Other Energy Resources

Here you will find information dealing with energy: what forms it takes, how it's used and how to conserve it. If you have questions, or need help understanding any of your energy issues, please call 515-239-5177, or email us with your comments and questions.

SunSmart Ames Community Solar Farm
Check out our Solar page for more information about how to sign up to participate in the SunSmart Ames Solar Farm.  You'll also find out how you can install your own system. 

• SunSmart Ames
• City of Ames Renewable Energy Page
• Link to the Ames Solar Map

Conserving Energy                                                                            
The time to work with your home's efficiency level is before it gets hot or cold. Check out these links to documents and sites that provide information that may help you make your home more energy efficient:

• Home Self Audit(PDF, 472KB) (PDF)                                                      
• Home Heat Loss Quiz(PDF, 82KB)  (PDF)              
• Energy Tips(PDF, 100KB)  (PDF)

Check energy efficient products at the EnergyStar® website.

Improve the efficiency of your home at the EPA's Green Home site.

Explore Iowa State University's Energy Saving Toolkit!

Education, renewable energy, load management, and rebates... Smart Energy can help you and Ames! Smart Energy, using resources resourcefully.

Hey Kids!

• Visit the Energy Information Administration webpage and have some fun conserving energy!
• Explore the Energy Star kids page!
• Take a look at this kid-friendly introduction to saving energy at home!
• Learn more about Renewable Energy by clicking here!

How Efficient Is Your Home?

• Understanding the current level of home's efficiency is an excellent first step to improving your comfort and reducing your energy bills. To help you, we have included a link to a self audit site. 

• DSIRE
  The Database of State Incentives for Renewable & Efficiency - this site serves as the nation's most comprehensive, one-stop source of information on federal, state, local, and utility incentives and policies that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.  Established in 1995, DSIRE is an ongoing project of the North Carolina Solar Center and the Interstate Renewable Energy Council funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.  DSIRE contains information on more than 2,200 programs and is accessible online for free at www.dsireusa.org.

Can You Calculate Savings?

• Yes, you can. Check out these useful cost savings calculators:

• http://energyusecalculator.com/electricity_computer.htm - Looks at energy used by computers.
• https://www.lightbulbs.com/energy-savings-calculator- Estimates how much you can save by installing LED bulbs.
• http://www.csgnetwork.com/elecenergycalcs.html -  A generic energy savings calculator that looks at lighting, appliances, laundry, and personal care. It also provides links to calculators for commercial equipment, and pollution.

Weather

• No self-respecting energy web page would be worth its electrons without a link to local weather. Because so much of our energy consumption is related to comfort, and overcoming heat and cold, try this page on weather information.