Blog

Sealing Leaks to Save Money

Q: How much can I save by covering electric outlets and sealing holes in walls around outdoor faucets and wiring? A: Sealing these holes is fine to do.

Picking the Right ENERGY STAR® Appliances

Q: We’re planning to redo our kitchen and started looking at new appliances. When we asked the salesperson about ENERGY STAR® and energy efficiency in general, he basically said […]

Do Auto-Closing Heat Vents Save Energy?

Q: A friend recently sent me information about a product that automatically closes heating/cooling registers based on the temperature in the room and asked me what I thought. The […]

Venting Your Dryer

Q: Is it a good idea to get a device that attaches to the dryer vent, collects lint and directs air into the house instead of outside? A: […]

General Energy Savings Influencers

Q: I’d like to reduce my energy bills to save money and improve the environment, but I find a lot of conflicting information about the best ways to do […]

Dealing with Mold in Your House

Q: How dangerous is mold? A: Unfortunately, the answer is not easy. There are some molds that are very toxic to people, but it is more common for […]

Turning off Air Conditioning for Savings

Q: Should I turn off my air conditioning when I go on summer vacation? A: Shutting off your air conditioning will save money on your electric bill, but […]

Electric Blankets for Water Heaters

Q: I just read a money saving article that says I can save “up to $200 a year” by installing an insulation blanket around my electric water heater. I’ve […]

Managing Window Condensation

Q: How can I address condensation on my windows? Are energy-efficient windows a good idea? A: In North Carolina and most of the U.S., you can expect window […]

Clockwise or Counterclockwise: Ceiling Fans Deciphered

Q: We have ceiling fans in every room, and every year my husband and I argue about whether to reverse them for use during the winter. My husband has […]