Do your windows have drafts? Here’s one way to tackle the problem. You can buy a window insulation kit for $15 to $25 online or at your local hardware store. It should come with double-sided tape and plastic film for covering the inside of your windows. 1) Clean the window…...
Give us your best winter efficiency tips, you could win $100
As we pull out our winter jackets from storage and hunker down for the (hopefully short) winter, CUB wants to receive your best cold-weather energy efficiency tip. We want to hear hear from the real experts on Illinois winters: utility customers like you! Fill out this form and you could be randomly…...
Lessons from my summers in India: Staying cool without breaking the bank
By: Sagar Dommaraju Illinois summers are hot—but they’re nothing compared to the ones I experience when I visit relatives in southern India. Temperatures there easily top 100 degrees, cooling rains rarely fall, and—if you live in a rural village—air conditioning is unavailable at certain peak electricity times. But those stifling…...
Free energy-saving products!
Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas and ComEd have all partnered to bring homeowners free and discounted energy-saving products to reduce their home’s energy and water use. Participants will receive a free personalized home energy assessment along with the installation of discounted energy-saving products: Programmable thermostat WaterSense® certified showerheads Pipe insulation Smart…...
7 tips for better cable/Internet customer service
Calling your cable/Internet company can be a nightmare: Endless menu options, long wait times, and frustrating negotiations with representatives. Before you tear out your hair, follow CUB’s tips to ensure a smooth customer service call. 1.) Advocate for yourself Cable/Internet is one of the few industries where the longer you are a…...
Security for your smartphone
What is your smartphone worth? How about the personal data your smartphone houses—including personal account numbers, birthdate, and passwords? The answer is probably, “A lot.” That’s why it’s essential to protect your smart device from theft and data breaches. Follow these tips to ensure your phone and data don’t end up…...
8 ways to stay comfortably warm this winter
By Samantha Vercellino Polar vortex or not, winter is always cold—but staying warm and cozy shouldn’t break the bank. Follow CUB’s simple tips to live comfortably, and save, during the bitter cold. Heat efficiently. Your heating system, like any other machinery in your home, will eventually break down. That’s why…...
Money-saving tips to EAT up
By Samantha Vercellino As the days get shorter and colder, chances are we’ll be spending more time inside—and cooking. But before hitting the kitchen, look at these tips to ensure maximum savings during the festive-but-frigid months ahead. Plan accordingly. You don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen to…...