Computers, printers, air conditioners, TVs, VCRs, DVD and CD players,
fax machines, blow dryers, microwaves... We're more "plugged in" than
ever before. By 2015, consumer electronics and small appliances will
account for almost 30% of all household electricity use.

As electricity rate caps expire in some parts of the country resulting
in soaring electricity prices at the same time higher summer
electricity rates go into effect to handle increased air conditioning
demand, the cost for being so plugged in will become more apparent.
Consumers will once again face rebounding energy "sticker shock"--on
the heels of record summer 2005 gasoline prices, winter heating prices,
and escalating 2006 gasoline prices.

Average households will spend more than $5,000 on energy this year to
power their homes and vehicles, projects the Alliance to Save Energy.

What if you could cut those costs and related air pollution by up to
30%? And even cut your federal income taxes with tax credits, effective
January 1, 2006, of up to $500 for certain home energy-efficiency
improvements and up to $3,400 on purchases of hybrid vehicles? The
Alliance to Save Energy shows you how to keep your cool and save energy
this summer with these tips:

- Cooling puts the greatest stress on your summer energy bill and the
power grid. Maintain your AC equipment with a professional "tune-up" to
save you the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown during the hottest
days! Clean or replace filters monthly.

- For central air conditioning systems, purchase the highest Seasonal
Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) that you can afford. Tax credits can
offset purchases of highly energy-efficient SEER 15 CAC systems as well
as energy-efficient heat pumps, windows, doors, skylights, insulation,
and hot water heaters. Details in English and Spanish at
ASE.org/ection/_Audience/Consumers/Taxcredits.

- Bigger is not always better. Poorly-sized air conditioning units can
inflate your energy costs and contribute to poor indoor air quality,
worsening allergies and breathing. Check with your contractor or local
air conditioning system retailer to properly size your unit.

- Keep your cool and lower your costs. ENERGY STAR-certified ceiling
fans provide additional cooling and circulation, enabling you to raise
the thermostat and cut AC costs.

- Forgetful? A programmable thermostat automatically coordinates indoor
climates with your daily and weekend patterns, reducing cooling bills
by up to10 percent. And you don't have to "remember" to turn the air
conditioning off when you won't be home.

- To cut your related energy bills by 30%, look for the ENERGY STAR
label, the symbol for energy efficiency, when shopping for room air
conditioners, major appliances, lighting, home office equipment,
windows, and electronics. Find retailers near you at Energystar.gov.

- Install appropriate insulation for your climate and seal air leaks to
increase your comfort, make your home quieter and cleaner, reduce your
cooling costs up to 20%--and generate a tax credit.

- Go "window-shopping" at Efficientwindows.org. Discover how
high-performance Energy Star windows can increase comfort and reduce
fading of home furnishings and cooling costs by as much as 30%.

- When refinancing your home, consider wrapping in energy-efficiency
home improvements. Your interest may be tax deductible.

- Cut your air conditioning load, reduce pollution, and fight your
local "heat island" effect by planting leafy trees around your home,
installing reflective tiles on your roof, and insulating.

- Switch to cold water washing of laundry and save up to $63 a year.

- No more peeping Toms. Close blinds or shades on the south- and
west-facing windows during the day or install shading devices such as
trellises or awnings.

- Sip lemonade and think cool thoughts--like how you'll be freezing
next winter and longing for summer again!

Many additional tips and free resources for all types of home and
vehicle energy use can be found on the Alliance's consumer web site at
ASE.org/Section/_Audience/Consumers.

You can find more articles like this by subscribing to my newsletter or
by visiting www.RealEstate-IQ.com.

P.S. Thinking about getting a new mortgage or refinancing an existing
one? Mention this article and receive a ServiceMaster Home Warranty
with your next refinance or home purchase.

Regards,

Scott Miller
National Commercial and Residential Lender
Carteret Mortgage

1.877.716.6495, ext. 5

www.RealEstate-IQ.com
www.EZMortgageLoanz.com

In oups.com "$cott"
wrote:

Thinking about getting a new mortgage or refinancing an existing
one?

Hey thanks! I -always go to spammers when I'm making a major financial
transaction.

--
Bert Hyman St. Paul, MN