Energy| Xcel to the rescue: You leave the lights on in empty rooms, shun Energy Star appliances and don’t hesitate to run a single shirt through a full washing and drying cycle? You’re the kind of person the Colorado Energy Science Center and Xcel Energy are looking for. Two Xcel Energy customers with daunting energy bills will be selected to receive $25,000 home energy makeovers. To get in on the contest, visit smartenergyliving.org.
Money| Budget-minded home-cooling ideas: It’s been hot, the sizzle isn’t leaving just yet, and you want to stay cool. And you’re on a budget. Here are tips from the Alliance to Save Energy: Shut blinds or shades on the south- and west-facing windows during the day. Get a thermostat that is programmable. Give your air conditioner a professional tune-up and make sure to clean or replace filters monthly. Visit the website ase.org/consumers for more information. – Douglas Brown
