Related Links on Energy Efficiency

Check out this list of resources that covers a range of energy-efficiency issues and topics — from overall considerations of creating an energy-efficient building, to information on specific components of an energy-efficient house, such as lighting, windows, appliances, and landscaping.

Some of the following documents are available as Adobe Acrobat PDFs. Download Adobe Reader.

Become an Energy Star

On this Web site, you'll learn how to save money and energy by purchasing ENERGY STAR®-labeled products such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, dishwashers, and television sets. You'll also find info about home improvements, lighting, and heating and cooling.

Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

This U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is a virtual treasure trove of consumer-oriented online resources in the area of energy efficiency and renewable energy.

Designing and Building an Energy Efficient Home

The EERE Building Technologies Program offers resources to design and build a house for greater energy efficiency and comfort, while ensuring healthy indoor air quality.

Efficient Windows

Learn about the benefits of energy-efficient windows and how they work. See the "Resources" section for a handy glossary of window terminology and fact sheets that provide a step-by-step guide to selecting energy-efficient windows in your state or region.

Energy Savers — Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home

This is a "must stop" on your energy fact-finding mission. Based on the popular booklet of the same name, the site walks you through topics such as insulation, windows, lighting, water heating, appliance... well, it walks you through just about everything you'll need to know to start saving energy.

Glossary of Energy Terms

This section of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Web site contains helpful definitions of common (and not-so-common) energy-related terms.

Home Energy Saver

It's fast, it's free, it's full of helpful information. Just feed the Home Energy Saver a bit of data about your house, and this do-it-yourself energy audit tool will calculate how much you could save by making specific energy improvements.

Home Power Magazine

This bimonthly magazine is full of articles and ideas for the do-it-yourselfer and contains advertisements from suppliers nationwide.

Landscaping for Energy Efficiency

Are you looking for cost-effective yet eye-pleasing ways to lower your energy bills? Planting trees, shrubs, vines, grasses, and hedges could be the answer.

Lighting an Energy-Efficient Future

The big difference between compact fluorescents and their incandescent cousins is the amount of energy they use, with compact fluorescents using roughly one-quarter the electricity of incandescents for the same amount of light production. Visit this site to learn more about the topic and to calculate how much energy you could save by making the switch.

Selecting Windows for Energy Efficiency

New window technologies have increased energy benefits and comfort, providing more practical options for consumers. This selection guide will help homeowners, architects, and builders take advantage of the expanding window market. (PDF KB)

Smart Energy Living Alliance

The Smart Energy Living Alliance provides information, tools, and resources to help consumers make intelligent, responsible energy decisions. To help homeowners, the Smart Energy Living Alliance publishes a quarterly magazine, Smart Energy Living®, and a free monthly electronic newsletter.

The Most Energy-Efficient Appliances

This Web site contains a list of the most energy-efficient appliances from the "Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings" booklet, based on product directories and manufacturers' data regarding energy performance.