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CUB Tips

Tell CUB: How do you fight climate change? (You could win a prize!)

Recent United Nations (UN) reports on climate change have painted a grim picture of the current climate crisis. The good news is that the UN is optimistic that the consequences of climate change–extreme weather, rising water levels, droughts and more–can be avoided or lessened if we take action now. In…...

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Winter preparedness: Weatherstripping

Using weatherstripping in your home to seal air leaks is a simple and effective way to improve energy efficiency and save money on heating bills. Weatherstripping can also protect the integrity of your home’s insulation by preventing warm, moist air from escaping through it.  But before you take a trip…...

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Your Winter To-Do List: Save Money, Keep the Chill Out

Grocery stores have started selling Halloween candy, and Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spiced Latte is back on the menu: Fall is upon us, and chilly weather isn’t far behind. Start preparing for colder temps with these five to-dos to keep your home warm and safe this winter. Weatherstripping – Weatherstripping can be…...

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The dos and don’ts of robocalls

Do you get several calls a day from “Scam Likely?” That probably means your number is targeted by robocalls–prerecorded messages from computer generated dialers.  Robocalls are irritating, costly, and often illegal. In fact, the call blocking app TrueCaller found that consumers had already lost nearly $30 billion in the first…...

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Save on your summer bills with these thermostat tips

The return of summer heat prompts most homeowners to turn down their thermostat. But before you crank the AC, learning to set your thermostat effectively can be a game changer for you and your utility bills. In the summer, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting  your thermostat to 78°F…...

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Worst cold snap in two years—tips on staying safe, warm and energy-efficient in Illinois winters

In recent weeks, Illinois has been hit with snow and dangerously cold temperatures—the worse conditions since the polar vortex of January 2019.  Here are some tips to stay warm, safe and energy efficient.  Staying safe in low temperatures Check on neighbors and loved ones. If you or someone you know…...

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Five steps to prepare for bad winter weather

Living in a state like Illinois, we are all-too-aware of rapidly changing weather, but are you prepared for bad weather? These five tips can help you plan out your strategy for weathering the storm. 1. Weatherize your home or apartment. Equipping your home with the latest weatherization improvements can help…...

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Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit

Have some spare time at home and wondering how to bring down your utility bills? Conduct your own home energy audit, and use this guide as a handy checklist.  Switch to LEDs If you haven’t heard this before from CUB, we’ll say it again: Ditch your incandescents! Incandescent light bulbs…...

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CUB webinars to share tips on robocalls, cable, electric, solar in IL

In honor of Financial Literacy Month and Earth Month, the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is holding a series of free webinars in April to share money-saving tips about robocalls, pay TV service, electric bills and new solar energy programs in Illinois.   The webinars are part of the watchdog’s continuing efforts…...

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