According to Iowa’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, the key to lowering your utility bills is to decrease the energy usage of your home by increasing its energy efficiency. Sounds simple, and it really can be. Easy tasks, such as turning your thermostat up a few degrees in the summer (and also down a few degrees in the winter), taking showers instead of baths, and installing compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout your home are perfect stepping stones to bigger and better savings.

The Iowa Energy Center (IEC) is one resource you can look to if you want to make a real change in your energy attitude. The IEC conducts and funds research in both renewable and alternative energies, as well as energy efficiency. The IEC website hosts a slew of creative ideas and facts about home energy efficiency. The Home Series section has four downloadable booklets covering helpful topics including insulation, heating/cooling, water heaters and home appliances.

Work your way to energy efficiency and savings by following some (or many!) of the suggestions the Home Series offers. For example, you’ll find:

• Tips to use less hot water in the kitchen and bathroom (Home Series 3)
• How to check for air leaks in your home and fridge (Home Series 1 & 4)
• Ways to landscape your yard to increase your homes efficiency (Home Series 2)
• Suggestions for helping your dishwasher run cleanly and effectively (Home Series 4)
• Reasons why regular water heater maintenance really pays off (Home Series 3).

Find more information on the Iowa Energy Center.

 

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