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Save Money While Staying Cool this Summer

Release Date: 05/22/2006
Contact Information: Roxanne Smith, (202) 564-4355 / smith.roxanne@epa.gov

(Washington, D.C. - May 22, 2006) No need for Americans to suffer in the heat this summer. EPA's Energy Star program has new tools and tips for homeowners and businesses to keep money in their pockets, be comfortable, and protect the environment. In 2005 alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved $12 billion in energy costs and prevented greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 23 million vehicles.

"Energy efficient products with the blue Energy Star label are helping meet President Bush's priority of improving the nation's environmental and energy security," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By preserving our resources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, America's families can make sure skyrocketing temperatures don't have to lead to skyrocketing energy bills."

The average family spends $1,900 a year on energy bills, nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. EPA's new interactive tool, Energy Star @ Home, shows consumers how they can make energy-efficient improvements in each room of their home.

Did you know that your ceiling fan can help save on summer cooling costs? Or, that changing the five most frequently used lights in your home to energy saving compact fluorescent light bulbs can save about $60 each year on energy costs?

Those are just a couple of examples of what can be learned on the virtual tour. Homeowners can see where they're doing well, find areas for improvement and learn how they can use energy more efficiently in order to save money and enjoy year-round comfort in their home.

EPA also has advice for businesses to save energy and money this summer.

Did you know that programming the thermostat to turn off the HVAC system at night and restart one hour prior to employee arrival, can reduce your HVAC costs by as much as 30 percent and still make a comfortable work environment?

Cooling and ventilating uses almost 20 percent of the energy in commercial buildings. EPA's Energy Star Challenge encourages businesses and other organizations to improve their energy efficiency by 10 percent or more by following five energy saving steps. These steps put your business on the path to significant savings, while helping to protect the environment this summer and beyond.

EPA started the Energy Star program in 1992. It is a government-backed program helping businesses and consumers protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. More than 8,000 organizations participate in the Energy Star program.

Tips on making your home more energy efficient: http://www.energystar.gov/home

Tips on lowering your company's energy bills: http://www.energystar.gov/challenge