Retailers
Manufacturers
 Sponsored in part by:

Learn More About Energy Efficiency

Interested in saving more energy in your home or teaching others about energy efficiency? The links below take you to resources developed by leading experts to do just that.

Links:


Home Insulation

Insulation is a smart way to keep your home warm and energy efficient this winter. Whether cellulose or foam, insulation can deliver comfort and lower energy bills when properly installed.

  • When correctly installed, each type of insulation can deliver comfort and lower energy costs during the hottest and coldest times of the year
  • Common types of insulation are cellulose, rigid foam board, and spray foam
  • Insulation performance is measured by R-value — its ability to resist heat flow
  • Different R-values are recommended for walls, attics, basements and crawlspaces
  • Insulation works best when air is not moving through or around it
  • It is very important to seal air leaks before installing insulation to ensure that you get the best performance from the insulation

For more energy efficiency tips and to learn how to receive a home energy audit, click here.


ENERGY STAR®Programmable Thermostats

You can stay warm this winter and still save money on your energy costs by installing an ENERGY STAR® qualified programmable thermostat in your home. When set correctly, programmable thermostats automatically adjust the indoor temperature so you use heat only when you really need it.

  • Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home's temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you're away or sleeping, and are more convenient and accurate than manual thermostats
  • It's inexpensive to buy and when programmed correctly, will save you money on your energy costs - about $150/year
  • Set your thermostat to 68 degrees when you're home, and 60 degrees at night or when you are away
  • Setting the temperature to return to a comfortable setting a half hour before you come home will remove the chill from the house without wasting energy while no one is home
  • Use the thermostat’s pre-programmed settings for maximum energy and money savings

To learn how to properly choose, set and use a programmable thermostat, watch this video.


Lighting Products

ENERGY STAR® qualified light fixtures are designed to save energy and lower monthly utility bills. They use 50-70 percent less energy than incandescent or halogen lamps, while giving off the same amount of light. The links below can help you to save money while lighting your home.

  • ENERGY STAR Lights Catalog
    Lighting products for Massachusetts and Rhode Island
  • SmartLiving Catalog
    ENERGY STAR qualified lighting products for Connecticut
  • EPA ENERGY STAR Fixtures Guide
    The consumer-friendly guide provides "glamour shots" of ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures in home and outdoor settings, and information about lighting quality and the benefits of ENERGY STAR qualified fixtures
  • Energy Federation, Inc.
    National distributor of energy-efficient products, including compact fluorescent bulbs and fixtures, foams, sealants, vapor barriers, and HVI-certified ventilation systems to contractors in the building and HVAC industries
  • EPA ENERGY STAR Choose a Light Guide
    Learn how to choose which CFL types are most appropriate for the fixtures in your home.

New ENERGY STAR Homes

ENERGY STAR qualified homes are independently verified to be at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the 1993 national Model Energy Code or 15% more efficient than state energy code, whichever is more rigorous. These savings are based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use and are typically achieved through a combination of:

  • building envelope upgrades,
  • high performance windows,
  • controlled air infiltration,
  • upgraded heating and air conditioning systems,
  • tight duct systems and
  • upgraded water-heating equipment.

See these links for more information:


Energy Efficiency Educational Materials

Children can be a positive force in helping to protect our natural resources and value the environment. ENERGY STAR® Northeast has developed these creative resources to inspire younger generations to effect positive change through energy efficiency. These educational resources provide the tools to incorporate energy-efficiency into your curriculum.

  • Follow the Power Path
    This section provides a fun way to learn where most of our electricity comes from.*
    *Solar, wind, biomass, fuel cell, and hydro power are additional sources of power not covered.
- Teacher Resources
  • Science
    • Energetic Experiments
      Hands-on science activities teach how insulation, energy efficient lighting, and leaky faucets can waste or save energy. Activities also correlate with some math standards.
  • Additional Ideas
    Look here to find a multitude of ideas for extending many of these activities and lesson plans in your classroom.
  • Resources
    Hands-on science activities teach how insulation, energy efficient lighting, and leaky faucets can waste or save energy. Activities also correlate with some math standards.
- Family Educational Resources
  • Additional Ideas to Save Energy
    Explore tips and ideas for saving energy and money in your home.
  • Energy Scavenger Hunt
    Try this activity at home with your family to find areas where you could save energy and money with ENERGY STAR qualified lighting and appliances.
  • What is ENERGY STAR?
    Learn about this important symbol and its role in helping millions of families, schools, and businesses save energy and help protect the environment.
  • What is Energy Efficiency?
    Did you ever wonder what is really meant by the words "energy efficiency?" Click here to understand its true meaning.
Learn how to properly clean up broken CFLs
Learn how to properly clean up broken CFLs
 
Sustained Excellence