Topic: Energy Star

Change Agent
How renewable energy is rescuing US schools from budget cuts

Educators across the country are finding millions of dollars in savings through cheap and simple forms of renewable energy. Since 2003, one school district has cut more than $7 million in energy costs. That equates to 45 teaching positions.

Saving Money
Winter is coming. Eight ways to prepare your home.

Cold weather is on the way, and a home that isn't prepared can turn into a frigid money pit. Here are 8 cheap ways to winterize your home and save on your energy bill. 

Tax deductions: Here are five for homeowners

Tax deductions for homeowners go way beyond interest on a mortgage. There are tax deductions for mortgage insurance and even energy-efficient improvements.

What can be done to create jobs? Six leading ideas.

The job market has shown some very welcome signs of improvement lately, but it still has a long way to go before approaching something Americans would call normal. Here’s a look at some of the proposed solutions out there. 

Six steps to choosing the best refrigerator

If you’ve had the pleasure of purchasing an appliance within the last 10 years you’re probably aware that things are not as simple as they once used to be. While technology has made many things in our lives easier, choosing the best refrigerator among hundreds of similar models isn’t one of them. Family size and lifestyle are only a few of the factors that influence a purchase. That said, armed with the right information and knowing what questions to ask can ease the process of finding the best refrigerator: 

Green Economics
Do 'green buildings' come with a higher price tag?

The initial cost may be higher, but if the price of electricity in your area is high, energy efficient construction is a smart financial move

Will smart-phone friendly mileage stickers help car buyers make smarter choices?

The EPA's next generation of mileage labels are smart-phone friendly and were designed to give consumers more ways to compare the efficiency and pollution levels of vehicles of all engine types.

Home heating 101: six cold facts on staying warm this winter

Oil prices are high, while natural gas and electric costs have either stayed the same or gone lower. Here is the outlook for the winter home heating season.

Energy-efficient homes, courtesy of federal tax credit

An expiring tax credit is pushing homeowners to boost energy efficiency. Can it work for you?

A home made green and lean

Eco-aware rehabber finds that doing right by the earth is cost-effective, too.

The New Economy
Maytag dishwashers recall: Is repair or rebate the best deal?

As part of the Maytag dishwashers recall, customers can get a free repair or a rebate for a new dishwasher. The best deal depends on what you have and where you live.

Eco-renovation
Save money on your next green home renovation

The best say to save money on a green home renovation is to hire a knowledgeable HERS rater.

Obama's Homestar program: Energy retrofits could take a while

President Obama announced a $6 billion Homestar program to fund energy-efficient retrofits of US homes. But most contractors will need training to achieve the program's loftier goals.

Eco-renovation
Obama's 'Cash for Caulkers' boosts energy efficiency

As President Obama boosts energy efficiency through Cash for Caulkers, home weatherization will receive rebates.

The New Economy
MN appliance rebate gets overwhelming response.

Minnesotans flocked to the MN appliance rebate. Check here to see when your state's appliance-rebate program starts.

Get cash for more-efficient appliances

Patterned after 'cash for clunkers,' the Energysavers.gov program has allocated $300 million in rebates for consumers who buy Energy Star-rated appliances.

Green building comes of age

Competition, oil prices, and concerns about global warming have caused the '70s fad to go mainstream. Is green building finally coming of age?

Taking aim at energy-sucking TVs

EPA sets new guidelines for efficiency that will rise through 2012.

Horizons
Sprint, Samsung announce plans to sell a biodegradable phone

Earth Talk: The most energy-efficient way to heat a cup of water

When choosing among the microwave or a gas or electric stove top, the answer may surprise you.

Bright Green
Your flat screen TV uses too much energy. So do your other appliances.

Opinion: We count calories. Why not carbon?

If we can we list the nutritional value of a pickled egg, surely we can drive a healthier market and planet through system-cost comparison.

Stimulus plans brings green home improvement tax breaks

Incentives encourage homeowners to embrace energy efficiency.

EarthTalk: How to stay warm and solvent this winter

Tips on cutting your home-heating bill.