Texas Land Office Announces

EERE State Activities and Partnerships: Texas Land Office Announces "Wind Rush" Search Help More Search Options Search EERE Information Center Printable Version Back to News Texas Land Office Announces "Wind Rush" December 03, 2003 The Texas Land Office hopes to spur leases of the rights to develop wind energy resources on state lands and thus increase revenue to the state's educational fund. Credit: Texas Land Office Texas General Land Office Commissioner Jerry Patterson announced on October 23 the availability of leases for wind power generation on state lands. Calling it a modern-day "wind rush," Patterson said, "The 'open for wind business' sign is hanging on the door of the Land Office." He plans to open bidding for leases of state lands along the Gulf Coast and in western Texas, where there are excellent wind resources. The proceeds from the sales will go to the state's schools. Under the Texas Constitution, the Texas Land Office is responsible to maximize assets on state lands to fund the Permanent School Fund. As of October 2003, the office provides $700 million per year to the fund. Patterson believes Texas has advantages over other states for quickly developing wind power along its coast. The waters off the Texas coast are shallower than those of nearby states, and Texas owns the land out to 10.3 statute miles. There are many abandoned oil and gas platforms in the gulf that he believes developers could one day use for wind power generation. And by allowing wind developers to deal with one landowner (on state lands), terms for the leases will be standard and predictable. For details, see the land office's announcement . Printable Version Skip footer navigation to end of page. Webmaster | Security & Privacy | EERE State Activities & Partnerships Home | EERE Home U.S. Department of Energy Content Last Updated: May 24, 2005

Selling Home

Selling A Home - Selling a Home Made Simple - RBC Royal Bank RBC.com | Search | Site Map | Contact Us | Legal Terms | Français Select Region Canada US International Other RBC Sites: Banking Investments Insurance SIGN IN Online Services Online Banking Online Investing Visa Inquiry RBC ROYAL BANK SELLING A HOME Preparing Your Home Real Estate Agents Selling on Your Own Negotiating the Sale The Closing Financing Planning Your Move Downsizing Your Home MORTGAGE RATES SEARCH Selling a Home Made Simple Preparing Your Home So you've decided to sell your home. Let's take a look at all the things you can do to increase your chances of success. Price it to sell Tips to higher prices Real Estate Agents As the vendor, you may hire a real estate professional to help you sell your home. Understand what services you can expect from your real estate agent. Selling on Your Own You need to carefully examine your capabilities and skills as a potential real estate agent before jumping in. Negotiating the Sale If you accept an offer, what can go wrong? And what measures should you take to protect yourself legally? For extra convenience, fill in a RBC Royal Bank Pre-Approved Mortgage Application online. Talk to a Mortgage Specialist How Much can You Afford? Mortgage Calculator Choosing the Right Mortgage Term Mortgages Insurance Mutual Funds GICs Buying a Home Renovating a Home back to top rbcroyalbank.com is operated by Royal Bank of Canada. Privacy | Legal Terms | Security ©Royal Bank of Canada 1995 - 2005 Last modified: 03/03/2005 13:33:33

Buy Home

Petfinder.com: Adopt a pet and help an animal shelter rescue a puppy or kitten. animal adoption Adopt a puppy dog form the animal adoption shelter. Setting aside all of the arguments for buying a puppy from a breeder , Sternberg emphatically pronounces that you should adopt a dog from a shelter because, as she says, its the right thing to do."Go ahead. Buy that puppy in the window. Yes, that beautiful, adorably winsome creature whose huge, soulful eyes cry, "Please, take me home. Our animal adoption services put great pets in loving homes. I'm full of love and affection and I know you are too." The only thing you should know before you make this purchase is that in doing so you will he contributing to the livelihood of an inhumane puppy mill breeder. You will actively be condoning the wretched existence of thousands of breeding stock dogs who lead lives of misery and desperation. Do you really want to a high price for your pet? Can you live with the fact that half million puppies die annual they even make it to a pet store? And are you ready to deal possibility that your new pet will soon manifest one or more of illnesses, viruses, congenital defects or temperament problems so rampant in puppy mill dogs? If you wish to adopt a dog , please visit our website to obtain more information on it.Petfinder's Post-a-pet is full of great pets that, for some reason, can't stay in their current homes. People also list pets here that they find as strays as an alternative to taking them to the shelter. These pets are usually currently living with a foster family or their original family. Purina signed on as the Web site's premier sponsor. Purina provides nutrition and pet care information for Petfinder.com's online libraries and a breed selector to help visitors decide what breeds are best for their family. Purina will also be assisting in marketing efforts, helping to spread the word about the thousands of pets that need a new home. Adopt a pet dog or cat from animal welfare organizations across the country. Buy different cat breeds that are for sale. If you have questions or would like to know how to buy a puppy , please visit our website. We love to hear your Petfinder happy endings! In fact, we all stay glued to our computers just waiting for them to arrive every day! Each month we will choose one lucky new Petfinder family to receive a free one-year subscription to The ASPCA's Animal Watch magazine.* Simply tell your pet's story as she/he went from homelessness to happiness click the submit button below. We would like to have your permission to share your story in our press releases so that more and more people will see that homeless pets deserve a second shot at being part of a family. If you agree to let us share your story, please include your name and phone number so that we can contact you. Thanks! You can find out more about our cat adoption program by visiting our website. We're waiting to hear from you! Petfinder is an on-line, searchable database of animals that need homes. It is also a directory of over 7,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations across the USA, Canada and Mexico. Organizations maintain their own home pages and available pet database. Our mission: to use Internet technology and the resources it can generate to 1) increase public awareness of the availability of high-quality adoptable pets and to 2) increase the overall effectiveness of pet adoption programs across North America to the extent that the euthanasia of adoptable pets is eliminated. Visit our site if you are interested to buy a dog .Petfinder.com is free to use. Animal shelters and rescue groups can register to join Petfinder.com online and can start entering pets the same day. "The site is a virtual shelter," says Jared Saul. "It is being able to sit down with your family and visit hundreds of shelters, get to know the pets, and not have to drive all around to do it. When someone finally does go to meet a pet because of Petfinder.com, they are more likely to be well suited for each other. What better use of the Web?" Rescue a free kitten for a pet. Please visit our site to find our about our kitten adoption services. From the comfort of their personal computers, pet lovers can search for a pet that best matches their needs. They can then reference a shelter's Web page and discover what services it offer. Petfinder also includes classified ads, discussion forums and a library of animal welfare articles. Petfinder is updated DAILY. Organizations wishing to participate should register. A contact person should be responsible for direct communications with Petfinder. Only nonprofit organizations will be included. We have a dog rescue program that you can find more information about it right from our website.Petfinder is made up of animal-care professionals and regular people volunteering for their local animal welfare organizations all working together to maintain active and accurate homeless pet lists. Most animal welfare volunteers have "real jobs" by day. The success and the magnitude of this project is largely due to their tireless efforts to make a difference. f you have a Website and would like to help us promote shelter pets as the #1 choice for a new pet, you may right click on the logos below and save them for use on your home page. You may also want to check out our Featured Pet Module which allows you to show Petfinder pets from your community on your own home page.Find out how to obtain a free puppy by visiting our website. In June of 2000, Petfinder.com was named one of the 300 best websites by Forbes magazine, and in October, Petfinder.com was named one of the top 100 sites by Family PC magazine. The site has also been featured on Oprah, in the Industry Standard, Mademoiselle and is frequently noted in major newspapers such as The New York Times. Adopt a dog or cat from the animal shelter. Stores for pets that are on sale.Can you live with the fact that half million puppies die annual they even make it to a pet store ? Shelters and rescue group members also have their own home pages on the site. Many of them attribute over 50% of their adoptions to Petfinder.com. Some have reported that their euthanasia rate dropped significantly within months of joining Petfinder.com. They also report that Petfinder.com adoptions are more successful, with fewer pets returned. This may be because the adopter's choice is more informed. "Many people find visiting shelters traumatic, especially those who feel guilty when they can't take all the pets home," says Betsy Saul of Tucson, Arizona, who developed the site with her husband, Jared, in 1995 as a New Year's Resolution to help homeless pets. "Petfinder.com allows you to focus your search from home, which makes finding your new best friend much easier." The site went national in August 1998. Petfinder.com, a labor of love for the Sauls, was the first searchable directory for homeless pets. attention is what its sponsors want, attention is what they'll get. Petfinder.com, whose founders are scientists by training, not business people, is among the busiest sites on the Internet. The Sauls attribute their site's success not only to hard work, but also to the press. "We never had to spend a dime on advertising," says Betsy Saul, who admits it was a good thing since, at the time, they didn't have any dimes to spare. "As soon as we launched and the press first got a glimpse of the site, we've been in a race to keep up with ourselves."Visit our website to find our about our puppy adoption services.The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( SPCA ).The SPCA is now actively involved in helping shelters join Petfinder.com, as well as helping educate shelter personnel once they become members. QUICK PET SEARCH ANIMAL Please select BarnYard Bird Cat Dog Horse Pig Rabbit Reptile Small&Furry BREED [click for list] AGE All Baby Young Adult Senior SIZE All Small Medium Large Extra-Large GENDER All Male Female ZIP or CITY, STATE/PROV PIC PREVIEW? SEARCH RANGE Regional Expanded National SEARCH TIPS SITE MAP • PETS -advanced search -breed index • SHELTERS -local shelters -by state / prov • LIBRARY • MESSAGES • CLASSIFIEDS -postapet -pet wanted -lost & found • EVENT CALENDAR • HAPPY "TAILS" -monthly drawing • KIDS HELP INFO PRESS ADVERTISE Hurricane Pets Search reports of found, rescued, and sheltered pets in the Animal Emergency Response Network On Petfinder.com You Can: Search adoptable pets with our advanced search or our Quick Search (left). Locate shelters and rescue groups currently caring for adoptable pets. Browse our resource library and learn more about how to care for your pet. Post classified ads for lost or found pets, pets wanted, and pets needing homes. Sign up to be a volunteer to help your local shelter or rescue group. HURRICANE ALERTS CLICK HERE for the Animal Welfare Disaster and Emergency Response Resource Page >> Animal Hurricane Victims still need your help! Make a tax-deductible donation to the Petfinder.com Foundation Disaster Fund. The Petfinder.com Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity, EIN #87-0964641. A Christmas Carol Joanne and Jim Thompson of J and J’s Homeless Pet Rescue in Washington, NC, had just about given up hope of finding a home for Carol Anne, a friendly Labrador retriever they’d had since she was a baby. But glad tidings! On December 26, the one-year-old (now called Savannah) went home with her new family, Debbie and Ralph Whatley of Greenville, NC, who found her on Petfinder.com. For information about dog care, visit the Petfinder.com library . To enter your happy ‘tail’ in our drawing see below. Have a Happy Tail? Send us your Petfinder pet's happy ending story , and you'll be entered to win a six-month supply of FRONTLINE ® Plus or FRONTLINE Top Spot ®! Have a Web Site? Use our Petfinder.com search banner to allow your visitors to search our homeless pets right from your home page. Or feature pets from your local shelter by placing our Featured Pet Module (like the one above) on your own home page! Promote Adoption with Petfinder.com gear! Petfinder.com Best Friends Kids' T-Shirt * $12.95 Outfit your little "best friends" in a comfy tee showing their love for their pets of all types! Lime green or vibrant orange tees read "Petfinder.com" and "Best Friends Forever," so your kids can help spread the word wherever they go. Visit the Petfinder.com shop for caps, t-shirts, and car magnets and more! Happy Holidays! Petfinder.com wishes all of our visitors and their furry (and non-furry!) families a very happy and safe holiday season. FREE Petfinder.com Bumper Sticker! Send a self-addressed mailing LABEL (no envelope) and a $0.37 stamp to: Bumper sticker PO Box 51 Carterville MO 64835 WHILE THEY LAST! Your Ad Here -- © Petfinder, LLC 1999 Artwork © Judie Bomberger 1998 Petfinder's privacy statement

DENVER REAL ESTATE |

Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver Colorado real estatelistings, home buying, selling and relocation information -NUMBER1EXPERT(tm) Highlands Ranch real estate, Littleton real estate, and Denver realestate and homes for sale in Douglas County Colorado - Wayne Herman,REALTOR® - NUMBER1EXPERT™ Pop-Up Window" WIDTH="89" HEIGHT="14" All agents are NOT alike! Find out why! Call me direct at 303-850-1866, or on my cell phone at 720-271-0790. Buyers Want Your Home for as Little as Possible. Are you thinking of selling your home? You should know exactly what it's worth before making such an important decision. Find Out More > View All Offers > "He puts his energy into it 100%" "... a hands-on guy who will make it work for his clients" Mrs. Lee T. Johnson,Aurora Read Quote > View All Quotes > Compare three mortgages at one time. Download TripleCalc now. It's free. Find Out More > Download Now > Wayne Herman is one of The Top Selling Real Estate Experts™ Find Out More > Welcome! This is your ONE-STOP site for information about Denver area Real Estate and Relocation! The Internet and Real Estate have finally come together to help YOU. You may have already been to dozens of Real Estate websites. THIS IS THE LAST ONE YOU'LL EVER NEED TO VISIT! If you're looking for homes for sale in Highlands Ranch or homes for sale in Littleton and other communities in the southern counties of Metro Denver, you're in the right place. Here's why! Information on EVERY HOME LISTED IN THE DENVER METROPOLITAN AREA is now available right here... on WayneHerman.com. Just click on the "Find Homes" button above and go to "Search All Local Listings." The Internet has changed the way Real Estate professionals do business. What used to be "secret" information prior to beginning a transaction is now available to YOU online... if you know where to find it. In the past, information about listings, mortgages, home inspections, sales trends and relocation packages was held tightly by Realtors. No more! Now YOU know where to find all this information and much more. Right here at WayneHerman.com. Fortunately, for you, the Internet will never replace the need for professionals during what has become a more complex Real Estate transaction. A few clicks will not replace knowledge when it comes to the transaction itself. So, what does all this mean to you? It means that a lot of information is available to you before you ever have to call a Real Estate Broker. When you're ready, I'll be here to answer your questions and guide you through your sale or purchase, or both... and far beyond, too. My business philosophy is "relationship" oriented. That means that when I gain your trust as a client, I want your business forever. I describe my job as "helping people make a major decision they must make - when they're ready to make it." Please, sit back and relax! Enjoy WayneHerman.com in the privacy of your home or office. When you have questions, I'm just an email or phone call away. Wayne Herman "A model of how the Internet can facilitate the process of deciding where to send your children to school" - America's Best School Profiles by The Heritage Foundation Colorado Public, Private and Charter Schools : Compare them using these top-rated, comprehensive reports. Schools in Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver Financing Your Home When Interest Rates Rise Many people fall out of the home buying market when interest rates start to go up. This is often a mistake. Many of the best mortgages deals become available when lenders are competing for new business and sellers are competing within a smaller buyer pool. You just have to know how to keep the costs down in order to counter the higher interest rates. One of the best tricks is the buy-down. In a buy-down, a fee is paid at the closing to get a lower interest rate. In a soft market, an anxious seller may be lured into to paying all or part of the buy-down. Another approach is to get the seller to pay some of closing costs, thus lowering the amount of cash a buyer needs to close. Frequently the seller's costs can be used as a write-off by the buyer. Always consult with your tax advisor if you are considering such an arrangement. If the market is softening due to rising or higher rates, the price itself becomes an area where a buyer may be able to save a lot of money on a house through skillful negotiating. Lower prices mean lower loan amounts, so don't be discouraged by higher rates--use them to your advantage. See All Tips In The "Financing Your Home" Category > See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories > Q What has been described as the world's most beautiful building? A The white marble Taj Mahal in India was built by the Mogul emperor Shah Jahan (1631-53) to enshrine his favorite wife. See More Real Estate Trivia > Se hablaEspañol FEATURED PROPERTY Lone Tree Executive home! Beautiful Executive Home with Grand Entry in Lone Tree! Location: 7866 Witney Place Price: $739,900 VIEW THIS PROPERTY VIEW ALL PROPERTIES See the Nation's Top Rated: School Reports - Public, Private & Charter > Get My Latest Listings Before Anyone Else! As soon as I list another home for sale, I'll email you. You'll know first. Name: Email: Find Out More > America's Mortgage Working with a Certified Mortgage Lender means you receive the expertise and service of a dedicated professional. Find Out More > View All Affiliates > Get the Latest Real Estate News, Hot Off the Presses! If you are buying or selling a home, you need my eNewsletter. Name: Email: Why Sign Up? > Go To eNewsletter > See Today's News > Wayne Herman RE/MAX Alliance 10375 Park Meadows Drive, Suite 100 Lone Tree, CO 80124 Direct: 303-850-1866 Cell: 720-271-0790 Fax: 303-683-2696 WayneHerman@NUMBER1EXPERT.com Wayne is a Denver native whose family has been involved in Real Estate and Mortgage lending for over 30 years. Wayne first practiced his profession in California where he handled family investments. He then returned home to raise his family and serve the communities he knows best... Denver, Littleton and Highlands Ranch. www.WayneHerman.com is brought to you byWayne Herman NUMBER1EXPERT ™ forHighlands Ranch CO real estate homes, Littleton CO real estate homes, and Denver CO real estate homes in Douglas County Colorado Read My Privacy Guarantee , Terms of Service ,and Free & Without Obligation Pledge Colorado Real Estate Agents - Homes - NUMBER1EXPERT™ Listings Some real estate agents outsell others 10 to 1. NUMBER1EXPERTS average a staggering 73 properties sold per year. How good is YOUR real estate agent? © Best Image Marketing and/or its clients. All rights reserved. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. JUMP TO: WELCOME DENVER REAL ESTATE | FIND DENVER HOMES | FOR DENVER BUYERS | FORDENVER SELLERS | LOCAL DENVER AREA INFO | DENVER REAL ESTATE RESOURCES | ABOUTWAYNE HERMAN DOUGLAS COUNTY REAL ESTATE AGENT WELCOME: DEVER HOMES AND REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Welcome: Home page for Denver, Highlands Ranch and Littleton reel estate. ABOUT WAYNEHERMAN: DENVER REAL ESTATE AGENT Who Am I?: Who is Wayne Herman of Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver, Colorado? Testimonials: What Wayne Herman's clients are saying about this top Realtors real estate marketing Quick Response Guarantee: Wayne Herman guarantees a quick response to your email request for more Colorado home buying & property selling information Privacy Guarantee: Wayne Herman guarantees this Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver real estate web site will respect your privacy No Obligation Guarantee: Wayne Herman's real estate help by email is free & without obligation for Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver home owners in Colorado For Realtors: Let Wayne Herman help you with your professional real estate broker and agent needs in the Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver area About NUMBER1EXPERTS: NUMBER1EXPERTS are top real estate professionals, find out more Contact Information: How to contact Wayne Herman, Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver real estate agent FIND HIGHLANDS RANCH, LITTLETON, ANDDENVER HOMES: Feature Denver Homes: Homes, properties, & other real estate in Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver and Colorado with virtual tours, photos, and more Search All Local Denver Listings: Homes, properties, & other real estate in Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver and Colorado with virtual tours, photos, and more National Listings Databases: Homes for sale in national American USA web site listings databases of properties Denver New Construction: New homes for sale, new construction and newly built properties and real estate subdivisions Unique & Luxury Homes: Home buyers, find luxury homes, real estate, beach front properties, mansions, & acreage/land for sale on these top national & international listings web sites International Properties: Find international homes for sale on these international/global real estate web sites from Canada, Europe, France, Germany, UK, Great Britain, Spain, Italy, Asia, Africa, and beyond Search ALL the Experts' Homes: Search the best local homes for sale from all the real estate experts, agents, Realtors, and brokers HIGHLANDS RANCH, LITTLETON, ANDDENVER INFO: About Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver: Moving to Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver, Colorado? Get info here... Relocating?: Free real estate information & relocation package if you're relocating to Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver, CO School Information: Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver schools and the education system in Colorado: kindergarten, elementary, high schools, colleges & universities Local Maps & Links: Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver maps & local/Colorado web site links for news & media, TV stations, radio stations, daily Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver newspapers, transportation, airports & bus terminals, Colorado & local government, and more Local Weather: Weather in Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver, Colorado: spring, summer, winter, and fall climate changes Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver Photo Gallery: Tour Colorado in pictures DENVER REAL ESTATERESOURCES: Special Offers: Special offers for Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver homeowners from Wayne Herman, top Realtor Affiliates: Wayne Herman's real estate web site affiliates eNewsletter: Wayne Herman's Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver newsletter email will send you the latest real estate information Today's Denver Real Estate News: Daily real estate news for this neighborhood, Colorado, and United States Denver Market Conditions Report: Market conditions report for this area, Colorado, and United States Monthly Payments & Schedule: Monthly loan payments java mortgage calculator How Much Can You Afford?: Calculate how much home you can afford with this financial calculator Determine Tax Savings: Calculate how much your monthly Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver Colorado mortgage payments save you on your taxes because of loan interest Should You Rent or Buy a Denver home?: Is it better to rent a home in Colorado or buy your own Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver house, ranch, luxury property, condominium, acreage, or other real estate? Denver Adjustable Rate Mortgages: Adjustable rate Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver mortgages information and interest rate java calculator What Is Your APR?: Determine the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for your mortgage. Fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage?: Use this calculator to compare a fixed rate mortgage to two types of ARMs, a Fully Amortizing ARM and an Interest Only ARM. Are Balloon Mortgages For You?: Balloon mortgage calculator. A balloon mortgage can be an excellent option for many home buyers. 15 vs. 30 Yr Mortgages: With a 15 year mortgage you will pay significantly less interest, but only if you can afford the higher monthly payment. Use this calculator to compare these two mortgage terms. How Much Should Your Income Be?: What income is required to qualify for a mortgage? Use this calculator to find out. What's Your Maximum Mortgage?: This calculator will help you determine your maximum monthly housing payment and the resulting mortgage amount. Will Buying Points Save You Money?: This calculator helps you determine if you should pay for points, or use the money to increase your down payment. Experts: Real estate, homes for sale, and other properties: links in Colorado, United States and Canada TripleCalc: FREE Software Download: TripleCalc lets you compare three loans at one time for your property or other Colorado real estate Top National Real Estate Web Sites: Real Estate Web Sites that include some unique sources of realty information, listings, and more Direct Links: Direct real estate links to web sites mentioned in this Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver, Colorado site Ask Anything: Ask Wayne Herman anything real estate NUMBER1EXPERTS: List of all the NUMBER1EXPERT real estate agents and realty professionals and brokers in the USA and Canada with links to their personal web sites with homes for sale Real Estate Tips: Wayne Herman's realty library of real estate tips and advice on everything from preparing your home for sale to negotiating with home buyers to escrow, closing costs, property inspections, and mortgage brokers Real Estate Trivia: Wayne Herman's collection of real estate trivia questions and answers that include real estate topics such as the most expensive home, largest swimming pool, and more Real Estate Dictionary: Complete real estate dictionary and glossary of realty words you'll use when you list and sell your Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver property in Colorado, including legal terms definitions, and more FOR DENVER HOMEBUYERS: Why Buyers Choose Me: Why homebuyers in the Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver area choose Wayne Herman as their Realtor Latest Denver Listings: Get Wayne Herman's latest Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver listings of homes for sale first! Find Your Perfect Denver Home: Wayne Herman will search for your ideal home and email you the newest Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver MLS listings of properties First Time Denver Homebuyers: Are you a first time homebuyer in Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver, CO? As a top Realtor, Wayne Herman can guide your home buying search Denver Mortgage Prequalification: Pre-qualify for a mortgage or loan for your Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver house or other real estate or property FOR DENVER HOMESELLERS: Why Sellers Choose Wayne Herman: Why home sellers in Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver choose Wayne Herman Free Presentation: Free in-home listings presentation on marketing your Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver, Colorado property Denver Property Valuation: How much is your Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver home worth? What Did That Denver Home Sell For?: What did that Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver, Colorado property or other real estate sell for? Denver real estate FSBO: Selling your Highlands Ranch, Littleton, and Denver real estate on your own? Return to Top >

Buy Home

Welcome to Lightsite.net ENERGY STAR ® in the News What's going on with E NERGY S TAR ® in your community? Stay informed through stories from regional news clippings , energy newsbriefs from CON.WEB , and the U.S. EPA E NERGY S TAR ® News Room . NEWS ARTICLES CFL Sales Looking Bright, Even After Post-Energy Crisis Dip Customers Put a Spotlight on Energy Conservation Northwest Leads the Nation in Energy Savings Effort National Leader Whitman Accepts Charles H. Percy Award For the E NERGY S TAR ® Program E NERGY S TAR ® Helps America Keep Cool This Summer Regional News Clippings Each month the E NERGY S TAR ® Lighting Program features Northwest regional news stories about energy-efficiency from local papers. CFL Sales Looking Bright, Even After Post-Energy Crisis Dip Jim DiPeso for Con.Web Compact fluorescent lamps are holding on to an expanded beachhead in theresidential lighting market, even as recent sales have dipped from theirextraordinary high during the 2000-01 energy crisis, according to NorthwestEnergy Efficiency Alliance reports and industry observers. With energy off the front pages, ongoing consumer interest in reducingelectricity bills is likely to continue supporting CFL sales, the Alliancereported in a market evaluation study prepared by ECONorthwest in 2002. CFL bulb prices have fallen by about two-thirds since 1997, which isattracting more consumers, according to Costco, the region's leading CFL retailer. Increasing manufacturere interest in CFLs also is evident. CFLs, however, still account for a small share of the residential lightingmarket, and sustained high sales will be necessary to transform thehousehold lighting market, the market evaluation study reported. Even at the height of the energy crisis, with power shortages on the frontpages and a compact fluorescent discount coupon campaign in full swing, CFLsaccounted for only 11 percent of total Northwest light bulb sales, the studynoted. Fewer than 40 percent of households purchased even one CFL. Cost is still a significant barrier to expanded CFL sales. Quality alsoremains a concern, despite improvements "The product appears to be viable for some people for some applications,"said Ken Keating, Bonneville Power Administration market transformationcoordinator and Alliance board member. "Long term, there is still a lot moreenergy efficiency to be acquired in lighting. This is still a blip," Keatingsaid. Compact fluorescent market still small, but looking brighter. (Continuation from Home page) CFL Sales Down ... But Still Up Northwest sales of compact fluorescent bulbs are running at about 4 millionunits per year, said Marci Sanders, the Alliances residential lightingprogram coordinator. While sales have fallen from the estimated 6.7 millionsnapped up in the region during 2001, the volume is substantially higherthan the estimated 381,000 sold in 2000, according to Alliance figures. (Inaddition to the 6.7 million bulbs sold in 2001, utilities gave away anadditional 1.6 million that year, according to the market evaluation study.) The Alliance had expected 2002 CFL sales to reach 2.5 million, but an autumnbuying surge helped push the volume to 4 million, Sanders told the Allianceboard April 30. Northwest lighting sales typically rise in the fall, asdaylight noticeably diminishes. In addition, a national Energy Star CFLpromotion, Change a Light, was in full swing, Sanders said. Since 1997 the Alliance has sponsored a residential lighting program toboost sales of compact fluorescent lights and fixtures. Between 1997 and2000, manufacturers were given incentives through the compact fluorescentfixture and bulb programs to increase availability of CFLs and reduceprices, according to the market evaluation study. In 2000, the studycontinued, the programs were combined into one and revamped to emphasizemarketing partnerships with retailers and to support only EnergyStar-certified bulbs and fixtures. More than 1,000 Northwest retailers haveparticipated in CFL marketing activities. Nearly 90 utilities participated in a CFL coupon campaign funded by BPA andutilities during the boom year of 2001. Coupons accounted for nearly 40percent of CFL sales that year. The market evaluation study found evidence CFL sales can be sustainedwithout coupons. In a 2001 survey of 1,421 Northwest consumers (included inthe market evaluation study), 94 percent of respondents who had purchased aCFL said they would buy another even if coupons were unavailable. Sanders estimated that 75 percent to 80 percent of CFLs sold in 2002 werepurchased without coupons. "That is a very good sign," she said. The survey sample included 246 people who had purchased a CFL, 38 who hadreceived free CFLs from utilities, 316 who had purchased only incandescentbulbs in the three months preceding the survey, and 821 who were questionedabout CFL awareness. Another sign of market sustainability, the survey said, were the futureintentions of respondents who had purchased only incandescent bulbs. "Moresurprisingly, 64 percent of incandescent buyers indicated they intend topurchase a CFL in the next year. This is a strong potential indication ofthe sustainability of future CFL sales," the survey said. Efficiency Opportunity If so, there will be plenty of opportunity for CFLs to improve residentiallighting efficiency. The medium load forecast for the Northwest PowerPlanning Councils upcoming regional plan estimates that cost-effectiveresidential lighting efficiency potential will total an estimated 660average megawatts by 2025, said Tom Eckman, the councils conservationresources manager. Existing housing stock accounts for about 80 percent ofthat prospective resource, he added. That potential number doubled following a lighting log study carried out in160 homes by Tacoma Power, Eugene Water & Electric Board and other utilitiesin the late 1990s, Eckman said. The study found that homes have morelighting fixtures than previously thought and lights are being left onlonger. "We had an empirical basis to do a better forecast," Eckman noted. Falling Prices The consumer survey showed saving energy was the leading reason whyNorthwesterners bought CFLs in 2001. Even though energy no longer headlines the news, CFL energy savings remainattractive and falling product prices have helped the products hold theirown in the market, said Collin Cremo, assistant general manager for CostcosU.S. hardware purchasing division. "Pricing is going down and that is very positive for the consumer. You usedto pay $15.99 for a two-pack of bulbs. Now, you can get a four-pack for$11.99," Cremo said. The Alliance estimates average prices fell from $14-$28 per bulb in 1997 to$5-$10 in 2002. Large retailers such as Costco and Home Depot have led the market inoffering multibulb packages that have driven down prices, Sanders said.These two major retailers account for a significant share of Northwestsales, she said. In the consumer survey, 38 percent of CFL buyers indicated they hadpurchased the bulbs at a discount retailer. However, 35 percent said theynormally buy light bulbs at grocery stores, an indicator that supermarketscould be "an important retail target for increasing market penetration," thesurvey said. Manufacturer Interest The growing consumer interest in CFLs has attracted an influx ofmanufacturers to the market. Sanders said only 10 percent of the CFLs purchased in 2002 were made by thethree big multiproduct lighting companies--Philips, Osram Sylvania, and GE.Smaller manufacturers that sell only CFLs "are getting (shelf) placementwith better pricing because they are willing to cut deals with retailers,"Sanders said. Another reason CFLs are holding their own is the introduction of new bulbdesigns to suit consumer tastes. Keating said manufacturers are "responding to customer demands for productsthat fit in different applications. You can get bug lights, chandelierlights, recessed can lights, even green and red CFLs for holiday use. Youcan get really small ones. I have one that measures no more than 4 inchesfrom stem to stern." Keating said manufacturers understand they cant compete solely on price."They need to give customers something they can use." For example, consumers have asked for smaller bulbs, to which manufacturershave responded, said Matt Donati, CFL product manager for Philips Lightingin the U.S. "We sell eight-packs of 60-watt-equivalent lights that are small enough forlight bars in bathrooms," Cremo said. Donati believes consumers will be more receptive to CFLs that fit their ideaof what light bulbs are supposed to look like. "The key is to try to makethem as incandescent-appearing as possible," Donati said. "People see thespiral shape and it looks like curly fries. They ask, Whats that? If yougive them a bulb that looks more like a, quote, light bulb, they will bemore appealing." Philips Marathon family of compact fluorescents includes globe-like"A-shaped" bulbs that resemble incandescents, as well as conventionallydesigned CFLs. Sanders said Westinghouse plans to launch a "designer bulb" in differentcolors that will be specially suited to accent lighting typically providedby small halogen incandescent lights. Quality Issues Quality, however, remains a bugaboo afflicting the CFL market, Keating said.Despite continuing improvements, enough low-quality bulbs are on the marketthat the U.S. Department of Energy is concerned they reflect poorly on theEnergy Star label for energy-efficient consumer products, Keating said. Energy Star is a self-certification brand, so manufacturers are responsiblefor ensuring their products meet Energy Star standards. Unlike the applianceindustry, the residential lighting industry has not developed internaltesting protocols to make sure products are worthy of the Energy Star label,according to the Alliance. DOE has proposed changing Energy Star specifications to require CFLmanufacturers to submit long-term performance data before they can use theEnergy Star label. As a result of quality issues, the Program for the Evaluation and Analysisfor Residential Lighting (PEARL) has tested bulbs for quality since 2000.PEARL sponsors include BPA, Sacramento Municipal Utility District, PacificGas & Electric and energy efficiency utilities in the Northeast. Here is how PEARL works, according to a presentation at an Energy Starmeeting this year by Noah Horowitz of the Natural Resources Defense Council,chairman of the PEARL advisory board. Bulbs are purchased anonymously fromretail stores. Bulbs and ballasts are tested at Rensselaer PolytechnicUniversitys Lighting Research Center. Tests cover lighting and ballastperformance, lamp life, lamp start time, dimming, color rendition, powerfactor and other characteristics. Two testing cycles are carried out peryear. Ten fixtures and 20 CFL products are tested in each cycle. Horowitz said test results are given to Energy Star program managers at theDepartment of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency. The agencies canuse the information to remove the Energy Star label from substandardproducts. The recent growth in the CFL market "has attracted many new, unknown, and insome cases, unreliable manufacturers offering products with the Energy Starlabel," said an article about PEARL in a recent Alliance newsletter. Keating said PEARL is negotiating with manufacturers, distributors andretailers to share testing costs. "They want to get the bad products out ofthe market," he said. Costcos Cremo said "stricter tests" are needed to determine how well CFLsreally hold up when used in real-world environments such as inside fixtures.In comments on DOEs proposed Energy Star specification changes, NRDCpointed out that higher operating temperatures common in recessed canfixtures can shorten bulb life. NRDC also pointed out that CFL manufacturersoften change contract manufacturers and component suppliers, which canresult in uneven quality. Still, Keating said compact fluorescents have come a long way since the late1980s, when ungainly bulbs dominated what was then a tiny CFL market.Keating chuckled as he recalled a brand he nicknamed "Smoky Joes" because ofa bulb that overheated and began smoldering. In the consumer survey, only 3 percent to 4 percent of CFL buyers indicatedthey were dissatisfied with their purchases, and 78 percent of thedissatisfied indicated they were likely to buy another CFL in the comingyear. The leading reason for dissatisfaction, cited by 34 percent of thosenot satisfied, was that CFLs were not bright enough. Eleven percent citedearly burnout. Nearly 55 percent of CFL buyers who were satisfied with their purchaseslisted long product life as the leading reason for their satisfaction.Thirty-six percent cited energy efficiency, while 31 percent mentioned lightquality. CFL Barriers Cost remains the leading barrier to expanded CFL sales, according to theconsumer survey. Of the 316 respondents who had purchased incandescent bulbsonly, 38 percent listed price as a reason they had not purchased CFLs.Nineteen percent had not heard of CFLs, while 15 percent said they could notfind a type or size they wanted. One way around the price barrier, Philips Donati said, is to change theidentity of light bulbs from a commodity to a value product by educatingconsumers about the varying ways different kinds of lighting can be used todecorate their homes. "Show them how lighting adds value and how lightingcan be used to change the look of their homes," Donati said. He advocated expanded awareness of CFLs and their attributes. "I do the momtest," Donati said. "I show my mom a CFL and ask her, Whats this? Shedoesnt know. I say, Come on, mom, its a light bulb, I work for PhilipsLighting. People just arent as aware of them." In a May 2002 report, ECOS Consulting described barriers to CFLs in new homeconstruction. At least 11 parties--few with lighting design expertise--maybe involved in specifying new home lighting. Most new home energy efficiencyprograms do not address optimizing lighting or architectural designs thatcomplement daylighting, the report said. Home-buyers rank style and aesthetics as their highest lighting priority,ECOS said. "The more that energy-efficient lighting is designed to beattractive and aesthetic, the more marketable and permanent it will be, evenif this means giving up some potential energy savings to ensure consumersatisfaction," the report said. Lower prices, better quality, and expanded consumer awareness all will bekeys to building the CFL market, Keating said, observing that markettransformation often takes time. Costcos Cremo is confident CFLs eventually will replace incandescentsentirely. "From what Ive seen of the (CFL) technology lately, theincandescents days are numbered," he said. "I tell utilities to keepbombarding people with CFL information. Theyre going to get better andbetter." Reprinted with the permission from Con.Web. Back to Top Customers Put a Spotlight on Energy Conservation Scappoose Spotlight/Record-Journal As CFLs grow in popularity, the Northwest looks ahead to big energy savings and bulb recycling options... Now that North westerners have embraced compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), a decrease is on the rise in our regions energy use. Think about it! Approximately 6.5 million E NERGY S TAR ® CFLs alone were sold in only four states; Montana, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Over 1,400 northwest retailers and 90 electric utilities participated in last years E NERGY S TAR ® Residential Lighting Program; the Northwest region is leading the charge! If you take that number and compare it with the 381,000 CFLs that were sold in 2000, you can now understand the impact and change, which these CFLs have had on the consumers home lighting needs. Not only do CFLs save the environment by using less electricity, consumers will save up to $30 over the life of the bulb on their monthly electric bills. "The success of the E NERGY S TAR ® residential lighting program reminds us that together we can provide big energy savings, improve the health of our region's electric system and help protect the environment," said Margaret Gardner of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. According to the NW Energy Efficiency Alliance, not only will savings be multiplied if every household replaces every ordinary light bulb with a CRL, but combined with other energy-saving products such as; clothes washers, refrigerators and home electronics their savings will be tremendous! The Alliance estimates that this and other regional programs will save over 460 aMW by 2010, enough to offset the need for building two new power plants in the NW region and taking approximately 600,000 cars off the road! Proper disposal of CFLs have been on the minds of many environmentalists for quite sometime. Currently, the Zero Waste Alliance, electric utilities and other environmental groups are working together researching opportunities for recycling. Although, CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury vapor, many environmentalists are concerned about recycling and proper disposal of CFLs. Their main concern is in 5 to 7 years from now, when the life of the CFL begins to fade. They want to encourage communities about proper disposal now, before large accumulations of CFLs end up in landfills. For the time being consumers can dispose of their CFLs with their household trash, along with other household materials such as paint, motor oil or batteries. Reprinted with permission from the Lynden Tribune/Record-Journal. Back to Top Northwest Leads the Nation in Energy Savings Effort Lynden Tribune/Record-Journal When it comes to buying more energy-efficient household products, the Northwest region is leading the charge. According to a recent report from the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Washington home owners are snapping up energy-efficient products and local retailers are experiencing the impact. In response, BPA residential customers got to work, conserving. Among other things the customers installed millions of low-energy, fluorescent light bulbs. The bigger message here? Big energy savings do not necessarily have to come from big industrial users. People, individual users in their homes, are a very important part of the environmental equation. " Nearly 80% of respondents in a survey of 152 independent and national retailers in the Northwest estimate an increase in sales of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products over last year, the Alliance report said. Fourth quarter of 2001 sales data shows that the Northwest region ranked first in the nation for sales of qualified clothes washers with more than 30 percent market share. In Washington, nearly 32 percent of all clothes washers sold were E NERGY S TAR ® qualified - the second highest in the nation. "We're seeing a lot of interest from customers in E NERGY S TAR ® qualified clothes washers and that's sparking interest in other energy-efficient products, including dishwashers and refrigerators," said Dave Blankenship of Weir's Appliances in Tacoma. "As people replace home appliances, they're opting for the most energy-efficient models available." Sales of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified refrigerators also increased in the Northwest. Based on fourth quarter reports, Washington ranks sixth in the nation for sales of high efficiency refrigerators. The alliance also reported brisk sales and interest for E NERGY S TAR ® qualified lighting including compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). Fourth quarter sales of CFLs in the Northwest were two million. The retailers who were surveyed said consumers are more energy conscious and seek long-term value and savings when purchasing appliances. Nearly all consumers express interest in the water savings features of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified clothes washers and dishwashers as well. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, when it comes to buying energy-efficient products, the Northwest is heading in the right direction. The voluntary E NERGY S TAR ® labeling program was created by the EPA and the Department of Energy to help consumers easily identify products that save energy, money and protect the environment. Manufactures play a major role in developing products that meet higher efficiency standards and utilities help encourage homeowners to be more energy efficient by offering rebates and incentives for switching to E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products. The cooperative effort is paying off. Experts estimate by using E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products, a typical household can cut its utility bills by 30 percent. If everyone in the U.S. used the products, the reduction in greenhouse gas emission would be equivalent to taking 14.5 million cars off the road each year. The national annual energy bill would be reduced by about $100 billion over the next decade. Local efficiency advocates say that while the increasing demand for E NERGY S TAR ® qualified clothes washers and refrigerators is a positive sign, there is still room for improvement. "It's clear that Northwest consumers understand the benefit of using more efficient clothes washer, refrigerators and lighting in their homes," said Margaret Gardner, executive director of the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. "Now, the goal is to encourage them to take advantage of even greater savings by looking for and buying other E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products." By changing their shopping habits, Northwest homeowners can keep a little more change in their own pockets, say energy efficiency experts. Changing the way Americans shop and buy products is a part of the major new campaign called "Change," spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Agency. "Change" is calling on homeowners throughout the nation to help save money ad protect the environment by selecting and buying E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products. For a complete list of E NERGY S TAR ® qualified products, retailers, manufactures and energy savings information, call 1-888-373-2283 or log on to www.energystar.gov . The Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, a non-profit group of electric utilities, state governments, public interest groups and industry representatives, promotes the E NERGY S TAR ® label to Northwest consumers. By funding the Northwest E NERGY S TAR ® Home Products Program, the alliance is bringing affordable, energy-efficient products and services to the market, helping Northwest consumers realize long-term savings and protect the environment. Reprinted with permission from the Lynden Tribune/Record-Journal. Back to Top Energy Newsbriefs at CON.WEB CONWEB is the Pacific Northwest Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy Newsletter, reporting regional conservation news. National Leader ACEEE Study Lauds Oregon for Energy Efficiency, Green Building Tax Incentives Oregon is a national leader in using tax incentives to give energy-efficient products and green buildings a leg up in the marketplace, according to a new study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. Oregon's residential and business income tax credit programs have "gained enthusiastic support from legislators, retailers, and manufacturers, as well as consumers," since they were established in response to the 1970s energy shortages, the study said. More news available at www.newsdata.com/enernet/conweb/conweb.html . Back to Top U.S. EPA E NERGY S TAR ® News Room E NERGY S TAR ® provides consumers with energy-efficient solutions that save money while protecting the environment for future generations. Find out what the media is saying about E NERGY S TAR ® at www.epa.gov/nrgystar/news.html Whitman Accepts Charles H. Percy Award For the E NERGY S TAR ® Program October 9, 2002 - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Christie Whitman todaywas presented with the Charles H. Percy Award for public service by theAlliance to Save Energy. This award was given to EPA for establishing theE NERGY S TAR ® program, a public-private partnership that helps protect theenvironment while saving consumers money through energy efficiency. "Over the past decade, EPA's E NERGY S TAR ® program has grown from a voluntarycomputer labeling program to a partnership with over 7000 organizations,"said Whitman. "Last year alone, Americans, with the help of E NERGY S TAR ®,saved more than $5 billion in energy costs and reduced pollution equivalentto that of 10 million cars. We look forward to working together for the nextdecade to help consumers across the country have the information they needto make the best choices for their lives and for the environment." "In just a decade, the E NERGY S TAR ® program has grown in both depth andbreadth," said Alliance to Save Energy President David M. Nemtzow. "Now, notonly are many more products included in the program than at its launch in1992, but in addition, the E NERGY S TAR ® label is taking the energy efficiencymessage to consumers and businesses around the globe via partnerships withother governments. You can't get much better than a program that both savesconsumers money and protects the environment." Through the E NERGY S TAR ® program, EPA partnerships include over 1,200manufacturers labeling more than 13,000 products and over 1,600 buildersthat have constructed over 57,000 new homes. Through E NERGY S TAR ®, EPA hasalso helped thousands of businesses and schools rate their energy use. The typical American household spends about $1,300 a year on its energybills. By purchasing products that have earned EPA's E NERGY S TAR ® label,that bill could be cut by about 30 percent, which is a savings of about $400a year. The E NERGY S TAR ® label can now be found on more than 35 differentcategories including telephones, televisions, light bulbs and homeappliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators. By choosing E NERGY S TAR ®,there is no sacrifice in the features, style or comfort that today'sconsumers expect. As part of his National Energy Plan, President Bush called for increasedpublic awareness of the E NERGY S TAR ® program and its benefits to consumersand businesses. The President also called for the expansion of the programto provide the label for additional building types including grocery stores,hospitals and hotels. EPA established E NERGY S TAR ® in 1992 to offer energy-saving andpollution-preventing solutions for consumers and businesses by awardinglabels to the most energy efficient products, homes and buildings. EPApartnered with the U.S. Department of Energy in 1996 to promote the ENERGYSTAR label, with each agency taking responsibility for particular productcategories. For more information about the E NERGY S TAR ® program visit: www.energystar.gov . Back to Top E NERGY S TAR ® Helps America Keep Cool This Summer Cooling Solutions that Save Energy, Money, and Protect the Environment Homeowners across the nation have been challenged by E NERGY S TAR ®, a program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and supported by the Department of Energy, to make smart cooling choices at home this summer, use energy more efficiently, and help reduce air pollution. Working closely with businesses and utilities, E NERGY S TAR ® launched a consumer-education campaign, called Cool Change. This campaign raises American's awareness of their cooling system - encouraging homeowners to use energy-efficient equipment, tightly seal their ducts, properly maintain their cooling system, and have a well-sealed and insulated home. According to the EPA, Americans spend as much as half of their energy bills to cool and heat their homes throughout the year. To make it easy for consumers to make a Cool Change this summer, E NERGY S TAR ®'s partners are offering incentives, such as rebates and sales. For a complete list of special deals, visit www.energystar.gov/coolchange . "E NERGY S TAR ® is a great way for each of us to make a change - one that will protect the environment, save money, and achieve energy efficiency," said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. "I encourage all Americans to follow our recommendations for energy efficiency and join our campaign for change." The EPA estimates that if just one household in 10 participated in Cool Change and used E NERGY S TAR ® labeled heating and cooling products, the change would reduce electricity production enough to keep 17 billion pounds of pollution out of the air this year. To help consumers identify easy ways to avoid energy-waste this summer, the EPA released the following tips: Out with the old, in with the new. If your central air conditioning equipment is more than 10 years old, it is probably time for a replacement - new cooling equipment that has earned the E NERGY S TAR ® label can keep you just as or more comfortable, while using 25 to 40 percent less energy than 10-year-old models. Replacing old ceiling fans and dehumidifiers with new E NERGY S TAR ® labeled models can also help to lower your energy bills and keep your home comfortable. Seal it up. Seal your ducts to distribute cool air where it needs to go and improve the indoor air quality of your home. Keep the cool air in by adding insulation to your home, weather-stripping and caulking, and choosing E NERGY S TAR ® labeled windows when replacing old windows. Make a smart purchase. When replacing central and room air conditioning equipment, make sure it is properly sized and installed. Bigger is not always better, and equipment that is too large can lead to high energy costs and reduced comfort. Find problems before they occur. If your cooling equipment needs frequent repairs and your bills are increasing, it could mean your equipment is becoming less efficient. E NERGY S TAR ® recommends having an annual maintenance check-up by a certified professional. Put your home to the test. Find out how you can make energy-efficient improvements to your home with the Home Improvement Toolbox. Visit www.energystar.gov and click on "Put your home to the test." E NERGY S TAR ®, the nation's symbol for energy efficiency, enables consumers to easily identify energy-efficient appliances, electronics, office equipment, lighting, heating and cooling equipment, buildings, and even new homes. For more information about E NERGY S TAR ® and the Cool Change consumer-education campaign, visit www.energystar.gov/coolchange or call 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Wendy Reed, 202-564-1253, or email her at Reed.Wendy@epa.gov or Phillip Hayes, 202-944-1933. Back to Top What is E NERGY S TAR ® ? E NERGY S TAR ®-qualified bulbs and fixtures provide high quality light output,warm or cool tones, are efficient and long-lasting, and save them money overthe life of the bulb or fixture. There are numerous compact fluorescentlights (CFLs) in the market, but only E NERGY S TAR ® qualified CFLs canguarantee top-notch performance. E NERGY S TAR ® CFLs last up to ten timeslonger than incandescent bulbs and use up to 75% less electricity as well. E NERGY S TAR ® was introduced by the US Environmental Protection Agency in 1992as a voluntary labeling program designed to identify and promoteenergy-efficient products, in order to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. EPApartnered with the US Department of Energy in 1996 to promote the E NERGY S TAR ®label, with each agency taking responsibility for particular productcategories. E NERGY S TAR ® has expanded to cover new homes, most of thebuildings sector, residential heating and cooling equipment, majorappliances, office equipment, lighting, consumer electronics, and moreproduct areas. Please visit www.energystar.gov .