By Eason Franklin
The Lowndes Signal

The Alabama Cooperative Extension announced this week that it has launched a new Web site to help homeowners save energy and money, according to Lowndes County Extension Coordinator Katanga Mants.

The online site offers information on existing homes, new homes and alternative energy systems as well as features such as a Frequently Asked Questions link, offering how-tos for installations, a Facts Sheets for information on maintenance and the Ask an Expert section for individual questions and help.

Users can search thru the interactive menus and speak with university experts about ways to conserve energy and tips that will ultimately save money on utility bills, without sacrificing comfort.

Laura Booth, the administrator for outreach programs with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, said the “goal of the site is to help homeowners make informed decisions based upon objective research based information.”

Topics such as phantom power usage, which is an appliances use of energy when plugged in and not powered on, are discussed with tips to avoid additional consumption and charges.

In the alternative energy section of the site, users can find basic information, compiled by extension housing and environmental specialists from across the United States concerning solar and wind systems and tips about integrating the two energy sources in-home.

Renters and homeowners can read tips and instructions to help save energy around their home by visiting the Home Energy eXtension Web site at  or find a link on the Alabama Cooperative Extension site .

The Web site was launched in conjunction with Earth Day April 22. the Home Energy eXtension Web site contains educational information from over 70 land-grant universities. One of many resources in the eXtension educational program.

Content featured on the Web site was funded thru a voluntary assessment from Cooperative Extension directors and administrators, the USDA/NIFA and Battelle Institute/U.S. Department of Energy.