Washington, D.C. -- Facing this winter's high heating bills can be a lot less painful for consumers who turn for help to the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings. The 8^th edition of this popular guide published by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) was released today just in time to combat declining temperatures and rising concerns about winter heating bills.

"Consumers can take lots of energy-saving steps now to save money on heating bills later," said Jennifer Thorne, Research Associate and co-author of the Consumer Guide. "One of the best options is to tune up your heating system and clean or replace your air filter." Also, programmable thermostats can save an average family about $100 annually by automatically turning down the heat when family members are asleep or not at home, then warming up the house in time for them to feel comfortable.

These cost-cutting tips, and hundreds more, are included in the new Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings. The guide also features lists of the most energy-efficient appliances available on the market today: heating and cooling systems, lighting, windows, food storage, insulation, dishwashing, laundry, and much more. In addition, the new edition contains expanded information on ENERGY STAR^®- labeled products including new categories such as freezers and compact refrigerators.

Following the Consumer Guide's "Checklist for Action" can help consumers maximize energy and dollars savings, too. The checklist details what homeowners and renters can do today and throughout the year to save energy. For example, caulk leaky windows and replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent bulbs now and replace old appliances in the coming months. The "Checklist for Action"is featured on ACEEE's Web site at http://aceee.org/consumerguide along with lists of the top-rated energy-efficient appliances.

Energy efficiency investments are not only good for the family budget, but they are also good for the health of the planet. "Regardless of how much we each do to cut our energy bills," added Bill Prindle, ACEEE Deputy Director, "every step we take to save energy helps the environment by preventing air pollution. We encourage everyone to make energy-efficient choices."

Hard copies of the book can be ordered for $8.95 (plus shipping and handling) direct from ACEEE Publications or the online bookstore at http://aceee.org, as well as from major retail booksellers. Bulk sales discounts are available from ACEEE. For further information, contact:

ACEEE Publications
Phone: 202-507-4000
Email: aceee_publications@aceee.org

About ACEEE: The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting economic prosperity, energy security,  and environmental protection. For information about ACEEE and its programs, publications, and conferences, contact ACEEE, 529 14th Street N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20045 or visit www.aceee.org.