Calling all consumers! Visit the EnergyStar.gov website to view current rebates and special offers from Energy Star partners. The handy online search tool enables consumers to find out about deals & discounts within their zip codes on everything from washing machines and refrigerators to computers and lighting fixtures. Information on available recycling incentive programs is also available. Visit the Rebates and Special Offers page today!

Maybe you’ve already made your home energy-efficient – now it’s time to take your green to work! EnergyStar.gov is currently promoting a nationwide campaign that encourages all Americans to practice energy efficiency not only in their homes, but also their workplaces.

First things first – create a “Green Team” at your office that encourages others to make an effort when it comes to saving energy. Then, follow a simple checklist to implement green tips. Included on the list are: 1. Set your computer and monitor to automatically enter “power save” mode when not in use, 2. Use a power strip as a central turn-off spot, 3. Unplug laptops, cell phones and chargers after use – leaving them plugged in wastes energy!, 4. Swap out old-fashioned light bulbs for new Energy Star qualified bulbs – last 10 times longer and use 75% less energy!, and 5. Keep air vents unblocked so that air can flow freely. Start your Green Team today!

The start of a new year is the perfect time to rededicate yourself to saving energy (and therefore saving money!) Make energy efficiency one of your resolutions for 2010. There are numerous strategies that you can implement in your home to reduce energy use and costs.

To get started, estimate how much energy you currently use and what it costs you by conducting an energy audit. Then, try some of these tips to reduce: turn down your thermostat, install a programmable thermostat, switch to energy-saving light bulbs and seal your windows and doors. More tips can be found here. Keep track of your energy bills and energy-related costs throughout the year and see the effects of your efforts.

These helpful tips are courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Blog.

As you prepare for the holiday season, use a few of these easy, energy-efficient tips from the Environmental Protection Agency to save energy and reduce waste.

1. Using a real tree? Contact your local community solid waste department for information on recycling. Alternatively, use a potted tree which can be planted.
2. Unplug lights and decorations during the day to save energy and make your lights last longer.
3. Look for holiday greeting cards made from recycled materials.
4. Use reusable cloth shopping bags for toting holiday purchases rather than paper and plastic bags.
5. Save gift wraps and ribbons for use on next year’s presents. Wrap presents for others in recycled trimmings you’ve saved.
6. Use cloth napkins and reusable dishes and silverware for your holiday gatherings rather than disposable paper and plastics.
7. Purchase rechargeable batteries for electronic gifts.
8. Donate your children’s older or outgrown toys and books to charities and local libraries.

For more holiday energy saving tips, visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s website.

As you prepare your home for colder temperatures this winter season, use a few of these easy, energy-efficient tips from Energy Star and the U.S. Department of Energy to save both energy and money.

1. Set the thermostat comfortably low to save big – for instance, resetting your temperature from 72 degrees to 65 will save 10 percent on your heating bill.
2. Save on hot water by setting your electric water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and taking shorter showers.
3. Open window coverings during the day to allow the sun’s warmth in and close them at night to keep the chill out.
4. Make sure your home is leak-free – check all the nooks and crannies around windows, doors, plumbing and more.
5. Insulate your hot water heater and hot water pipes to prevent heat loss.
6. Install storm windows to reduce heat loss by 25 to 50 percent.
7. Keep your heating equipment in tip-top shape and replace all filters regularly.

Energy issues are important to all Americans – and they should be – because they affect all aspects of everyday life, including your businesses, your household costs and your free-time expenditures!

When you drive your kids to school in the morning or board an airplane for a vacation flight, you are affected by the energy policies that government officials in Washington put in place. Access to American energy resources affects your weekly grocery bill, how much you pay at the gas pump, your heating and cooling costs, the business decisions you make – every part of your life!

CEA wants to know your thoughts about how energy affects you. Share your energy story with CEA by sending an e-mail to info@consumerenergyalliance.org. We want to hear from YOU!

Did you know that about half of American energy use occurs at workplaces, schools, entertainment venues and shopping malls? If we are mindful of utilizing energy conservatively in these locations, as well as our homes, we can save energy and reduce unnecessary expenditures.

To cut energy use and costs in the workplace, try these tips from Energy Star, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program that promotes energy efficiency:

• Unplug devices that aren’t being used
• Replace traditional light bulbs with long-lasting energy efficient bulbs
• Turn off lights before you leave
• Don’t block air vents with papers and office supplies
• Create an office team to promote energy efficiency
• Encourage your coworkers to unplug, turn off and unblock!

Check out more energy-saving tips that can be applied at the office at the Energy Star for the Workplace website.

Did you know that many electrical products use energy when plugged in, even if turned off? As you read this, many of your own household appliances and conveniences are using “standby power” – the term for using energy when plugged in, yet not in use.

Standby Power is costly to consumers – about 10 percent of household electricity use is due to standby-powered electronics. At any time, the average home in the United States has 40 products constantly using power without the homeowner realizing it.

To save on home electricity bills and reduce wasteful standby power use, try these tips from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory:

Unplug devices that aren’t being used
Use power strips to cut power to groups of electronics at one time
Purchase low-use standby products

Using tips such as these – and more found here – may save you up to 30 percent of the wasted energy being used in your home.

Did you know that the electric light bulb was invented just 130 years ago? Thomas Alva Edison invented the carbon-filament lamp in 1879. This invention ushered in an era of inventions and progress that led to our present-day world of technology and electricity dependence.

In the United States, about 15 percent of household electricity is used for lighting – mostly through the use of traditional incandescent bulbs. We use artificial light to meet all types of needs, including: ambient, task and accent lighting.

Using new technologies, you can decrease the electricity used for your lighting needs by 50 to 75 percent. Not only does that save you money, but it is also wise utilization of America’s resources.

Make use of these tips:

• More light is not always better – match your lighting needs to your tasks
• Use a dimmer switch to reduce costs
• Use energy-efficient light bulbs and systems to save energy
• Try “daylighting” – using natural light, when available, through the use of windows and skylights

Find out more about efficient lighting strategies from the U.S. Department of Energy here.

Did you know that simply keeping your curtains or blinds closed will reduce your energy costs? Keeping window coverings closed this summer as outdoor temperatures rise will reduce the amount of solar heat gain in your home! Did you know that if you air conditioning unit is old and out-of-date, upgrading to a newer energy-efficient model will reduce your cooling bills by up to 50%?

Details on these tips and more can be found on the U.S. Department of Energy’s website.

Other energy and money-saving tips include:

• Install insulation and seal any air leaks.
• Plant a tree to shade your A/C unit – this will use as much as 10% less electricity in home cooling.
• Move appliances, such as T.V.s or lamps, away from your thermostat to prevent heat from these items causing your air conditioner to run for longer periods unnecessarily.
• An interior fan used along with your A/C will use cooler air more effectively throughout your home.

Find out more tips to save on summer energy costs…