW.
Incandescent … CFL … LED –
when you go shopping for lightbulbs
today, you’re faced with a variety
of choices.
» Read more
During the past year or so the scene in retail store lighting departments has been changing, with a growing number of LED lighting products hitting the shelves. Is it time for you to make the switch from CFLs to LEDs? » Read more
Trees may seem harmless on a calm, sunny day. But add a bit of wind or ice on a stormy night and those towering pillars may threaten your home’s electric supply. » Read more
Editor's Choice Contest
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Many products promise to help
you reduce your utility bills, but their
purchase prices are so high that the
payback seems to take forever.
Just the
opposite is true with these energy and
water savers.
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Co-op Cooks
Take an energy-saving tour of your home
Iowa's Touchstone Energy® Cooperatives can help you save energy and reduce your monthly power bills. Check the interactive Web site at
Together We Save.
Stop cold air leaks
under exterior doors
Adjust the threshold under each exterior door to eliminate cold air leaks. If you think there’s an air leak but you’re not quite sure, place a dollar bill on the threshold and close the door. If you easily can pull out the dollar bill, adjust the threshold until it fits tightly against the bottom of the door. If the threshold is damaged or isn’t adjustable, replace it with a new one in the appropriate style.
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