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As fall heralds in cooler weather, it's time to think of ways to save on your utility bills by conserving energy around the house. Consumers Union, the policy and advocacy arm of Consumers Reports, and the nonprofit Green America, are holding an online video contest for parents and kids to show how they save energy at home.
You can show how your family is energy-efficient by submitting a video of your children --and pets-- at CutestEnergySavers.org. You have until October 22 to enter. Online voting starts October 23. Prizes include a $250 grand prize, a free subscription to Consumer Reports, and a free Green America membership. For more details watch the video below.
One way you can program energy savings into the winter months is by installing a programmable thermostat. That way you're not heating the house when you're not in it. We've tested 30 thermostats, of which 10 were top picks in our Ratings.
Replacing even a few incandescent lightbulbs with CFLs or LEDs will help you save on energy. Plus our appliance and television tests reveal how much it costs to run a refrigerator or TV per year, and which appliances use more energy than others—or more than they should. For more energy-saving advice read 15 energy-saving tips, and test your energy IQ.
"Saving energy at home is something that every family member can play a part in, no matter how young," says Shannon Baker-Branstetter, policy counsel for Consumers Union. "This contest is a fun way to be creative and show off how you stay energy efficient, which is good for the planet and good for your wallet."
Sources:
America's Cutest Lil' Energy Savers [Consumers Union]
Green America and Consumers Union to Launch "America's Cutest Lil' Energy Savers" Energy-Efficiency Contest [Green America]
