U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords had some words for the Arizona Manufacturers Council last week.

(NAPSI)—You may be able to avoid getting hot under the collar when you see your energy bills if you heed a few hints that offer a good way to focus your home improvement efforts where they count.

(NewsUSA) - It's easy to instantly trim your energy consumption and boost the eco-friendliness of your home. The key to easy energy savings is lighting, but for many homeowners and renters, knowing how and what to do to improve their home's lighting efficiency can be confusing.

Now that spring is here, many homeowners are thinking about remodeling projects that will improve the home this season and year-round. Whether you’re planning a few do-it-yourself improvements or a major renovation, it’s important to think “green.” One way to enhance the beauty and comfort of your home while saving on energy is by installing highly energy efficient windows.

A new study quantifies for the first time the link between energy-efficient homes and mortgage risks, suggesting owners of Energy Star-certified houses are less likely to default on their home loans than members of a control group.

Special to The Explorer

(BPT) - Forget wondering who’s the fairest; when it comes to choosing home improvements that make your home look good – from the curb and to potential buyers – it may make more sense to ask “Who’s the greenest of them all.” Sustainable home improvements not only help reduce utility costs and boost owner satisfaction with their homes, they also make a house more appealing to potential buyers.

(StatePoint) Driving is getting more expensive. According to a recent study by AAA, the cost of owning and operating a car rose nearly 2 percent on average over the past year. That’s why so many consumers who are in the market for a new vehicle are putting a premium on fuel efficiency.

(BPT) - The coldest time of the year can also be the busiest. With holiday entertaining, overnight guests and winter getaways, it can be hard to ensure your home heating and other systems are performing for optimal comfort and efficiency. In addition, the Department of Energy reports that no matter what energy source you use, heating this winter will cost more, an important consideration since heating and cooling typically makes up about 54 percent of your utility bill.

In this challenging economy, Arizonans are looking for ways to save money. Energy efficiency is not only a proven way to save businesses and consumers money; energy efficiency offers immediate results.

For low-income Arizonans, high summer energy bills can sometimes make the difference between having a home and homelessness. There are programs that can help with paying those bills, and to weatherize homes to make them more energy-efficient. Arizona Community Action Association Director Cynthia Zwick says folks are eligible at incomes up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

The U.S. has more creative potential than any country in the world.

(StatePoint) Whether you are motivated to help the planet or simply want to slash home energy and water bills, there are easy steps to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

(NewsUSA) - According to recent reports, Warren Buffet has identified energy deregulation as the next big financial opportunity to reverberate around the country. Similarly, former GE Chairman Jack Welch described deregulation as "the next biggest thing since the Internet."

(NewsUSA) - Wall-hung boilers are here to stay in North America. The reason is simple: appliances, like a wall-hung boiler, are often cutting home heating and hot water bills in half, while freeing up valuable living space and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

(NAPSI)—Before summer kicks into high gear, consider converting your home into an eco-friendly and energy-saving one. An excellent place to start is with your window coverings. Cooling your house with cellular shades, solar screens or window film provides a multitude of benefits that can not only save you money, but create a more enjoyable home environment as well.

(NAPSI)—If your heating and cooling bills seem to be going through the roof, give a warm welcome to these hints to help you keep more of your cold cash.

(BPT) - Home is where the heart is. But it’s also a place where families can be more conscious of their energy use. While conserving energy helps save the planet, it also helps homeowners save money.

(NAPSI)Theres good news for homeowners who want to control both the energy costs and humidity levels in their homes.

Your home may be your castle, but it can also be your money pit if you’re not careful. Between home repairs and the rising cost of fuel, food, and electricity, many Americans are feeling the pinch. 

(BPT) - - Almost everyone has a habit they wish they could break, and with the kids back in school, there’s no better time than now to identify and break routines that could be slowing your family down.

(BPT) - As the seasons change, turn over a new leaf and give your home an energy makeover. You can improve your home’s comfort while helping the environment by making your home more energy efficient, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, a variety of compatible technologies are available to help manage your home’s comfort systems more efficiently and economically. Here are some tips to get you started.