Conservation Tips Videos

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Let energy guru David Mars show you ways to save energy and water in short video segments on a number of topics. Many of his tips are easy, do-it-yourself projects that don’t cost a lot of money but keep your utility bills low.

Windows and Doors

Window Glazing, 6:16
Energy guy Dave Mars demonstrates strategies for keeping your windows sealed to stop the summer heat from entering your home.

Weatherizing Windows, 5:00
Windows let in a lot of light, saving money on your light bill. During the winter, they can also let in a lot of cold air, raising your utility bill. Weather stripping wiz, Dave Mars, shows how weatherizing your windows can lead to lower utility bills.

Weatherizing Your Door, 5:00
The Fissure King, Dave Mars of the City of Columbia’s Water and Light Department tells you all about keeping outdoor air and indoor air on the appropriate sides of your door.

Reflective Window Film, 5:00
Discover an inexpensive way to keep the sun’s hot solar rays out of your home with the City of Columbia’s Water & Light energy swami, David Mars. He walks you through applying reflective window film to your storm windows and saves you money.

Storm Door Reflective Film, 5:43
Apply reflective film to the glass of a storm door to reduce heat buildup during the summer.

Sand Snake, 6:02
Make a sand snake to insulate a door threshold.

Appliances

Refrigerator Efficiency, 8:02
Dave Mars provides some energy saving tips on your refrigerator.

Water Heater Insulation Blanket, 6:05
Dave Mars shows you how to insulate an electric or gas water heater to save energy and money.

Preventing Phantom Power Loss, 4:49
Household electronics can add to your utility costs even when they are not in use. Energy guy Dave Mars shows you how to protect your home from phantom power loss.

Refrigerator Efficiency, 6:46
Check out a full load of tips that increase your refrigerator’s energy efficiency and save money in the long run.

Solar Water Heating System, 3:30
Install a passive or active solar water heating system to save money during your daily routine.

Heating and Cooling

Balanced Air Flow, 6:23
In this episode, Dave describes the importance of balanced air flow in a heating and cooling system. Making sure your vents are working properly and preventing leaks in ducts will help save money and energy.

Summer Cooling Tips, 5:43
This episode of Conservation Tips is all about staying cool and saving money this summer on your energy bills. David Mars offers several ideas on how to keep your cooling system working properly. David also mentions small things you can do around the house to conserve energy.

Heat Pump Operation, 3:38
A heat pump is an excellent way to keep your home energy efficient. Dave Mars shows you how a heat pump can add warmth and savings to your energy bills.

Energy Efficient Winter Lifestyles, 6:36
You don’t have to be uncomfortable to lower your heating bills. Dave Mars shows you how to save money this winter without spending money.

Heating with Humidity, 5:00
Using a humidifier, during the winter season, can make your home more efficient and comfortable. Dave Mars explains how humid air can help heat your home this winter.

Window Air Conditioner Installation, 6:00
Once again, the City of Columbia’s own energy guru, David Mars is helping you save money. He walks you through installing a window air conditioner and securely insulating the unit.

Summer Efficiency Suggestions, 2:22
Learn easy ways to change your lifestyle to stay cool and save money this summer on your electric bill.

Air Conditioner Exchange, 2:30
Columbia Water and Light’s window air conditioner exchange program for low-income customers is highlighted in this video.

Window Air Conditioner, 4:17
A window air conditioner unit can cool more efficiently through careful use of sealant and insulation.

Electric Space Heaters, 3:59
Electric space heaters help you keep warm in Spring and Fall without the expense of heating the whole house.

Heat Pump, 2:05
Seasonal heating and cooling can be made more energy efficient through the use of a heat pump.

Cold Air Return, 5:56
Install a cold air return in your basement to assist heating in winter and cooling of upper floors during summer months.

Insulation/Reducing Air Infiltration

Foundation Insulation, 6:46
Columbia Water and Light’s Dave Mars shows home owners how to better insulate foundations.

Door Weather Stripping, 5:12
The Fissure King, Dave Mars of the City of Columbia’s Water and Light Department tells you all about keeping outdoor air and indoor air on the appropriate sides of your door.

Pipe Insulation, 8:23
Dave Mars shows home owners how to properly insulate water pipes to prevent freezing in the winter months.

Water Heater Insulation Blanket, 6:05
Dave Mars shows you how to insulate an electric or gas water heater to save energy and money.

Garage Door Interior Insulation, 9:43
Dave Mars shows how you can insulate the inside of your garage door to help save energy and money.

Garage Door Weather Seals, 5:10
In this episode Dave Mars shows how to better insulate your garage door to help save energy and money.

Exterior Wall Insulation, 4:15
Adequate insulation is an important part of an energy efficient home. Join the Energy Guy as he goes through the steps of having insulation blown into a Columbia home.

Weather Seals, 7:28
Making a trip to the hardware store for weatherization materials? The energy guy reviews the products available and where they will come in handy.

Reducing Air Infiltration, 4:50
Learn where to look for air infiltration spots outside your home and how to seal them.

Air Infiltration Tips, 5:02
David Mars points out different areas in the home where air could be leaking in and how to get the most efficiency out of your heating and cooling system.

Lighting

Compact Fluorescent Bulb, 5:19
Compact fluorescent light bulbs screw into existing fixtures and consume less energy with a reduction in radiated heat.

Skylights and Sun Pipes, 5:03
Fill your house with sunshine and reduce lighting costs by installing a skylight or sun pipe.

Sun room, 6:28
Ease home energy requirements and complement your lifestyle by adding a sun room to your residence.

Moisture Control

Dehumidifiers, 5:53
Columbia Water and Light’s David Mars informs viewers about dehumidifiers and the importance of maintenance to keep humidity levels low in your home.

Proper Storm water Drainage, 5:24
Dave Mars, King of Conservation Tips, illustrates how good home storm water drainage can not only prevent structural damage to your home’s foundation, but can also save on your utility costs.

Dehumidifiers, 4:00
By taking moisture out of the air, a dehumidifier can protect your home from mold and bacteria build up. Dave Mars explains how a dehumidifier works and how to use its features.

Air Humidifiers, 5:32
A look at different types of air humidifiers, which can increase home comfort and reduce your heating bill.

Saving Water

Toilet Hardware, 7;08
Learn how you can make your toilet more efficient and save money on your water bill.

Preventing Toilet Leaks, 7:33
Tips for preventing toilet leaks.

Moisture Control for Plants, 6:16
Economical and creative moisture control for plants can involve window air conditioner drain water, mulch ground cover, garden hose valves and watering timers.

Keeping a Green Lawn, 3:55
Keeping your lawn alive without spending a fortune on water involves the type of grass, contour of the land and soil porosity.

Fixing a Leaky Faucet, 4:46
Conserve water and save money by fixing that leaky faucet.

Specialty/Miscellaneous

Office Energy Savings, 6:12
Dave Mars shows you how to conserve energy in the work place.

Fireplace Insert, 9:53
An open chimney flue can lead to major heat loss in your home. Dave Mars explains how a fireplace insert can keep your fireplace energy efficient this winter.

Holiday Lights, 5:35
Learn how to save money this holiday season. Energy guy, Dave Mars, shows you how to calculate the cost of your holiday light display.

Energy Saving Gadgets, 4:00
With the prices of utilities rising, saving energy means saving money. Columbia Water and Light’s own resident energy expert David Mars knows of a few gadgets that can help you line your pockets.

Shade Trees, 4:26
Plant a shade tree as part of your energy conservation scheme. Through Tree Power, Columbia Water and Light offers free trees to its customers.

Conserve Columbia, 9:10
Columbia Water and Light offers energy conservation programs that save money and increase comfort in your business or at home.

Utility Energy Efficiency Programs

Home Performance With Energy Star, 8:38
Is your home energy efficient? Columbia Water and Light now offers the Home Performance with Energy Star program. Learn how you can get involved with this program to save money on your utility bills.

Load Management Program, 3:00
David Mars wants you to stay cool and save 3% on utility bills this summer and he’s going to tell you how to do it with Columbia Water and Light’s load management program.

Tree Power, 5:00
Tree Power promotes energy conservation through energy-efficient landscaping. Columbia Water and Light offers free shade trees to help you save money on your utility bills. David Mars explains how and why the program works.

Home Performance with Energy Star, 2:33
Before you start expensive upgrades to your house, consider a systematic approach with Home Performance with Energy Star and the City of Columbia. Find out how we can help you make your home more energy efficient and save you money!

Compact Fluorescent Bulb Rebate, 5:08
Columbia Water and Light offers a rebate program each fall to encourage the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and come in many shapes and colors to meet your lighting needs.

New Air Conditioner Rebate, 2:27
Overview of the Columbia Water and Light Energy Efficiency Rebate for new air conditioning systems.

Lighting Incentive Program, 2:11
Commercial customers, like Boone Hospital Center, can take advantage of Columbia Water and Light’s lighting incentive program which helps fund energy efficient lighting projects.