Clean your clothes dryer’s lint trap every time you load the machine. A lint-free trap allows for better air circulation, which could mean your clothes will dry quicker. When it’s sunny outside, throw open the curtains, even in the winter. Let the sun help warm your room and add enough light that you won’t need… Continue reading.

February can be hard on energy bills. But cold winter weather is no match for a home that is prepared to fight it. Address these five common winter culprits throughout your house: Drafty doors and windows. An easy fix with a big payback is weather-stripping. Caulk or apply weather-stripping around all window and door seams,… Continue reading.

Flickering lights: If an electrical circuit in your house is overloaded, it could cause the lights to dim or flicker. This usually happens when you have too many energy-intensive appliances or fixtures wired to the same circuit. For example, your lights might flicker when your washing machine is running — if the two are on… Continue reading.

Take these four precautions if you’re giving Valentine’s Day balloons instead of candy this year.  Tether each balloon to a weight so it can’t float away. When you’re ready to dispose of the balloons, pop them so they can’t become airborne. Stay at least 10 feet away from power lines if you’re walking outdoors with… Continue reading.

Eat at home. Save on gas – and reduce emissions – by cooking your Valentine’s Day meal together at home.  Shop locally. Buy locally grown food for your home-cooked meal. That supports your neighbors and ensures that your food hasn’t traveled to reach you — which takes extra energy. While local food may seem scarce… Continue reading.

Spring isn’t too far off, and you are probably already starting your “To Do List” of spring projects.  If your spring home projects involve upgrading your electric meter base, please remember Heartland REMC requires all new meter bases installed on our system to have a lever bypass. These bypasses will need to be inside all… Continue reading.

Going on a diet again this Jan. 1? Opening a savings account? Joining a gym?  Here’s another one — and it might be easier to keep for longer than two weeks: Do one thing a month that will make your home more energy efficient. Here are 12 easy ideas:  January: Get into the habit of… Continue reading.

The holidays are a time of year that many of us eagerly anticipate. The season is marked by special foods, seasonal decorations and lots of festivities. We cherish carrying on old family traditions and enjoy creating new ones. Most of all, we look forward to more time spent with family and friends. However, given the… Continue reading.

By Garret Keiser Gift giving gets harder every year. As family members get older, finding that unique item they would never get for themselves becomes more of a challenge. If you want to surprise someone with a gift that keeps on giving, I suggest an energy saving holiday gift. Here are some gift ideas that… Continue reading.