Have you noticed higher energy bills recently? Fewer daylight hours, more time spent inside, and chilly temperatures outside mean energy bills are on the rise this time of year. Luckily, Energy Star has easy-to-use tools to help you figure out how much energy you use at home and how to reduce it... even in a warm climate like we have here in Central Texas!
Home Advisor: With just a few pieces of information – your zip code, the type of heating and cooling equipment you use, and the type of water heater you have – you can get instant tips to save energy at home. Tips include low-cost actions, such as sealing air leaks and choosing efficient light bulbs; and long-term investments like replacing windows and purchasing energy-efficient heating and cooling equipment. Visit www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=home_energy_advisor.showGetInput.
(Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy. "Home Energy Yardstick," www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=home_energy_yardstick.showGetStarted; "Home Advisor," www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=home_energy_advisor.showGetInput)
Friday, May 18 2012 4:50 PM EDT2012-05-18 20:50:47 GMT
What is a nitrogen footprint and why is it so important? Just like a carbon footprint, a nitrogen footprint approximates how much nitrogen your daily activities produce over a period of time. NitrogenMore >>
What is a nitrogen footprint and why is it so important? Just like a carbon footprint, a nitrogen footprint approximates how much nitrogen your daily activities produce over a period of time. Nitrogen is important because it builds our DNA, amino acids, and proteins that grow the tissues of all living things.More >>
Friday, May 11 2012 4:52 PM EDT2012-05-11 20:52:58 GMT
National Wildflower Week is May 6-13 — it's the perfect time to visit a botanic garden or park where you can see spring blooms of the native variety. With hundreds of public gardens throughout the country,More >>
National Wildflower Week is May 6-13 — it's the perfect time to visit a botanic garden or park where you can see spring blooms of the native variety. With hundreds of public gardens throughout the country, there is sure to be one near you.More >>
Friday, May 4 2012 4:46 PM EDT2012-05-04 20:46:00 GMT
Designing a new landscape can be exciting – and with a bit of planning, it can yield a water-efficient garden of your dreams. Spring is a great time to design and plant a new landscape and it is importantMore >>
Designing a new landscape can be exciting – and with a bit of planning, it can yield a water-efficient garden of your dreams. Spring is a great time to design and plant a new landscape and it is important to know the water needs of the types of plants you intend to grow to maximize water conservation while ensuring that each type of plant receives an adequate amount of moisture to thrive.More >>
Friday, March 30 2012 4:38 PM EDT2012-03-30 20:38:59 GMT
Ah-choo! High pollen levels throughout much of the country mean that millions of Americans are sniffling, sneezing and itching. Spring allergies are usually caused by tree pollen, while grasses are generally the culprit during late spring and summer. Weather and environmental conditions affect the severity of your allergy symptoms.More >>
Friday, March 23 2012 4:42 PM EDT2012-03-23 20:42:56 GMT
Although the drought in Texas and other states in 2011 meant fewer wildflowers bloomed to produce seeds last year, many native plants have a trick up their stems: they produce seeds in plentiful years that "sit out" lean ones.More >>
Friday, March 16 2012 4:27 PM EDT2012-03-16 20:27:49 GMT
March 12–18, 2012 is Fix a Leak Week! Did you know that common household leaks can waste, on average, more than 10,000 gallons of water per year, or enough to wash 10 months' worth of laundry? It's as easy as "check-twist-replace" to find and fix leaks at home.More >>
Friday, February 17 2012 4:36 PM EST2012-02-17 21:36:33 GMT
The 2012 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place from Friday, February 17 through Monday, February 22. Each year, volunteers across the country tally the birds they see in backyards, parks and natural areas. Last year, GBBC participants racked up more than 11 million observations and identified 596 species!More >>
Friday, February 10 2012 4:45 PM EST2012-02-10 21:45:15 GMT
When you look up at the night sky, how many stars do you see? As cities and suburban communities grow, so does the amount of artificial light from things like street lights and billboards. Lots of nighttime lighting means that you can probably only see the brightest stars. While outdoor lighting helps humans see at night and stay safe, night lights can impact wildlife in other ways.More >>
Friday, January 27 2012 4:30 PM EST2012-01-27 21:30:13 GMT
Installing a rain water gauge on your property will help you determine how many inches of rain have fallen. Knowing the average weekly precipitation amount helps gardeners apply the correct amount of water with automatic irrigation systems.More >>
