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Energy Resources
New Publications
Farmstead Energy Audit (link)
The purpose of this publication is to give tips on ways to reduce costs for your operation. By reducing the amount of energy you consume, you not only will be saving money,but also reducing possible pollution and reducing the consumption of nonrenewable resources.
Insulating to Reduce Heating Costs (link)
In North Dakota, 50% of energy used in homes is for heating and air conditioning. Properly insulating your home not only saves money, but also makes the home more comfortable. This publication is designed to help you insure your home is properly insulated.
Air-to-Air Heat Exchangers (link)
To reduce heating and cooling costs, builders have used better construction techniques and materials to greatly reduce air leaks into and out of a home. While a "tight" home will reduce the costs of heating and cooling, it also will trap water vapor and harmful particles in the home. An air-to-air heat exchanger allows you to remove the moisture and pollutants while retaining the heated or cooled air.
Corn and Biomass Stoves (link)
This publication provides an in-depth look at corn and biomass stoves that can be used to heat your house with a renewable resource.
No-cost, Low-cost Home Energy-saving Tips (link)
If you are looking for a few ways to save money at home, but are not ready for major renovations, this checklist may help.
Wind Turbine Lease Considerations for Landowners (document)
File Size: 680.21 kb
Legal, binding contracts between landowners and wind energy development companies are a necessary part of any wind farm development project. However, until a contract is signed, any and all of the contract provisions are negotiable. This document is an excellent resource for landowners considering a wind lease.
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Energy-Saving Tools
Residential
Home Energy Audits are a great way of finding out where your energy efficiency improvements will bring you the most bang for your buck. Some utilities have programs that allow an energy auditor to come to your house at a reduced cost.
If you are unable to hire an energy auditor, you can do an audit yourself. We have partnered with the NDSU Extension to make infrared thermometers available. Simply contact your local Extension Office about checking it out. Once you have the thermometer, utilize this document for directions on how to conduct the audit. For more information, contact Carl Pedersen.
The Alliance to Save Energy also has information about conducting your own energy audits.
Programmable Thermostats are an easy way to save money and energy. According to DOE, you can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10% to 15% for 8 hours. This is easily done with a programmable thermostat since you can store and repeat multiple daily settings adjust the times you turn on the heating or air-conditioning. As a result, the equipment doesn't operate as much when you are asleep or when the house, or a part of it, is not occupied. You can even manually override without affecting the rest of the daily or weekly program. Remember to look for the Energy Star label when shopping for a Programmable Thermostat.
Currently, we are partnering with Xcel energy to provide a $30 rebate on Energy Star Programmable Thermostats to Xcel customers. To see the form, click here.
For other great tips on saving energy in your home, please see the links below.
Insulation Fact Sheet
Energy Efficient Water Heating
Commercial/Small Business
Energy Star Portfolio Manager is a great, free tool that allows you to track your energy and water consumption in a secure online environment. For other great software tools, please see DOE's website.
Transportation
To save money at the pump, remember these helpful tips:
- Use the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil.
- Get your car's engine tuned regularly.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
- Lose the junk in the trunk. Avoid extra weight in the backseat and trunk of your car.
- Be a responsible driver. Avoid accelerating and braking rapidly when driving in town, and follow the posted speed limits. Not only will you save money, you could save a life as well.
To track your own MPG, check out fueleconomy.gov.
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