Household tips, programs that can help you save energy, money

Whether your house is fairly new or several generations old, you can bring added comfort and energy savings to your residence.

Consider an energy audit of your home to identify specific ways to control your energy use:

• Obtain a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® evaluation from a professional Home Performance contractor.
• Check out a portable energy meter – free from most area libraries. Then do an online energy audit using the Home Energy Saver. Go to
  www.hes.lbl.gov/consumer.

Save even more with Focus on Energy. MGE partners with Focus on Energy to bring energy-saving resources and incentives to our customers.

• Focus on Energy offers cash-back rewards on various equipment purchases. For current offers call 1-800-762-7077.
• For related information, call the MGE Home Energy Line at (608) 252-7117.
• The City of Madison's "GreenMadison" program helps homeowners offset the cost of making energy improvements. If you live in Madison, call 1-877-399-1204 or visit www.cityofmadison.com/greenMadison to see how you may benefit.

Cool your home efficiently. If you have an air-conditioning (A/C) system:

• Set your thermostat to 78°F or higher and turn your A/C off when you are not home for extended periods.
• Use shades and drapes to block out direct sunlight during the day.
• Use whole house, room, window or ceiling fans. They can be effective and very efficient alternatives to A/C.

Take a load off your dehumidifier. Although it's important to control high humidity in basements, dehumidifiers can cost as much as $50 per month to operate. To help control moisture and reduce dehumidifier run time:

• Vent clothes dryers to the outside.
• Check gutter and downspout drainage.
• Slope soil away from foundation.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when purchasing a new dehumidifier.