Minnesota Energy Tips is a twice-monthly feature that provides timely, practical energy tips for Minnesota consumers. It is intended to help residents save energy and save money. The tips, compiled by the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources, are provided as a public service to newspapers and the general public.
May 15, 2013 — Televisions, DVD players, and computers are common household devices that can use a lot of electricity, even when turned off. Some older TVs, for instance, can use up to 40 percent of the full “on” power when turned off.
May 1, 2013 — Whether shopping for a new refrigerator, furnace, air conditioner, water heater, computer, TV, lighting products, clothes washer, windows, doors, and more, always look for the ENERGY STAR® label.
April 15, 2013 — Adding insulation, combined with sealing air leaks, is one of the most cost-effective energy-saving improvements you can make to an existing home. It can cut heating and cooling costs by 15 percent or more.
April 1, 2013 — April is Financial Literacy Month, a campaign to help focus on our finances and develop healthy financial habits. One of the best ways to save money—month after month—is to conserve energy.
March 15, 2013 — Tips to improve the operation and safety of your fireplace and to reduce energy losses.
March 1, 2013 — Air that leaks through the ceiling, walls, foundation, and other areas—known as air infiltration—is a significant source of heating and cooling losses.
Feb. 15, 2013 — Many people assume that there is little they can do to significantly reduce their energy use and increase the efficiency of their homes.