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 Buzz

Got some extra energy? Here are some fun ways to learn more about energy conservation and how you can make the planet greener!

Take the ENERGY STAR IQ Quiz

Test your knowledge and find out how, with help from EPA's ENERGY STAR program, you can save energy and fight global warming at work by making many of the same green choices that you make at home.

Learn about energy facts, energy history and play games!

Kids are a great source of energy. What better way to use their energy to learn more about energy while having fun!

Play Hog and Seek!

You have 24 hours to catch the Energy Hog as he invades a house. The Energy Hog is wasting energy in every room and it is up to you to fix the problems.

Befriend a Bear! Feed, play and tickle your new friend!

Our friends at National Grid invite you to discover the power of action.

Join the Lorax and Protect the Earth from Global Warming.

The EPA is working with Seuss Enterprises as part of a campaign to help Americans and their children learn about ENERGY STAR and what we can do to fight against global warming. The Dr. Seuss character Lorax will be encouraging each of us to take action today and every day.

Energy Tips

Start conserving today. These helpful tips provide simple ways to reduce your energy usage and save you money.

• Weatherization

• Heating

• Cooling

• Water Heating

• Lighting

• Appliances

Helpful tools for changing the way you live to help the environment.

Project Green Gift

Emissions of carbon dioxide resulting from human activity are a major cause of global warming. ProjectGreenGift carbon dioxide offsets are being achieved through a tree-planting program undertaken by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai (CSK) Tribes in the State of Montana.

Each recipient will receive an Environmental Remediation Certificate from Sustainable Forestry Management Ltd. (SFM) certifying that trees planted will offset your CO2 emissions for one year.

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is a voluntary partnership between the government and more than 9,000 organizations. We are working to achieve a common goal—protecting the environment for future generations by changing to more energy-efficient practices and products today.

GEFA

The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority provides funding and other incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Georgia. Depending on the type of customer and the purpose of the project, you may be eligible to apply for funds through GEFA.

Drive Green

Driving green is a easy way to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Subtle changes in driving habits can save money at the gas pump and reduce CO2 emissions.

EcoDog

Help your dog go green! Raise A Green Dog has a mission to help other dog lovers learn how they can have a healthier, happier pup and environment by sharing information

Energy Audits

AnEnergy Audit is the first step is finding out how you can save energy. Your audit includes a review of home appliances, HVAC system, insulation, door and window seals and more. The auditor will perform several tests which may include a blower door test.

Check your local business directory for companies that perform audits in your area.  As when choosing any contractor, be sure to check references.

Get the Most From Your Energy Dollars

Whether it is a small DIY project or a larger contracted installation, there are many products and services that can save energy and money.

Shop with MXenergy and SAVE 10%

From compact fluorescent light bulbs to low flow showerheads, MXenergy and EFI offer you a full line of energy efficient products you can easily install to save energy. And for a limited time, you save 10%.

Take Control of Your Energy Bills

MXenergy is one of the largest natural gas and electricity suppliers in the country, serving nearly half a million customers in Texas, Georgia, Ohio, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Massachusetts and more. Their fixed rate and variable rate natural gas and electricity plans are backed by the best customer service in the industry.

ENERGY STAR Rebate Offer

New MXenergy customers who enroll online for a natural gas or electricity plan and purchase an ENERGY STAR labeled appliance are eligible to receive a $75 rebate

Get Tax Credits!

Making energy efficiency investments could yield significant tax advantages. It's one of the smartest moves you can make:

Learn the Basics: learn about energy tax incentives. Energy Efficiency can lower your federal tax bill as well as your energy bills.

1.   Introduction to Tax Credits from Alliance to Save Energy

2.   A Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy from U.S. Department of Energy

Making energy efficiency investments could yield significant tax advantages.

The most energy efficient appliances are those that carry the Energy Star Label. They are admittedly more costly than other appliances. However, the savings that they generate will clearly pay you back. Statistics indicate that replacing a refrigerator purchased in the 80s with an Energy Star equivalent will save 100 dollars per year in electrical costs.

If you replace your washing machine that was purchased in the early 90s with an Energy Star equivalent, the new unit will save you 110 dollars per year. A new energy saving dishwasher will save 25 dollars per year.

The newer appliances also last longer in addition to using less power. The average life expectancy for any energy efficient appliance ranges between 10 and 20 years. When you multiple this by the annual savings of each appliance, you can readily see how much money you will be saving over the next two decades.

To get the best deals on energy saving appliances, you need to first do some research. Do not go rushing out to the closest store to your house. Look online and search through all the stores within a 10 mile radius of your home. Even with the extra dollar or two in gas you spend, you may save considerably on prices if you drive a bit further. There are also appliances you can order online that can be shipped to your home at very reasonable rates.

Buy an energy efficient appliance that is appropriately sized for the task. Take into consideration just how many groceries you need to refrigerate, and how many you need to freeze, before you buy a refrigerator freezer unit. Think also about how often you do dishes, and how often you do laundry. Oversized equipment, even if it is an energy saving product by nature, still represents a waste of power.

Check the specifications of an appliance as well to see how much power it uses. Also, look for the Energy Star Label. Some appliances have a specific rating that tells you just how efficient they are. If you find an energy efficient appliance that costs a great deal of money, compare that appliance to the one you are currently using. Call the manufacturer if necessary to help calculate how much you will save on a monthly basis. This will give you an idea of how quickly the appliance will pay for itself.

If you cannot reach the manufacturer, research the product online by product name and product number. You should be able to find plenty of consumer reports on the unit and make an intelligent decision from there.

You should also look for energy saving appliances that offer special discounts or rebates. As environmental awareness increases globally, the pressure is on manufacturers to promote green products as much as possible. Many companies are now rebating energy saving products in order to increase both their sales and public image.

Finally, go with brands that are reputable. The best manufacturers are well aware of the need to engineer increasingly energy efficient appliances. You may pay more for a good brand, but you will get a better warranty, better technical support if applicable, better safety features, and longer product life.
 

It seems like everyone these days is looking for tips on how to save money. Our homes are our biggest expense and lowering the cost of operating it is a good way to boost your bottom line. Energy expenses account for a large percentage of the average household budget so finding creative ways to save energy makes sense in making your home more comfortable and efficient.

Here are some tips for saving energy at home:

Tip #1: Go from room to room and make a list of areas where you notice cracks, holes and other leaks. If your house feels drafty, you notice mold, mildew or a musty odor, your home is excessively dusty or you see condensation, then chances are your home is not properly sealed. Once your list is compiled you can set to work filling cracks and holes with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping. If you aren’t the do-it-yourself type then contact a professional energy auditor to perform a comprehensive energy assessment. By following through on the recommendations of an audit you will achieve energy efficiency and savings.

Tip #2: Saving energy means not only using less but making the most of what you have. This is where insulation will help you lower your bills and be more comfortable in your home. Walls, ceilings, floors, attics and crawl spaces are areas where a thick layer of insulation is needed. The proper amount and proper installation is critical to getting maximum energy savings, so hire a professional for this job unless you are extremely handy!

Tip #3: Turn down the temperature in the winter and turn it up in the summer. Once your home is properly insulated and sealed you will really amp up your energy savings by simply adjusting your thermostat. A programmable one will regulate the temperature throughout the day. You don’t need to heat the house when you’re not home, so set the thermostat to lower when you are at work and asleep. Using ceiling fans and space heaters might seem like an extra energy drain, but it costs a lot less to run a fan or space heater than to crank up the heat or A/C.

Tip #4: Common sense habits like turning off lights when you leave the room are simple ways to save energy. Don’t leave electronic devices like televisions, computers and gaming systems on when you are not using them. Some high-tech devices are sensitive to changes in energy but if it is safe to do so, unplug electronics when not in use. Low-tech small appliances like toasters and coffee makers should always be unplugged after use for saving energy and money.

Tip #5: Taking showers instead of baths and shortening your shower time by two minutes will save a lot of energy over time. If you turn your hot water heater temperature down to 120 degrees you will also see savings in your energy consumption and monthly bill over time. This is a great way to save energy without even trying!
 

 About MXenergy Wizard:

MXenergy Wizard is your source for responsible living, getting the most from your energy budget and living an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Our goal is to provide you with relevant information, tools and innovative products that will help you proactively manage your energy usage while keeping up with the evolving energy industry and government policies.

Getting started is simple. We can help you start a victory garden, choose energy saving appliances or figure out an entirely new energy plan for your home. Every little bit helps, and we’re here every step of the way.

MXenergy is one of the fastest growing independent energy companies in the United States and Canada. The company was founded in 1999 to provide natural gas and electricity solutions to residential and small business owners. MXenergy is committed to best practices in environmental conservation and is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange and an ENERGY STAR Partner. For MXenergy

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Could you live without the Internet, a cell phone or television? In today’s digital age where we strive to be constantly connected studies show that the average American household owns 23 consumer electronic devices. We are increasingly dependent on electronics and despite an increased awareness of the environmental impact of electricity usage and the huge gains made in energy efficiency, our demand for power is ever-increasing.

Taking steps towards electricity savings need not dramatically impact our lifestyles but it can significantly affect our planet’s health and our household budget. Using electricity wisely can help you take control of your bills and reduce your carbon footprint since electricity is the primary energy source for most of our household systems, our appliances and devices. Homes are bigger today than they were just a generation ago and open floor plans containing a lot of vertical space require more energy use.

Take the time to analyze your home from top to bottom to start on your electricity savings. Start in the attic by weather stripping your attic door or hatch to prevent air from leaking in and out. Install additional insulation if necessary and make sure that vents that allow heat buildup to be released are sufficiently large enough to be optimally efficient.

By dialing down the thermostat in the winter and upping the A/C by a few degrees in the summer, you will save significant heating and cooling costs and will soon adjust to the new normal temperature. In winter months when the air is dry, run a humidifier in each bedroom. The moist air will feel more comfortable at a lower temperature. Unused guest bedrooms should be sealed off by closing the air vents and shutting the door. Use task lighting and reading lamps rather than illuminating the entire room.

Survey the kitchen and bathrooms for big electricity savings. Energy Star appliances increase efficiency. Run only full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washer and limit the use of the clothes dryer by drip-drying clothes on racks or a clothesline. Don’t stand in front of the refrigerator with the door open. Turn off the water while brushing teeth, shaving and hand-washing dishes. Reduce your shower by two minutes and install a low-flow showerhead. Electricity savings can be significant in kitchens and bathrooms just by turning off the lights when not in use. As the busiest rooms in the house, they typically use the most energy.

Your home’s basement holds plenty of opportunity for electricity savings. Replace furnace filters monthly to improve efficiency. You can easily insulate your hot water heater and water pipes with an inexpensive kit from the local hardware store. Reduce your water temperature to 120 degrees and use only cold water for clothes washing.

A walk around the exterior of your home reveals even more electricity saving options. Make sure your front door fits properly and weather strip around all exterior doors and windows. Install energy efficient storm doors on every entrance to the house. If you have an attached garage, make sure the door is shut to prevent air leaks. Use motion sensor exterior lights or a timer so lights are off during the daylight hours.