DTE Energy Offers Tips and Tools to Save Energy This Spring

DETROIT, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- With warmer weather just around the corner, many homeowners will soon begin tackling their spring cleaning and home improvement "to-do" lists.  DTE Energy customers looking for springtime projects that can help them save money by saving energy will find a wealth of ideas -- from roofing to landscaping – on the company's energy efficiency Web site, YourEnergySavings.com.

The site features an interactive house that provides visitors with how-to videos, energy savings tips, and information on an array of energy efficiency programs and rebates available to DTE Energy customers.  The site has two new videos on home weatherization that offer easy-to-follow advice on sealing air leaks and installing insulation.  The videos were filmed in Ann Arbor and feature DTE Energy customers.

The site also offers interactive calculators that show how much you can save by switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs).  One calculator helps you pick the right CFL bulbs for every fixture in your home, and the other determines your near-term and long-term savings for making the switch.   In addition, the site provides a list of retailers where DTE Energy currently offers CFL bulbs at steeply discounted prices.

YourEnergySavings.com offers energy-savings tips year round, but has these recommendations – and more – for the spring:

• Roof ventilation.  Now's the time to ensure that your roof has adequate ventilation.  When the weather gets warmer, good attic ventilation helps reduce heat buildup.  That cuts cooling costs and prolongs shingle life.

• Air Conditioner maintenance. An annual inspection is key to keeping your cooling system at peak performance. Early spring is the best time to call a local contractor to schedule a check up for your air conditioning system.

It's important to keep air conditioning units free of obstructions inside and out.  Make sure your spring yard work includes clearing bushes, leaves and other debris away from your outdoor condenser.

• Furnace replacement.  You may be using your furnace less as the weather warms up, but if it's an older model, now may be the time to take advantage of end-of-season sales to replace it with one that's more energy efficient.

• Landscaping.  Plant trees that lose their leaves in the fall on the south and west side of your house to provide cooling shade.  When the trees lose their leaves, you'll enjoy the benefit of solar heat gain in the fall and winter months.  Plant evergreen trees on the north and west side to protect your home from blustery winter winds and reduce heating costs.

YourEnergySavings.com will be adding new videos, energy efficiency tips and calculators each season.

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.2 million customers in Southeastern Michigan, MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan and other non-utility, energy businesses focused on power and industrial projects, coal and gas midstream, unconventional gas production and energy trading. Information about DTE Energy is available at dteenergy.com and at twitter.com/dte_energy.

SOURCE DTE Energy