The US Department of Energy encourages citizens to save money on their energy bill, and helps people to do just that. Using the motto, “Save money, live better, help the earth!” the
DOE has set up a website to point out tips, give advice, and help consumers create a custom-made energy-saving plan.
Visitors to the web site enter their zip code and then become a personal energy-use analysis. Users pick whether they are doing a hypothetical analysis, inspection of actual house, energy audit of actual house or designing a brand new home. Then the user’s home address, year the home was built, and number of people living in the home is entered. Energy prices are already added if an address was given.
The next page asks about building design, including how many stories, amount of heated or cooled floor area, type of foundation, floor insulation, attic or ceiling type, and other information. Window area and type are also questioned. There is a form to discuss appliances and equipment, including water heater, refrigerators, cooling and heating equipment, and more.
Another page allows users to calculate current yearly energy costs and compare to the cost of energy after upgrades are implemented. There is also a place to have all the upgrade recommendations summarized. For anyone interested in saving money on their home energy bills, this website from the DOE is highly useful.
