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.
Colorado Energy Science Center
The Colorado Energy Science Center sponsors workshops for homeowners (e.g., "How to Cut Your Home Energy Costs") and educational programs for students and teachers. The Center's handy "Smart Energy Living Consumers Guide" contains lists of products and services for Colorado's Front Range.
Consumer's Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
This DOE site is a virtual treasure trove of consumer-oriented online resources in the area of energy efficiency and renewable energy.
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.
Elements of an Energy-Efficient House
This fact sheet is a good place to start learning about the basics of energy-efficient design and construction techniques, such as optimum value engineering, structural insulated panels, and insulating concrete forms. (PDF 185 KB)
Energy Efficiency Questions and Answers
Do ceiling fans waste energy? Are programmable thermostats helpful? What's the best way to ventilate a home? The Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Energy answers these questions — and many more.
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.
How to Build a Better Home
Learn to use solar energy and the whole-building approach to reduce your environmental impact, live comfortably, and save money. (PDF 568 KB)
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)
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.